Affordable Modernism - The Prefab Culture
Jul 28th, 2008 by rlsorbe
“Modernist” dwellings and prefabricated structures are increasing in popularity as more architects are designing and building affordable, eco-efficient modular and manufactured houses for the future. After doing some research, today’s prefabricated houses have come along way from the original concepts, and currently allow for flexibility with custom features and style, building material options and eco-efficient technologies, and a growing number architectural inspirations for homeowners to choose from. While searching around on the internet, I have found many “prefab architects” that are adding value and excitement around the prefab industry. Some of these architects, resources and designs I’ve found include:
Alchemy Architects & the weeHouse: Architects, designs, and choices for prefabricated houses
ASAP House: House About Saving A Planet: An Environmentally friendly zero-energy home
FabPrefab Zone: A a forum for exploring developments in the modernist prefab marketplace
Dwell: Prefab Homes
Another great resource to learn about evolution of prefabricated architecture is the exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in NYC. They are currently featuring Home Delivery: Fabricating the Modern Dwelling. This exhibit traces the history of prefabrication, dating back to the balloon frame (1833), taking visitor to modern day through documents, full-scale parts of houses, and films on the evolution of prefab. This exhibit focuses on architectural pioneers like Frank Lloyd Wright, Jean Prouvé, Richard Rogers, Kisho Kurokawa and Konrad Wachsmann, as well as projects from Lustron and Sears Roebuck, and the German Kupferhaus; featuring a total of 63 prefabricated houses. If you can’t make it to the exhibit, as many of us are in Colorado, be sure to visit Home Delivery, a blog of the exhibition process that contains videos, journals and photos about the exhibit and the prefab evolution.
After educated myself on the “pre-fab” culture, I’d like to open-up the discussion: What are pros and cons of Prefabricated Architecture in the Boulder area? As many of the “gated communities” and developments are emerging all around the City (Louisville, Erie, Broomfield, etc) - It would be interesting to see a prefab community of modern design that exhibits many of the eco-efficient possibilities (like the net-zero prefab). Of all the places to case-study the possibilities and impacts of this design and technology, I see the Boulder area as having the land, feasibility, technology leaders, excitement, and other resources to build and embrace the prefab culture in Colorado.
thanks. I like your style.
Elizabeth K.
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One pre-fab giant is no more. Empyrean International, LLC suddenly closed down in Acton, MA. No phone response All employees told shut-down. What does this mean, well one less pre-fab especially for the Dwell House that had become so loved, but maybe a bit pricey. There has been no official announcement, but the employees know it.
Innovation is so important in the housing industry. I will be excited to see how our current economy pushes new and better ways of building, that are accessible to people from all walks in life.
If an architecturally featureless box constitutes “modernism” so be it. But affordable? Weehouse and Wieler are probably the most “affordable” and there is zero bang for the buck associated with them. I wouldn’t mind living in a tiny box, but I won’t (can’t) pay $200 per square feet for the privilege.