Prefab green – A house as product
Just read a very interesting book by Michelle Kaufmann. Prefab Green describes the philosophy of her architectural design firm who specialize in design and manufacture of prefabricated modular homes which are green. Michelle got started on this path when she and her husband were struggling to find a well designed, affordable home in the San Francisco Bay Area and ultimately decided to design and build their own home.
Michelle follows five eco principles which guide her design approach:
- Smart Design: Making the most use of space – collaborating with landscape and designing for use.
- Eco Materials: High quality, eco-friendly products and practices in construction. Renewable and recyclable materials, reduced waste in construction, long-lasting and low-maintenance materials.
- Energy Efficiency: High efficiency insulation, solar panels, LED lighting, smart heating.
- Water Conservation: Reducing water intake, rain-water catchment, gray water systems, green roof, bioswales, permeable materials for driveways and walkways.
- Healthy Environment: Non-off-gassing materials, air filtration, foam insulation, hard floors.
Some beautiful ’smart’ design here, and great integration of technology. I would love to live in one of these homes.
It would be very interesting to see what it would take to have the Glidehouse design ‘accessible’, I would bet not much.
Prefab Green by Michelle Kaufmann
