Green home, First Place

The objective of this project was to create a modern solution to the expeditionary growing global demand for affordable, sustainable housing.

Challenges included manufacturing custom modern homes using only prefabricated elements. Existing known materials and technologies were studied in order to incorporate the best available systems in the marketplace. In addition, material selection and specification met stringent qualifications, regulations and customer needs. Other challenges included creating environmentally and economically sensitive structures produced with materials easily deconstructed and ultimately recycled and reused, achieve low fossil fuel construction using zero chemicals, carpet, tiles or paint; maximum resource efficiency achieved through consideration of site location, orientation, sun, wind, and solar power, geothermal, low energy appliances and fixtures.

Solutions included limiting the number of assembled elements to eliminate custom on-site fabrication by putting it into the hands of specific fabricators. Elements allow for a custom-made home specific to a location and the home-owner’s needs. Different surfaces mean endless possibilities of arrangements. Product and methods of construction were carefully researched and evaluated comparing progressive thinking product design, commercially available, affordability, manufacturing process, recycled content, energy efficiency, indoor air qualities and local production. In addition, materials were taken apart and sent back to manufacturers to be reused.