The conceptual force behind the Vijayawada Garden Estate is an architectural taboo rarely attempted at such a scale and with such visual flair. The idea is a walking contradiction: design a prefabricated building system giving individual owners control over the end-product as if they were designing their own homes. Prefab casts the assumption that standardization is required in order to maintain quality control and manageable construction costs. Design firm Penda has an ambitious solution that manifests itself in this elegant system of ecological assembly. Continue reading →

If it were appropriate to whistle appreciatively at a structure, we would be standing outside the Monad Project like a parrot in heat. The Monad Project by LWPAC is a 12,600 square foot structure of revolutionary urban sustainability, and is as beautiful to look at as it is to live in. Continue reading →

In a world where shipping container homes and other modular prefabs tend to steer homeowners away with their sterile design and overall lack of emotion, Arkit architecture steps in with a brilliant solution; the Kensignton Residence. Located in Kensington, Victoria, the Australian-based firm brings its design and engineering prowess to the forefront with this unique prefabricated double residence. Constructed off site in three modules, this home, when assembled onsite, washes away any pre-conceived notions one may have about average modular builds. Continue reading →

Carbon neutral housing is truly catching on and hopefully homes that contribute more than they require will do the same. Archiblox, an Australian design-build company, ups the sustainability game with their Carbon Positive House. This means that the prefabricated homes produce more energy than they need to operate, and can provide that energy to the existing energy grid. Continue reading →

Prefabricated homes are, to my delight, becoming more and more mainstream. That means that service, quality, and design must rise to new heights for manufacturers to be competitive. Stillwater dwellings excel in these areas and won the loyalty of a San Francisco marketing executive. Continue reading →

Sustainable building takes on many forms and every effort is valid and worthwhile. A less frequently considered factor in environmental building design is creating a home that allows full access to individuals with varying physical abilities. This is typically called universal design, which should also implement elements that allow individuals to age in place. True sustainability considers long-term functionality. Continue reading →

There’s a light steel system on the market that is transforming the construction of residences and commercial buildings. BONE Structure’s prefab components are designed and manufactured in Quebec with the same technology that is used for the precise parts of aircraft and automobiles. This technology offers distinct advantages over traditional building methods. Continue reading →

Hive Modular factory-built homes are a sweet alternative to standard on-site construction. Their modern prefabs, ranging from small sizes to 2,500 sq.ft. and more, are built of typical wood framing and efficiently prefabricated in their warm dry factory. Of course, this reduces the time normally required to build a house due to weather conditions and has a few more bonuses up its sleeve. Continue reading →

The home of renowned architectural photographer, Zsolt Batar, was designed in collaboration with his long-time architect friend, Bence Turanyi, of T2.a Architects. In a forest outside of Budapest, their meeting of ideas and philosophies comes to life in 120 sq. m. With a shared respect for nature and living light on the land, their solution incorporates longevity and sound economics. Continue reading →

Designed by Czech Republic-based Freedomky, this small prefabricated home for one is a delight on so many levels. Compact in size, just 22 sq.m., Model S is a real charmer in style and efficiency. A pair of glass sliders center over the remarkably spacious feeling open kitchen, living, dining area. I’m certain it’s the day light and the cohesive materials, namely wood with a subtle shine, which make it so. The lack of ornate details also expands the space. Continue reading →