Prefab Housing

The modular home is an exploration in the creation of a climate conscious, yet climate adaptable dwelling. Presented here is the Hot / Dry model which takes advantage of the beautiful weather during the winter months while still providing opportunities to keep the home cool during the summer.  The scheme consists of four modules; two “solid” modules containing the private functions of the home, and two “transparent” modules that house the more public programs such as a kitchen and spaces for living and dining. Between the two solid modules, there is a six inch slot that is left open, and later infilled with glass. This slot then becomes a source from where the public functions of the house begin to dissipate into the surrounding landscape.

The dwelling unites its inhabitants by creating a strong interior / exterior dialogue through the use of reflective pools and a living space that can be opened to nature on all sides. The linear pools and butterfly roof help to draw the eye out onto the horizon, further enhancing the building’s connection to site. The reflective pools also begin to serve as the key element in an evaporative cooling system. As the water molecules evaporate and rise, they can be harnessed with a soft breeze and circulated through the interior, cooling the space. The east and west facing glass is protected from the low morning and evening sun by a retractable screen from the roof that can shade the glass preventing extreme temperature gains.

Project by Dave Swanson