ECO FRIENDLY CONTAINER AND PREFAB HOMES

Eco Friendly Rammed Earth Houses

2011-07-28T22:10:00.000-07:00

Rammed Earth or Taipa is an ECO Friendly method of construction which is gaining popularity for its energy efficiency strength and durability. In past when ECO Friendly housing was not chic but a survival mechanism Rammed Earth Houses were build all over the planet for there insulation against weather. Using raw materials of earth, chalk, lime and gravel Tapia is a truly ECO Friendly method of construction that results into beautiful energy efficient houses that are also considered to be breathing structures.

Along with being ECO Friendly and energy efficient rammed earth houses are also A grade water, weather, fire and rot proof. Rammed Earth construction is based on ancient art of compressing damp earth mixture into a frame or mold of a wall.

The following points shed some light on the sustainability, ECO Friendless and Energy Efficiency of aspects of a Rammed Earth:

Rammed Earth Houses are sustainable because they are constructed from locally available materials.

Rammed Earth Houses releases very little heat in there construction process compared to cement which makes ECO Friendly.

Rammed Earth Houses needs little maintenance against weather damage making it a sustainable alternate to wood.

Rammed Earth Houses is ECO Friendly and sustainable due to its energy efficiency, the insulation against the out side's environment in Rammed Earth Houses is remarkable, considerable temperature difference can be attained with little passive ventilation in these houses.

Rammed Earth House are a great non polluting low cost sustainable housing solution for third world countries.

Rammed Earth Houses can be heated with passive use of solar energy and because Rammed Earth Houses have excellent insulation so the benefits of trapped solar energy can be enjoyed for a longer time period.

Types of Rammed Earth constructions:

STABILIZED RAMMED EARTH: These walls are 300 or 400mm thick with high thermal mass. They are ideal for internal walling or external walling that does not require a high R-value.

INSULATED STABILISED RAMMED EARTH: These walls are 400mm thick with a 50mm Styrofoam insert.Walls are structurally integrated using patented Earth Structures stainless steel bridging pins. These walls achieve a 2.48 R-value. They are useful for achieving higher external wall R-value levels.

ELEVATED STABILISED RAMMED EARTH. These are built as pre-rammed panels and lifted in place using technologies similar to concrete pre-cast panels. They are specifically for buildings with difficult access.

Famous Rammed Earth Buildings:

Parts of Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain (shown) and the Potala Palace in Lhasa are built from Rammed Earth.

Parts of Great Wall of China are made out of Rammed Earth.

Fujian Tulou is a unique Chinese Rammed Earth building of the Hakka people in the mountainous areas in southwestern Fujian, China.

West Africa, Mali, Mopti mosque is one of the largest Rammed Earth structures.

Aït Benhaddou is a large Rammed Earth ksar situated on a caravan route between the Sahara desert and Marrakech. In 1987 the ksar became a UNESCO world heritage site.

Eco friendly houses of Syria

2011-07-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

Syria has more to offer then just Fattoush & Bashsr al Asad. Using completely natural local materials, Syrian bedouins have been making Eco friendly houses that look like giant like Beehives. These Eco friendly houses have thick walls which helps naturally cool the interior by keeping out the sun, and acting as a thick insulation for the heat to permeate. The walls are made from mud bricks, stacked in a giant circle. The circles of these Eco friendly houses are close in to a conical shape and capped off by a dome.

Beehive Eco friendly houses can be found in the thick of hot deserts and cities all over Syria. Most of these Eco friendly houses are found in rural farming communities, but there are even villages located in Aleppo, the largest city in Syria, which has been continually inhabited since the 6th millennium BC. The Aleppo beehive Eco friendly houses are used for both storage and residences.

The interior and exterior walls of these Eco friendly houses are packed with straw and mud. Built in the arid desert, the mud walls dry to a hard and durable finish.

The top of the beehive Eco friendly houses dwellings have an oculus – a hole that provides light to the interior and sucks hot air up and out. Even though there is a hole at the top of these Eco friendly houses, the conical shape keeps the interior dry during the rare rainy season. The shape also enables rain to quickly drain off of the façade, meaning minimal mud erosion on the exterior of these Eco friendly houses.

The interiors of the beehive Eco friendly houses are very dark, as most are built without windows. Although inconvenient, this protects residents from the harsh desert winds, and blocks out the sun. With these natural heat-beating factors in place, the interior of these Eco friendly houses remains around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the outside desert can blaze up to a blistery 140 degrees!

These Eco friendly beehive houses have been keeping desert dwellers across the Middle East sustainably cool and comfortable for centuries, and continue to do so even now.

Prefab light bulbs for prefab housing

2011-07-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

If your house is going to be prefab then why can’t your light bulb be prefab as well? Isang Literong Liwanag or A Litter of Light is an innovative renewable lighting solution for the poor that requires nothing but solar energy for illumination.

This cheap, solar-powered bulb is actually just clear plastic soda bottles filled with a mixture of purified water and chlorine or bleach which is commonly used in household cleaning products. Inserted halfway into a hole on the roof and sealed around the rim to avoid leakage. These DIY solar powered bulbs can give off light equivalent to a 55-watt electric lamp as the water inside the bottle refracts sunlight and other exterior light.

Thousands of these lights have been installed in the slums around Manila. Litter of Light is a perfect lighting solutions for disaster stricken areas with make shift homes. Countries like Pakistan with grave electricity shortage should install such light in schools and offices to reduce the strain on the national grid and reduce energy cost as well.

Project web site

Posh Prefab house

2011-07-12T02:44:00.000-07:00

Looking for a sophisticated prefab retreat, Sommerhaus Piu prefab house by Patrick Frey & Björn Götte is the answer. Located in Germany, the wooden prefab is simply laid out, elegant in form, and completely versatile depending on your needs. This prefab design draws upon the beauty of the surrounding landscape, with its slightly pitched roof angles for increased light. The large deck of Sommerhaus Piu prefab house extends the living quarters into the great outdoors.

This two-bedroom wooden prefab cabin can be used as a vacation home, studio space, home office or even a primary home. Coming in at less than 70 sq meters, there’s enough room for two simple bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchenette and an amply sized living and dining area in this sleek prefab house. Sommerhaus Piu prefab has floor-to-ceiling sliding doors; for bringing the views in & expanding the living space to the outdoors. An abundance of daylight flows into the public spaces while the back bedrooms of the prefab are more intimately covered for privacy.
Sommerhaus Piu prefab house has large roof overhangs protecting it from the elements, letting in filtered light through the slats to the clerestory windows. A high window reaching from the kitchen into the bathroom pulls light into the inner recesses of this prefab home. The exterior is clad in thin horizontal strips of naturally finished wood, accented with slate colored slats. Patrick Frey and Björn Götte designed prefab home enables people to spend their time in a place which they can afford, not only in summer, but all year round.

Story & Photo Credit: Inhabitat.com

Container Homes of Container City London

2010-05-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

Container homes of Container City is a brilliant prefab housing & office space project by Urban Space Management Ltd. The Container City uses shipping containers to create prefab houses. The modular container homes of Container City are significantly environmentally friendly. Container city uses high strength, prefabricated steel modules that can be combined to create a wide variety of building shapes and adapted to suit most planning or end user needs. Container City offers an alternative solution to traditional space provision. They are ideal for office and workspace, live-work and key-worker housing. Container homes of Container City are stylish, cheaper and effective solution to housing problem in London.

Container City housing were made in two phases, Container City 1, was completed in 5 months in 2001, container city 1 was originally 3 stories high providing 12 work studios across 4,800 sq ft but after high demand a fourth floor was added providing three additional live / work apartments to Container City 1. As well as being very cost effective Container City 1 is environmentally friendly with over 80% of the building created from recycled material.

Container City 2, As the second phase of the original Container City project at Trinity Buoy Wharf, Container City 2 is both an extension and evolution of the first building.

Built adjacent to Container City 1, with inter-connecting bridges, a new lift and full disabled access, Container City 2 was completed in 2002 providing a further 22 studios over five floors.

In contrast to the first phase, Container City 2 is a funky ziggurat shape and painted in bright colours to reflect the creative flair of those who work here.

LIME & PREFAB HOMES

2009-12-24T10:18:00.001-08:00

Lime is a wonderful coating for Prefab & Container Homes. Many of us decide against prefab or a container home because of the structural thinness of prefab homes which are either made out of old shipping containers, fibers or other poly products. Although prefab homes are insulated from inside but this insulation is not enough for area with higher temperatures like South Asia, Middle East & South America and this is where lime comes handy. Lime is perfect for blocking the effects of external weather, and its natural white color helps in reflecting sun light which reduces the need of air-conditioning in a prefab or a container home. Lime has been used for plastering the exteriors & interiors for centuries, and is known for its strength too. Pasting thick coats of lime paste on the roof & walls can result in a difference of several degrees of temperature in prefab & container homes.
Lime mortar is an excellent binder too so once applied properly can easily last for 3 to 5 years without any need of repairs. Because lime mortar has a pleasingly rough aspect and can help regulate humidity by absorbing moisture from the air, so it can be used for covering the interior of a prefab home which would result in a healthier environment.
As lime is a very flexible material so DIY is very much possible with little help from the internet on how to make mortar. Paste a tiny patch on the roof of your container home to test the binding and the strength of the mortar. Once the lime has been pasted one could leave it plain white for a natural look or could add earthly shades to lime wash and pain the prefab home.

Solar energy houses by Graft Architects

2009-07-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

Graft Architects have unveiled a new solar energy house design that takes inspiration from the historic camelback by Graft Architects shotgun typology.

Traditionally camelback solar homes were built to allow the owners to add a partial second story to a residence which could serve multiple purposes. These next-gen solar camelback homes by Graft Architects have been designed for the “Make It Right Program”. The architects have designed 2 prefabricated units, which are constructed off-site.

The exterior staircase of the solar house carries the owners to a rooftop terrace, which might also be used a private deck for upper dwelling. It also gives the owners access to the photovoltaic array, which can easily be maintained this way.

Ashmount Residence Garden

2009-07-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

Ashmount Residence Garden provokes the concept of courtyard living, interior garden keeps your interiors away from peeps and provides fresh air. Ashmount Residence Garden asks us why cut a tree in your backyard?
Ashmount Residence Garden brings space deck when you can use it in the most beautiful of ways to provide fresh air, cooling and above all keeps home away from the awkward eyes trying to get to your interiors?
Ashmount Residence Garden are designed by Ohashi Design Studio, the Ashmount Residence Garden tries to integrate a beautiful sprawling oak tree into an even more beautiful deck.

The fence of Ashmount Residence Garden matches the shape of the tree’s low-hanging branches and the sandblasted glass.
Ashmount Residence Garden provides security and natural lighting to illuminate the interiors in a green way. The indoor garden also facilitates plantations and opportunities for landscaping.

Largest eco-village in UK

2009-07-03T04:34:00.000-07:00

Sustainable housing project will be the largest in the UK.

Aspiring to be the largest eco-village in the United Kingdom, the Hanham Hall Development will consist of over 190 homes built to house people with a green mind. The development will include an onsite biomass CHP plant, which will generate heat and power for the village. The village will also feature reed beds, shops for farmers to sell their produce, bicycle storage and an ecofriendly drainage system as well.

The project is slated to be completed by 2016, with the first home coming up next year. Falling under the government’s Carbon Challenge Programme, the complex will be designed in a green way to its core. The development will be free of VOCs to ensure healthier living. SIPS Panels will be used at the main structural element throughout the complex with other energy-efficient systems also finding a place for themselves. Waste materials will be recycled onsite to ensure the complex’s zero-emission aesthetics.

Homestead House by Michael Jantzen

2009-06-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Modular home generates solar and wind electricity, harvests rainwater.

Designed by Michael Jantzen, the Homestead House is a design for alternative housing that explores the potential use of renewable energy generating systems and recyclable materials to reduce the carbon footprint of its owners. The modular house is to be made from recyclable steel sheets, which are to be bolted together for easy disassembly. This allows the homeowner to construct it with ease and in minimum time and with minimum cost.

Being easy to disassemble, the house can also be reconstructed at any preferred location without spending too much on the entire process. Once the steel arches are bolted together, they don’t require any additional material to hold the house together.

The Homestead House is designed to function off-the-grid, where photovoltaic cells and a small vertical axis wind turbine generate the required amount of electricity to power the home. Other than on-site energy generating systems, the Homestead House harvests rainwater through the roof arches and directs it to water storage tanks that can be placed underground. Passive solar techniques are used to heat and cool the interiors according to seasons and the requirements of the homeowners

Sears Tower to get a green

2009-06-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Energy efficient systems and wind turbines to grace Sears Tower.

Often being criticized as one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases, the Sears Tower will be changing the misconception, at least for itself, as the authorities are planning a $350 million retrofit which will reduce the tower’s energy consumption by as much as 80%, owing to five years’ worth of thorough upgrades.

The plan is to install energy efficient internal lighting, heating, cooling and elevator systems, wind turbines that sprout from the tower’s recessed rooftops and an overall energy reduction by upgrades in the glass exterior. With the enormous size of the architecture that totals to about 4.5 million square feet of office and retail space, the tower’s retrofitting is expected to be one of the largest ever tried on site, even bigger and better than the Empire State Building’s makeover that was planned earlier this year.

Vodafone Mobile Home

2009-06-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Solar-powered mobile home for Vodafone.

Vodafone is promoting its fixed phone and wireless internet service using a transparent mobile home that is powered entirely by the energy of the sun that is harnessed through roof-mounted photovoltaic panels. Designed by Waskman Design Studio, with Creative Space Culdesac, the home is currently being occupied by a blogger and his family of wife and two children, who are presently using the mobile home for a vacation.

Since the home has no built-in propulsion system, carrying it around town won’t be an ecofriendly affair. However, with lightweight construction that includes walls made of white polyethylene panels and a transparent polycarbonate structure, the mobile home doesn’t add much weight to the four-wheel-drive vehicle, which is used to tow the home. The 6m long and 2.5m wide home is divided into two floors, with a modernized interior and a well-equipped bedroom.

Uboat, houseboat that’s wholesome green

2009-06-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Solar-powered houseboat recycles waste.

For those of you who have had the pleasure of living in a houseboat, the experience might have been mesmerizing. From fun, this experience can quickly turn into a necessity if glaciers keep on increasing the sea level at a pace at which they’re today. Industrial designer Wyatt Little is trying to keep abreast with the needs of the future in the greenest possible way. Little has designed a stunning houseboat, which has been carefully planned after living in a houseboat for about six years.

Dubbed the Uboat, the electrically propelled houseboat eliminates the environmental issues commonly associated with boats. Mostly in all urban areas, there is always some sort of large body of water, be it a canal, bayou, lake, or ocean, which Little wants to make just as livable as land. By implementing this idea it would reduce commuter and residential pollution, all the while bringing a fresh new look to city waters that more often than not go unlooked.

The boat will not produce any sewage what-so-ever. All waste will be incinerated using a special toilet. Water comes from 2 different sources - the gray water will be collected by the vessel’s Heavy Duty PAR pump at the bottom of the vessel. This pump is capable of pumping 24 gallons of water per minute, so it is perfectly suited for daily tasks that require large amount of water like showers.

When considering drinking water the designer focused on the statistics that everyone needs to consume 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight. So, with this formula in mind Little designed a water cistern in the form of a glass wall that will sustain one person weighing approximately 200 pounds for at least a year. When the rain water is collected it will pass through a filtration system and zapped by an ultraviolet light inside of the tank, which makes it suitable for consumption The houseboat’s wooden deck is made from Plyboo FSC certified bamboo plywood, which is 100% renewable. The facades are Insulated metal panels which have a thin metal skin and foam insulation for the core. They provide excellent thermal protection and efficient use of materials. The boat floats on two large pontoons made of recycled polypropylene.

Dirty Industries Have a Long Tail of Consequences

2009-06-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

In recent years there has been a great deal of national attention focused on the improvement of industrial environmental standards. Even as we attempt to rebuild our economy, we seem to be focused on not only restoring industry, but also using this as an opportunity to do it in a way that is not environmentally destructive. This provides us the opportunity to improve all aspects of these industries, including the workplace hazards among workers and the health hazards affecting members of the surrounding communities that were all too common.

What many people may fail to realize is that not only does the health of our planet depend on improved environmental standards, but our health may as well. Health complications of industry can essentially be divided into two categories, both direct and indirect.

Direct health conditions which have arisen as a result of the burning of fossil fuels, for instant, are increased asthmas rates in areas with high smog indices. Even mild cases of asthma can deteriorate overall respiratory capacity over time and leave breathing seriously diminished if the quality of the air people breathe is unimproved. Release of chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere has shown to lower our filtered sunlight, increasing ultraviolet light exposure. Ultraviolet light has been conclusively link to skin cancer. Perhaps it is no surprise then that skin cancer incidence in countries like South Africa and Australia, where the atmosphere is most diminished, is much higher than other areas of the earth.

Indirect health consequences include those which can be attributed to antiquated industrial infrastructure, including toxin exposure among workers. Oil refinery workers, for instance, are shown to have a much higher chance of developing pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, than those in cleaner industries. While asbestos was banned for most uses in the late 1970s several of these refineries and factories are still using pre-ban equipment which is exposing workers to harmful asbestos fibers.

We see then, that there is a clear advantage to implementation of cleaner, more sustainable energy policies and environmental attitudes, not only for the health or our planet and our posterity, but that of world’s population even today.

Written by James O’Shea, representative of maacenter, the web's leading organization for relevant and authoritative information regarding asbestos and health complications associated with asbestos exposure. Our organization is staffed entirely by writers and other developers who recognize the importance of building awareness in the fight against cancer.

World’s largest solar power plant to be constructed in Sahara

2009-06-24T06:47:00.001-07:00

World’s largest solar power plant to be constructed in Sahara.

Taking advantage of the dryness of Sahara Desert, renewable energy giants are prepping up the installation of the world’s largest solar power plant that collectively will generate a whopping 100GW of concentrating solar power. Promoted by Desertec Foundation, the plant will be built by 20 blue chip German companies, who would be gathering together to discuss plans and investments to create the massive project.

The companies involved in the planning state that similar installations have to be constructed to end the gripping energy crisis. The €400bn project would take 10-15 years to go online, but once constructed it will help other countries of the world to aim towards renewable energy generating plants to end their dependence on fossil fuels.

Unlike other solar power plants, which are usually built on a single location, this massive plant would be scattered throughout politically stable countries in northern Africa. The collective output of the plant would be 80 times larger than a similar plant being planned for the Mojave Desert. The power output would be transported across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe on high-voltage DC lines that will finally supply 15% of the energy demand.

luxurious mobile home

2009-06-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

VARIOmobil has a ton of luxury to offer for those with (deep) pockets. The VARIO Perfect 1200 Platinum has a long list of luxury trims for every part of the motor home, the bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen are all about luxury. And it also has room for a hydraulically operated car garage that can house compact cars similar in size to the Mini Cabriolet. The 12 meter long mobile house has three axles and is powered by a 420hp motor. Its price is slightly above the Euro 1 million mark or $1.4 million.

Sustainable dormitories for Thai orphanage

2009-06-24T06:37:00.001-07:00

Dormitories made from locally harvested bamboo collect rainwater.

Architecture firm TYIN Tegnestue has designed sustainable dwellings, which will serve as dormitories for an orphanage in Noh Bo, a small village on the Thai-Burmese border. The area where majority of inhabitants are Karen refugees, had one orphanage sheltering 24 children. As the number of children grew to 50, the orphanage was in need of new dormitories which needed to be green and somehow recreate what children would have experienced in a more normal situation.

The answer was six sleeping units where each of the children had their own private space to call home, a neighborhood of friends and space to play and interact. The shape of the houses helped the workers christen the dwellings as “Soe Ker Tie Hias”, which means “Butterfly Houses”. The dormitories are made using the traditional bamboo weaving technique and most of the bamboo is harvested within a few kilometers of the site.

The unique shape of the roof is designed in a manner in which it can harvest rainwater to provide water for the children during drier periods. The entire construction is prefabricated and assembled onsite with bolts to ensure reasonable strength.

Synthetic trees capture carbon 1000 times faster

2009-06-24T06:32:00.001-07:00

Synthetic trees to capture CO2 from the air and convert it into liquid CO2.

Research scientists at the Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering at Columbia University have come up with an ingenious idea to capture atmospheric CO2 and perhaps, save the world as well. The idea, like many other earth saving proposals, gains inspiration from nature. These scientists are developing “synthetic trees” that are capable of collecting CO2 1,000 times faster than organic trees.

Unlike natural trees, these man-made marvels are designed to capture CO2 in plastic “leaves,” and then convert it into liquid form to ease storage. The technology isn’t being developed for applications such as coal-fired power plants, which usually depend on advanced carbon capture devices, but should prove to be a boon for other polluters like cars and jets, for which it was nearly impossible to capture emissions.

The inventors claim that the system is hundreds of times better than installing a windmill to generate electricity and for every 1000kg of CO2 captured, the system releases 200kg, ensuring a net CO2 capture of 800Kg.

Orange Solar Tent

2009-06-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

Futuristic concept tent can harness solar energy to provide electricity to portable gadgets.

Orange, utilizing cutting edge technology in solar harnessing PVs, has revealed a new updated Solar Concept Tent. What make it worth mentioning are its high-tech features that give the freedom of camping with all electronic facilities. Designed in association with American product design consultancy kaleidoscope, this futuristic tent can supply energy harnessed from the sun to power portable gadgets like cellphones and laptops through a wireless charging pouch.

Specially coated solar threads are woven into conventional fabric and can be folded easily. Because of its light weight, it sets you free from carrying conventional heavy solar panels. The three directional glides can be rotated in any direction to follow the sun the whole day. Not only this, but it incorporates “glo-cation” technology which helps the festival-goers to track the location using either an SMS message or automatic active RFID technology.

It will make the tent glow in dark so that you can easily recognize your destination. At the heart of the tent lies a central wireless control hub which indicates the amount of energy generated on a flexible touchscreen LCD display screen. Further, the tent includes an internal heating element embedded within the tent’s groundsheet which is controlled by the central hub.

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No! it’s a… Hostel?

2009-06-22T07:23:00.001-07:00

The Jumbo Hostel is housed within a retrofitted 747-200 situated in the Stockholm-Arlanda airport. The jumbo jet has a long history of service - it was originally built for Singapore Airlines and even flew for Pan Am. It was last operated by Transjet, a now bankrupt Swedish airline. The Jumbo Hostel has 25 rooms with three bunk beds each. Each room is around 6 square meters, and naturally, a lucky visitor will get the chance to sleep in the cockpit.

Many original parts of the plane still remain - the lounge bar and first class seats are still there, as well as the oxygen masks. New rooms are expected to be built in the engine compartments, where the original rotor blades will be used as venetian blinds.

It is not often that one gets to stretch his or her legs out comfortably in an airplane, and while this isn’t quite like flying in first class, it does the trick and is an ingenious way to save a plane from being sent to landfill. The hostel is now open to visitors.

Craziest recycled airplane masterpiece

2009-06-22T06:55:00.001-07:00

After letting you seep through the recycled shipping containers and the beer bottles, now it’s time to add wings to your imagination. Eco-fanatics, in a way or the other, keep on morphing discarded objects into something useful but, have you ever thought of airplane restitution. Isn’t it worthwhile to lend the dumped air-crafts with some utility even after they’ve stopped ruling the skies? Here, we’ve listed some of such salvages that are sure to inspire you

Recycled Rococo

2009-06-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

It turned out to be an amazing construction of what appeared to be recycled boards, windows, rocks, bits of glass, pieces of metal, and many, many aluminum cans. In front was a sign that stated: “Alcohol and Tobacco Is Kills. Mary Jane Is Healing.” Okay, the grammar’s a little screwy, but you get the idea. I had a feeling the builder may have been experiencing the healing effects of Mary Jane when he or she contrived this monumental edifice. On the other hand, there were all those beer cans — but I guess they could have been Mountain Dew or Coca Cola cans. Here’s a closer view of the towers, from the other side

Atypical Housing

2009-06-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

Some people might agree and some may not if I say that the shipping container buildings are nothing new. Conceptually, these continue to appear on a regular basis. The “Box Office,” a shipping container structure modified into an office, is one such novelty for the eco-fanatics. Standing tall and proud in Providence, Rhode Island, this prefabricated construction touts meticulous stacking of 32 shipping containers. Designed by Joe Haskett, the Distil Studio principal, this building ensures a creative and environmentally conscious development.

The Box Office, basically, reuses 90 tons of upcycled steel, and flaunts rain gardens, non-petroleum based insulation and low-VOC interior finishes. In addition, there are high-performing windows, doors and an HVAC system to filter pollutants from surface excess water and provide a responsive environment to the inhabitants. The building will use 25% less electricity when compared to the conventional ones. It provides a better insight into the recession-hit construction tactics where prefab and recycled is surely going to rule, says Peter Gill Case of Truth Box.

Making waste usable in building strange abodes:

Anyhow, it’s always better to recycle rather adding nuisance to the environment. The designers and innovators have done a remarkable job in refashioning and lending trash with some usability. Taking the theme of recycling a bit further, here we’ve tried to draft a complete line-up of some wondrous structures reprocessed by redundant materials that have been put to a sensible use:

Cargo containers recycled into eco-friendly buildings

2009-06-22T06:40:00.001-07:00

The advent of improved and innovative eco-friendly architectures has encouraged designers to come up with pioneering design ideas. A Seattle-based interior design firm called DA STARK Interiors has announced a Cargo container building in Seattle. The building constructed entirely out of reused cargo containers represents recycling and sustainability of abundant existing resources.

This one-of-a-kind building is referred as “The Greenest Building in Seattle”. It has been given this name because it provides environment friendly facilities and uses reclaimed material at the same time. This cost-efficient building boats high-efficiency windows, low-V paint, carpet from high-content recycled material, and a planted green roof. The pioneering structure will act as a great source of inspiration for other designers and builders.

A tree-house by Terunobu

2009-06-20T00:38:00.000-07:00

Takasugi-an : a tree-house by Terunobu Fujimori! Agreed, there is nothing special or overwhelming about this tree-house, from design to safety measures, it sucks big time. But, when I saw the picture (after the jump) of the man behind it, a man well above 60 years, someone who ain’t familiar with modern architecture, latest tree-house designs, nor even bothered what critics like or what you and me have to say about his creation, for him it’s like the ultimate

Ferrari house up for sale for $2.3 million

2009-06-20T00:31:00.000-07:00

This suburban Chicago home became famous after it appeared in 1986 movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and now, it’s up for sale. The mid-century Ferrari house was designed by architects A. James Speyer and David Haid in 1953.

Located in Highland Park, Illinois, USA, the property includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms and four more rooms of living space, with panoramic views. In the movie, the 5,300-square-foot house was owned by Ferris Bueller’s friend, Cameron Frye. In a scene from the movie, Frye sends his father’s Ferrari through one of the house’s glass walls and into the woods. You won’t be getting that Ferrari along with the house, but yes, there is a spacious garage where you can park three of your luxury cars. Sudler Sotheby’s International Realtor Meladee Hughes said that being in the home is like living in a tree house. The home’s steel and glass pavilion has a wall that shows behind-the-scenes photographs of Alan Ruck and Matthew Broderick from the movie. The “Ferris Bueller’s” house with garage is up for sale at $2,300,000 (£1.5 million). Any buyers for this amazing architectural treasure?

BubbleTree’s treehouse

2009-06-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

A treehouse is a romantic hideaway close to nature and it does bring out the child in you again. Enter BubbleTree, a company offering a trendy habitat, which will appeal to both the nature lovers and those are on the hunt for the unusual creations. It’s a small wooden platform installed in a tree, which is covered with a canvas in sphere at night. The cozy nest is capable of providing inimitable moments of closeness between human and nature.

This treehouse is an eco-design that respects the biological activity of trees. The installation on the central portion of the tree trunk minimizes the risk of uprooting in strong winds. Moreover, they have developed the concept of “Artificial Branch,” a patented device that allows “postponing the constraints of construction on the carrier part of the tree without mortgaging its future development”. The hut in the tree allows you to take full advantage of the nature. The platforms can be used to take a nap, to observe the nature, to read a good book or to simply spend some nice time with your family.

Sustainable luxury home

2009-06-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Those who firmly believe that eco-friendly living is devoid of luxury, the Kokopo House is here to change your perception. Situated in Papua New Guinea’s volcanic region, the Kokopo House offering a tree-house look is a luxurious dwelling for a shipping CEO.

This sustainable house is designed by dividing it into three separate zones, first for open access entertainment, the next for informal secluded areas and two self-contained bedroom areas with bathrooms and study space. The geometric shapes and patterns are inspired by the flow of volcanic lava that help in cross ventilation and wind movement.

The Kokopo House has two storage tanks connected to the roof, using rainwater efficiently for not just the toilet and kitchen use but also drinking purposes after proper treatment and testing. Solar water heaters are used to heat up the rainwater for showers and low-wattage LEDs are used to illuminate the whole house.

Dutch architecture

2009-06-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

Dutch architecture firm, Monolab, has designed a high-rise sustainable tower for Rotterdam that will definitely be like a green star on the city’s skyline. The 450m high tower will leave conventions aside and will use the latest in technology to keep the carbon footprint of the eco architecture to a minimum. The ambitious plan will minimize wind and shadow effects and will make use of a network of walkways to connect the tower to the land.

To lower the structure’s carbon footprint, the tower’s façade will use photovoll glass, which will harness solar energy to power the structure. Unlike a central core that is used for elevators and stairs, this new tower will be designed with the elevators and stairs placed on the outside of the tower. During evenings the outside of the tower will be illuminated with LEDs that make the outermost skin of the façade.

Ivory of Dubai

2009-06-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

The sustainable structure features a beautiful latticed facade inspired by traditional motifs, and includes plans for solar film, geothermal heating and cooling, a green roof, and grey water recycling. The sustainable tower is designed to be constructed from mostly recycled materials at net zero energy, and it can generate enough solar energy to completely power itself!

According to XTEN the sustainable Architecture, the woven design featured in the tower’s tubes is inspired by traditional patterns that relate to the Islamic religion. The tubes unfurl at the top of the sustainable structure in a trio of petals that are “oriented towards specific views and directions that resonate with both the past and future of Dubai. The first petal is aligned with Mecca, to the Southwest of the project site. Moving clockwise at the top of the ZPO Tower, the second petal is directed toward the old town of Deira, a neighborhood of traditional souks, mosques, old fortress walls and wind towers. From the observation deck in the third petal of the sustainable tower one surveys the changing skyline along Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road.”

Portable vertical gardens

2009-06-17T03:57:00.001-07:00

With the land available for farming being used to develop skyscrapers, environmentalists are of the opinion that in a couple of decades millions would starve to death if something serious is not planned at the moment. While architects are envisioning vertical ecosystems that are capable of generating food and energy, there are others who are following a much more decent approach to tackle the food crisis. Industrial designers Daniele Adamo and Ravel Casela have designed a portable vertical garden that can fit in a wall just 3 meters long.

complex in Bucktown

2009-06-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

a new seven-story condominium residence, will be built in the Bucktown area of Chicago, which will make sure that residents get green electricity and end up paying about 10% less on their utility bills. The project includes the construction of 94 one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 690 to 1,335 square feet. The apartment complex will use wind turbines to generate about 2% of the building’s energy requirements.

The apartments will be available for a starting price of about $200,000, with more luxurious dwellings being priced close to $499,000. A dedicated indoor parking lot will also be made available at an additional charge of $30,000, and the buyers who already follow the green path by driving a hybrid will get parking in a reserved area.

The building will also include a rooftop garden, energy-efficient lighting systems, indoor air purifiers and a dedicated recycling center. With that many green features, Senco Properties, the developer of the project, is looking forward to seeking LEED Silver certification.

Rural Space home

2009-06-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Designed by Philip Crewe, Rural Space is an investigation into creating a temporary living space to help rejuvenate British tourism. It was designed to accommodate seasonal holidaymakers, festival goers and school trips. It is built and maintained using traditional rural craftsmanship, and made out of sustainable, locally sourced materials such as beach and ash trees. Its minimum impact design means it could be put in places traditional houses can’t, and by being a temporary structure it avoids much of the greenbelt/national park planning regulations
.

The ability to open up the walls and admire the view connects the user with the countryside; this is a key selling point over a traditional hostel or holiday cottage. The tower is self-sufficient with energy coming from a turbine and solar panels, while solar water heaters provide warm water for the shower. The toilet is a compost type toilet that doesn’t require a flush. Runoff tanks for the shower and cesspit for the compost toilet are buried in the ground under the floor, or could be connected to temporary surface tanks.

Give Container Homes a Chance

2009-06-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Container Homes thrive as the foreclosures are way up in regular housing market. So Container Homes are a hit for most people right now as building a new home is probably not an option for many.

Can we relay on a home made out of a used Shipping Container?

CONTAINERS ON A CARGO SHIP

Container Homes are Cheap & strong, so can be easily transportable by boat, truck, or train, shipping containers litter the ports of the United States as a result of our imbalanced Asian trade volume. Container Homes also stand a chance cos thousands of these containers are shipped to North America on a one way trip because it is more expensive to ship them back empty than to make new ones. Container Homes are an ECO friend solution to over a million of these huge cargo boxes just sitting on our ship yards as garbage.

Container Homes are popular these days as architects are beginning to realize that the containers can be cleverly turned into eco-friendly homes for people to live in. Container Homes come Hurricane proof, flood proof, mold proof, and termite proof, these metal. Container Homes are like Lego blocks are tough enough to be stacked 12 high empty. Container Homes can be cut open to add windows to provide daylight and even solar panels for energy, and welded together to make bigger Container houses. Used shipping containers can also be bought for $1,500 to $2,000, so they can be used to make relatively affordable housing.

Container Homes Apartment Complex Made From Shipping Containers.

Container Homes are the origin of most other forms of green building made out of Shipping Containers, because they are virtually a waste product which take recycling to a new level.

Container Homes are now ending up ad Container Apartment Complexes, Container Cities, Container offices along with innovative Container Shops and Container Shopping Malls....

Container Homes is the future of green recycling.

Jazib's Gone Green!

2009-06-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

Jazib's gone green with his Prefab office built out of an old shipping container, Jazib's prefab office is finished with cheap Formica :( and has a LU too!

Old shipping container being placed for Jazib's Prefab office!

Interior of Jazib's Prefab office

Jazib has a LU too! One wonders where does it flush to!

As a appreciation of going green GOD gifted Jazib with horns so splendid

And we at Sustainable Living Award you the Greenest personality of Mid term 09!

renewable electricity campus

2009-06-14T11:06:00.001-07:00

The South Ayrshire Council has approved the Ayr Campus, which will be constructed on the Craigie Estate. The construction of this £260 million Ayr campus of the University of the West of Scotland is believed to start in September by Bovis Lend Lease UK. The design of Ayr campus that is located very close to River Ayr has adopted policies that include rainwater harvesting and on-site power generation using sustainable sources, giving it a high environmentl value. The Natural Garden Society, Historic Scotland, Scottish development.

greenandmore.com - Solar Travel Bags - must have

2009-06-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Need to tell you about this Solar Travel Bags I got to see from this site. It's good to know that Solar Travel Bags have a great market and it's constantly developing.

129.95

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129.95

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VIA - http://www.greenandmore.com/backpacks-travel-bags-with-solar-panels.html?navContext=ln_bags&itemId=1055

Straw House prefab home

2009-06-12T09:57:00.001-07:00

The Straw House, located in Eschenz, Switzerland, has a simple, formal shape. However, this experimental prefab is far from simple because of its highly innovative materials.

Prefab wooden house

2009-06-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

Located on a 622 sq. meters lot on a hill at the foot of mounten Yatsugatake in Yamanashi, Japan, this small wooden house is called ‘Atelier for calligrapher’ by Japanese firm Kochi Architect’s Studio.

The unique form of the structure consists of a sloped, over hanged volume to the north, providing the residents with a better outlook of the surrounding views while eliminating the need for heavy snow maintenance.

Prefab going black

2009-06-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Black Barn prefab home has a narrow shape, which i love, yet still provides many bedrooms, a flexible attic and lots of storage and interior design options, making it ideal for a family with children.

Prefab Dome home

2009-06-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

The structure can rotate towards or away from the sun in order to balance inside temperature and reduce energy consumption while allowing you to have a change of scenery.
This prefab unique wood dome shaped prefab home provides a balanced living environment while preserving the beauty of our Planet. It is also highly resistant to extreme high winds and earthquakes. Building the “shell” takes only 3 months

Prefab Tree House

2009-06-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Tree House, designed by Kazuhiko Namba and Muji, is a two-story wooden prefab home constructed with eco-friendly materials and designed to maximize sunlight and ventilation as well as earthquake resistant.

Modularean Eco Prefab Dollhouse!

2009-06-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

we feature the best and the brightest in green prefab-ulous designs– so when we saw David Baker’s stunning, tiny Modularean Prefab House, we were excited to see that the joy of prefab architecture can now be appreciated even by the littlest connoisseurs. This miniature bamboo version of an eco-sensitive, modern, prefabricated home provides a way for kids to appreciate why grown-ups fawn over such thoughtfully constructed, highly-functional spaces. And, of course, in true green form, the Modularean Eco prefab Dollhouse is constructed of ecologically-farmed bamboo, and features many of the important elements of green building that you would see in a full-scale house, such as daylighting (with skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows), passive ventilation (raised floor and operable skylights), and prefab eco-friendly landscaping (with drought-resistant plants and gravel basins to manage stormwater runoff).

Prefab homes Going hybrid

2009-06-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Wedge, was designed by Studio B Architecture and constructed by BuildSense for North Carolina couple, Scott and Vikki Metheny, and their two boys. Composed of three modular parts that were pre fabricated off-site in a factory and a main two-story living area that was built on-site, the home is a total of 1,829 square feet.

From the outside, a recessed entry into the prefab home makes the delineation between prefab and custom clear, while also providing a front porch for the family to lounge. Opposite to prefab home the entry is a separated back porch with floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a space where the Metheny family can still feel outdoors during cold winter months.

According to the prefab home’s builders, BuildSense, the structure includes siding with a rainscreen that creates a building envelope that increases the energy efficiency of the prefab home. The prefab home also takes advantage of natural ventilation techniques and is sited to have optimal solar orientation.

Toyota Prefab Homes

2009-06-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

Toyota Prefab Homes sounds just rite simply because modern Japan is Prefab. Prefab Homes in Japan are being Manufactured and sold in mass by non-other then the automotive giant Toyota! In fact Toyota has been making & selling these Prefab Homes for the Past 20 years now. Well Toyota Prefab Homes sound just the thing for Japan not because Japan is a fast pace country but simply because Japan is an ever shacking country. While manufacturing the Prefab Homes Toyota adapts automobile manufacturing technology. This results in stylish, earthquake-resistant Prefab Homes in Japan.
Toyota Prefab Homes only make 0.5% of Toyota’s sales every year but with dropping car sales due to international recession Cheaper Toyota Prefab Homes might help support Toyota through the thin times. Toyota’s Prefab Homes are built from six or more modules in 45 days. These Prefab Homes have a conservative home model called the Smart Stage that sells for $200k & is about a 1000 sf, two-story home. More expensive, custom-built Prefab Home is 2600 sf that sells for around $800k. Toyota Prefab Homes are strong and guaranteed for about 60 years, which is twice the average lifespan of a home in Japan.
Toyota Prefab Homes were sold in large numbers between 2006 to 2009 some 15000. But what's interesting about Toyota Prefab Homes number is that it shows how effectively Prefab homes can be manufactured using the same techniques that are used in the auto industry. The Toyota Prefab Homes unit is profitable, and Green too as Toyota Prefab Homes compliment the plug-in hybrid Prius by Toyota.

Introducing Studio 804’s Springfield House

2009-06-06T13:38:00.001-07:00

Studio 804’s Springfield House is an eco-friendly house in Kansas City

Studio 804’s Springfield House meets LEED Platinum standards

Studio 804’s Springfield House is off course Off-Grid

Studio 804’s Springfield House has been designed & made by graduate students at the University of Kansas

Studio 804’s Springfield House is a two-story residence

Studio 804’s Springfield House is made mostly out of reclaimed wood of an old abandoned warehouse

Studio 804’s Springfield House is equipped with a radiant floor and geothermal heat pump

Studio 804’s Springfield House is designed for passive solar heating to keep it warm and comfortable during the winter

Studio 804’s Springfield House has a roof photovoltaic system and a vertical axis wind turbine which will allow it to operate off-grid

Studio 804’s Springfield House allows rain water to pass behind the screen where gutters and downspouts are hidden to carry rainwater to an underground rainwater reclamation system

Studio 804’s Springfield House is an impressive ECO Friendly House.

Quik prefab House

2009-06-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Prefabs can go bizarre but trendy too at the same time. If the Hemeroscopium prefab House was a bit too peculiar for you then you can set your eyes on Adam Kalkin’s “Quik prefab House.” The houses developed by Adam are constructed in just 10 weeks after the order is received.

The designer now hopes to top the Quik House with a smaller and trendier house known as the “A-Pod,” Some of his prefab homes are a single room in a single container, while the others prefab feature a range of structures built inside them with that luxurious prefab touch.

The prefabricated Maison EvolutiV home

2009-06-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here’s a fine testament to the fact that eco-friendly design need not necessarily look a recycled cardboard milk carton. The Maison EvolutiV created by Olgga Architects as concept home for the Salon Europeen du Bois, is just the perfect show design that can convince even the most reluctant traditionalist into turning over a new green leaf. The energy-efficient home is currently developed using only two modules with the ground module being done in a chestnut stake skin in varying sizes. Cleverly enough, the second module is made to stand just over the first one and acts like a green roof that can also harvest rainwater!

With a wool insulation system reinforced with cellulose, it also incorporates a low-energy passive design that increasingly makes use of solar panels fitted in to maximize the usage of green-technology. Of course, the concept is just floated as a show home for the time being but we do see a lot of potential in this thing, at least in the vacation home sector if not in the actual residential building sector. This particular example of the Maison EvolutiV took around 100,000 euros to build but if you’re a hard-core treehugger, I’m sure you could find ways to knock that price tag by a good few notches with your ‘reuse, refuse, recycle’ motto.

Blue Sky Homes

2009-06-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Different designers have different views on prefab living While some of them want you to sacrifice all modern amenities for the sake of the environment, others want you to live the life you want but use the most sophisticated eco-technology to help you keep your carbon footprint minimal. Blue Sky prefab Homes believes in the second alternative, which is clearly shown in their prefab prototype installed in Yucca Valley in California.

The prefab home, which is touted as an “excellent example of clean, efficient, contemporary, desert prefab architecture,” has been installed to test the company’s building system and methodology. The prefab house is based around light-gauge steel framing allowing easy assembly on the site without polluting the ecosystem in the vicinity.
Avoiding construction waste is just one side of this modern eco-prefab home.

Sport prefab homes

2009-05-31T16:56:00.000-07:00

Sport prefab homes from the Swedish group who brought us the prefab Barn House, are from the Pinc House Collection of prefab home. Sport prefab homes are a modern version of the classic sports cabin, offering a spacious open-plan interior and panoramic windows. Sport prefab homes are stylish prefab homes that looks like a modern Scandinavian bungalow & feature two models: Leisure and Residence, with sizes spanning from 20 to 160 sq meter. Sport prefab homes are light and airy with a stylish northern influence.

Prefab floating house boat

2009-05-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Prefab floating house boat is just for you If you’re tired of living in crowded urban centers with high real estate costs. Prefab floating house boat is a unique option for a permanent home, only this prefab house is designed to float. Located in Oldenburg, Germany, this modern prefab floating house boat, by Confused-Direction design label, is built from salvaged wood from an old farm house. The angular design of Prefab floating house boats are for floor-to-ceiling window that open up this small home to natural light and great views of its oceanic surroundings. These Prefab floating house boats come with grass roof on top, providing even more sustainability.

Prefab Dome space homes by Solaleya

2009-05-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

Prefab Dome space homes by Solaleya present an alternative lifestyle within a circular prefab house, made entirely from wood, which has the ability to rotate with the sun. This prefab structure can rotate towards or away from the sun in order to balance inside temperature and reduce energy consumption of the prefab home while allowing to have a change of scenery. This unique wood dome shaped prefab home provides a balanced living environment while preserving the beauty of our Planet. Prefab Dome space homes by Solaleya is also highly resistant to extreme high winds and earthquakes. Building the Prefab Dome space homes by Solaleya takes only 3 months. From single family prefab domes to multi-dome communities, larger models can be used for prefab schools, prefab restaurants and prefab hotels while smaller models are ideal for prefab guest rooms & mini lofts etc…

Prefab Space box

2009-05-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Prefab Space box is a modular, light weight prefab building system, established following a Prefab student housing problem in Utrecht, in Netherlands. Each Prefab Space box is built up with five composite panels with a very smooth polyester exterior. Prefab Space box are finish with a unique structural angle allowing a vast window frame for maximum daylight. Prefab Space box are Suitable for semi-permanent and permanent housing solutions, these prefab homes are highly insulated as well as modular in nature, enabling horizontal or vertical combinations. These Prefab Space box are colorful, box-like units & offer a compact yet practical interior. Prefab Space box are perfect for on-campus housing, resorts, art studios etc. With fast production and assembly time, 10 units of Prefab Space box can be completed in a day.

Summer wood prefab studio homes

2009-05-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

Summer wood prefab studio homes come with prefab kit designs, from Toronto-based Summerwood, and can be easily double as a Prefab home studio, Prefab workshop or Prefab home office space ect…. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Summer wood prefab studio homes come in many shapes and styles, also these prefab homes contain classic features like double French doors allowing plenty of light and fresh air. Summer wood prefab studio homes are estimated at $12,463.

Prefab Summer Homes by Glama-Kim Architects

2009-05-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Prefab Summer Homes by Glama-Kim Architects are Located in Stykkishólmur, Iceland, in Japan. Choices of material for constructing Prefab Summer Homes contrast with the unspoiled nature on site. Made up of two volumes, these Prefab Summer Homes include a large unit clad in western red cedar, which holds the sheltered entry, kitchen and dining/living room. Some Prefab Summer Homes are in corrugated aluminum, including the private functions, bedrooms and bathroom as well as a wooden veranda facing south. The interior of Prefab Summer Homes is birch plywood, painted gypsum board, on wooden frame, and oak flooring. Prefab Summer Homes by Glama-Kim Architects are an eco friendly choice and compliment there ambiance.

Interesting Prefab Homes

2009-05-31T14:55:00.000-07:00

Prefab Homes are loved by all love for there brighter and open plan interiors, we like Prefab homes for there easy to assemble and cos they are prefab so they are flexible fix as well. Now Prefab homes are being considered to be the housing of our future, as it is stated that prefab homes are greener then our regular homes. So on what scale do we calculate how green our habitat is, and why are prefab homes greener then brick and concrete homes. All most all prefab homes differ in design but the idea behind all prefab homes is the same! PREFAB HOMES FOR A GREENER FUTURE.

Further, in this article we shall look at different prefab homes from all over the world.

Prefab Summer houses

Summer wood prefab studio houses

Prefab Space box

Dome space prefab homes by Solaleya

Prefab floating houseboat

Sport prefab home

Rapid Fix Prefab Homes

2009-05-31T03:55:00.000-07:00

Prefab Homes by CleverHomes,
Prefab Homes for the tropics.
ECO Prefab Homes.
Beautiful Prefab Homes by Adam kalkin

Prefab homes are being considered the next generation of Eco housing, prefab homes are not only easy to fix but also cos they are prefab so they are flexible in modification too. There are many firms there days working with innovative designs for prefab homes.
Prefab homes are not mobile or manufactured homes. prefab homes are not on wheels. And even more, you usually will have finishing materials that are considerably better than mobile homes in prefab homes. Go for prefab homes if you're looking for speed while still getting a real home, look at modulars.

Finally, when it comes to official appraisals of prefab homes, they are considered real, stick-built and site-built homes whether they were modular, factory framed, kit, or prefab. They should have the same value as a completely site-built home.

Prefab Home Models by Wieler

2009-05-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Wieler was founded by the owner of the original Dwell Prefab Home (by Resolution:4 Architecture), Nathan Wieler, with the goal of making architect-designed Prefab homes within the reach of the average homebuyer. Wieler's Prefab homes utilize modern prefab building techniques and offer Prefab designs by architects Ralph Rapson (Rapson Greenbelt) and Gomes + Staub Architects (Stitch House).

PREFAB HOMES BY Franklin Azzi

2009-05-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Eco Factor: Sustainably constructed house makes use of renewable energy.

France-based Franklin Azzi Architecture have renovated an old hunting house into a modern green dwelling, using smart and sustainable building practices and renewable energy generation systems. Designed in Normandy, France, the house extension of the design consists of wood, canvas covers and a camouflage of the Cuban Army.

With slabs on both sides of the house serving as heating floors, the house makes use of a hybrid solar energy generating system and geothermal energy. Rainwater is harnessed with sophisticated rainwater harvesting systems, which suffice water needs. The assembly was done onsite using all recyclable materials to reduce the house’s impact on the environment. Windows and sunroofs provide the much needed ventilation and allow sunlight to illuminate the interiors.

Prefab Home Models by Stillwater dwellings

2009-05-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Stillwater Dwellings designs and markets one and two-story prefabricated homes ranging in size from 870 to 2,950 square feet. Prefab Homes feature butterfly roof lines with "light shelf" windows and steel entry canopies.

Prefab Designs are eco-conscious featuring recycled and renewable construction materials, low waste production, and energy efficient prefab designs and systems. Prefab Home are constructed off site, transported and crane placed and assembled on a typical footing and stem wall foundation. Estimated time for Prefab home projects completion is 3 - 4 months.

Prefab Home Models by Royal Homes

2009-05-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Royal Q series of prefab modern homes, sleek line of prefabricated homes designed by Kohn Shnier Architects and built by Royal Homes of Canada.Prefab Homes range from 620 sq. ft. to 848 sq. ft. with up to three bedrooms and feature plenty of storage, a deck or screened in porch and an optional wood stove.

Prefab Home Models by Rocio Romero

2009-05-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Rocio Romero's designs prefab homes , manufactures and sells several prefab home models of minimalist, modern prefab home kits. Prefab home models range in size from 1453 sq. ft. for the LVL prefab home to 625 sq. ft. studio.

Prefab Home Models by Resolution:4 Architecture

2009-05-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Resolution: 4 Architecture creates modular prefab homes by combining prefabricated, factory-built, transportable "modules of use". Custom arrangement of prefab homes are basic "modules of use" creates individualized prefab homes for clients. Winners of the 2003 Dwell Magazine prefab Home Design Invitational.

Other prefab models are:Camp Smull, Dwell Home, Mountain Retreat

Prefab Home Models by Place Houses

2009-05-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Place Prefab Houses are affordable, green, architecturally designed prefabricated prefab homes designed by Place Architects. The Prefab homes come in four sizes; tiny, small, medium and large, and these prefab homes offer several interior customization options.

Prefab Home Models by PieceHomes

2009-05-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Prefab homes by Piece Homes offers a series of green, modern, smartly-designed prefab homes created by Davis Studio Architecture + Design. Partnering with off-site high qualty builders, these modern prefab beauties should prove to be high quality, environmentally friendly and easy to create and own. There is a wide variety of prefab home designs available.

MODELS:
Wrap House, Wrap Tower, Solar Passage,Container House

Prefab Home Models by Office of Mobile Design

2009-05-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

Office of Mobile Design (OMD),prefab homes founded by principal architect Jennifer Siegal, designs prefabricated "non-permanently sited structures that move across and rest lightly upon the land." Prefab Homes originate from a line of prefabricated housing systems which allow prefab homes for easy customization.

Prefab Home Models by nottoscale

2009-05-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Prefab homes by Nottoscale are founded by Peter Strzebniok in 2002, designs and markets the modulome, a prefabricated housing system that provides flexible and affordable prefab housing solutions in various sizes that can easily be modified to meet different site requirements and owner preferences.

The prefab home modulome is an award winning, low waste, energy efficient and sustainable housing system that can be manufactured either as a modular unit or as a panelized system in order to provide the most efficient prefab home building system for each specific site.

Prefab homes by Modern cabana

2009-05-08T08:53:00.001-07:00

Modern Cabana provides pre-fabricated small buildings for residential use. Offered in four sizes (10' x 12' to 13' x 25'), these prefab units are designed to be "accessory structures" providing additional, multi-use space (think studio, office, craft room, shed, etc.). The prefab homes like Cabanas are sold as a kit of parts, shipped for on-site assembly with simple tools. The prefab home designs incorporate green materials, energy efficient prefab designs and multiple finishing options.

Prefab homes by Modular Dwellings

2009-05-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Prefab homes by Modular Dwellings, founded by Edgar Blazona, designs small modular buildings. The prefab designs are simple, clean, versatile and are easy to transport and assemble.The key features used in these prefab homes are metal frame, floor to ceiling front glazing and offers very fast setup time.The MD 100 design is an example of modern prefab and simple construction from common materials.

Others prefab home model include: MD 42, MD 100, MD 12, MD 144,MD 280

Prefab homes by Modern house

2009-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Featuring walls of glass and open space, prefab homes created by Modesthouse are transparent, modern, living spaces with elegant prefab design.

Assembled on site using a system of pre-manufactured parts over a traditional wood frame, these prefab homes offer time and cost savings over custom architecturally built prefab homes. Founding architect Jeffrey McKean's prefab designs are earth friendly as well, offering green prefab home desgins, options and sustainable building practices.

Prefab homes by Modern Shed

2009-05-04T09:35:00.001-07:00

Modern Shed provides pre-fabricated small buildings for residential use. Offered in four sizes (10' x 12' to 13' x 25'), these prefab home units are designed to be "accessory structures" providing additional, multi-use space (think studio, office, craft room, shed, etc.). The Cabana prefab homes are sold as a kit of parts, shipped for on-site assembly with simple tools. The prefab home designs incorporate green materials, energy efficient prefab designs and multiple finishing options.

Prefab Home Models by miniHome

2009-04-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

The miniHome is a line of modern, modular, factory built, ultra high efficeincy prefab homes with, small living units ranging from 270 to 475+ square feet. These Prefab homes are intended to be self-supporting and designed to function without traditional municipal energy sources ("off-grid") using solar and propane energy sources. Built in Canada, these prefab homes are designed to efficiently withstand most climates.

other prefab homes by mini homes are

MiniHome Solo, MiniHome Duo, MiniHome 12x33

Prefab Home Models by Michelle Kaufman Designs

2009-04-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

Prefab Homes by Michelle Kaufmann designed to create simple, stylish, environmentally friendly, high quality prefabricated modern homes. prefab Home modules and parts are produced in selected factories using prefabrication techniques and renewable resources ( MKD's "renewable" concept) for prefab homes -- the first of which, mkConstructs,prefab home is located in Washington State and provides prefab homes for the Western United States.

Models:

Glidehouse, Breezehouse, Sidebreeze, mkSolaire, mkLoft, mkLotus

Prefab Homes:container homes for the tropics

2009-04-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

The seed for Dwell Homes was planted few years ago and now it’s time for it to sprout . In an article posted on inhabitat.com by Bridgette Steffen has seen its reasonable share of shipping container homes, but it has been never seen that shipping containers paired with bamboo forming Prefab Homes.

But now, Bamboo Groves, a design and construction firm in Costa Rica, has developed some great designs for Prefab homes carved from insulated shipping containers and bamboo. Developed for the tropical regions , these prefab homes are different from the designs we are familiar to Many of these prefab container homes focus on passive heating and cooling , though different regions require different strategies.

Bamboo Groves uses Intermodal Steel Building Units (ISBUs), which are insulated shipping containers, in creating the framework of the Prefab home. Then Guadua Bamboo, which is one of the fastest growing bamboos, is harvested and used as beams for the roof. Current Prefab homes designs range from 100 sq meters with one ISBU up to 250 sq meter. Construction should take less than 5 months and be very affordable.
The unique features of these prefab homes is, that they are built from insulated shipping containers and a local material, bamboo; and second that it accommodates the temperate climate With these items in mind, It is predicted that this company certainly has a good handle on creating affordable and beautiful Prefab homes.

Prefab Homes by Mfinity

2009-04-23T08:15:00.001-07:00

Founder and principal architect of Prefab Homes like MFINITY's, Carib Daniel Martin, designs small buildings based on the microSYSTEM line of modular Prefab units. Current Prefab Home models include; microHOME, microCABANA, microSTUDIO and microSHED. The microSYSTEM line is considered inexpensive in Prefab Homes, flexible and delivery and installation are included in the basic Prefab Home purchase price.

Prefab Homes by Method Homes

2009-04-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Prefab Homes by Method Homes( Cabin Series) designs modern sustainable, prefabricated cabins and homes. Prefab Method Homes are designed by Balance Associates Architects, offer several different confirmations and styles and range in size from 400 to over 2,000 square feet. A series of modern Prefab homes, "The Urban Series", is planned with Skylab Architecture to offer design services. Prefab Homes by Method Homes was co-founded by craftsman Mark Rylant and developer Brian Abramson.

Utah Containers

2009-04-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Utah Container by Group 41 is a new dimension to Prefab Housing, in fact it wont be wrong to say that Utah Containers in the next generation of Prefab Housing. Shipping Containers are being used allover the world to create eco friendly Prefab Housing, but Utah Containers is innovative because it’s a housing scheme devised out of 1000 Shipping Containers. Group 41 has developed two schemes for the Salt Lake City suburb complex and is waiting for planning approval. The Two schemes of Utah Containers differ in style and layout, but not in facilities, both have large underground parking garages and a courtyard. Utah Containers will be located near a future commuter rail line and shopping center.
Projects like Utah Containers offer the right type of Sustainable Recycling on massive scale, Container and Prefab Homes are a sustainable type of recycling as they require less energy in construction compared to melting down Shipping Containers. Utah Containers is an eco friendly solution to the ever increasing demand of sustainable green housing.

Prefab Home Models by Marmol Radziner Prefab

2009-04-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Prefab Homes by Marmol Radziner are Prefab designs, builds and installs custom, high-quality, environmentally friendly prefab homes using steel framed. All Prefab modules are constructed, framed and finished by Marmol Radziner The factory of prefab Homes by Marmol Radziner is located in California. Current Prefab homes projects include the Skyline Modern @ Joshua Tree.

Prefab Homes by Loq.Kit

2009-04-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Prefab homes by Loq•kit is a proposed system of mass-produced interchangeable and reusable house parts.Components, affordable Prefab homes are able to be quickly assembled into many configurations each Prefab home by lok.Kit is a unique in layout and appearance. Prefab homes by Loq•kit house parts use snap-lock connections so that homeowners may adapt their homes to changing needs over time. Prefab Homes by Loq•kit was created by architect Patrick Freet .

Prefab Home by Living Homes

2009-04-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

Prefab Homes by LivingHomes RK1 model, designed by Ray Kappe, is a two story 5 bedroom 4 bath modern prefab home with simple lines, open spaces and abundant glass. This prefab home features multiple decks, indoor - outdoor spaces and a roof-top green space.Prefab homes by living homes develops healthy design and sustainable construction.Prefab Homes by Living Homes aims to provide "warm modernism" in its designs.Living Homes has four other Prefab Home designs RK 2 RK 4.1 RK 5.1 DH 1.1

Prefab Home by Jeriko House

2009-04-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

Prefab Home by Jeriko House are modern prefabricated modular homes.Prefab home by jeriko house aims to provide a versatile, consumer focused, made-to-order, high design, environmentally friendly, high-quality Prefab homes.Prefab Homes by Jericho House are designed by Shawn Burst,prefab homes by Jericho House offers multiple models and luxury to their clients. Prefab homes by Jericho house are easy to modify configurations and material options.

The Prefab Home by FlatPak

2009-04-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Prefab Home by FlatPak is a series of high efficiency, modern-style prefab homes. The Prefab Home by FlatPak are pre-engineered modular home design system. Prefab Home by FlatPak has been created by Charlie Lazor, a founding partner of Blue Dot furniture. Prefab Home by FlatPak use concrete, glass, metal or wood modular. Each Prefab Home by FlatPak is an unique custom design. Prefab Home by FlatPak allows home builders to create a wide variety of custom layout designs.

Prefab Home by GreenPod

2009-03-08T06:23:00.000-07:00

Prefab Home by GreenPod Development are founded by Ann Raab. Suzanne DeVall is her partner in Prefab Home by GreenPod designs,Prefab Home by GreenPod manufactures and markets custom modular homes. Prefab Home Models by GreenPod are based on compact, modular "Pods" ranging in size from 300 to 800 squre feet. Larger homes are possible in Prefab Home Models by GreenPod through combining multiple Pods. GreenPod homes are factory built and feature sustainable, healthy, energy effiecent design. Prefab Home Models by GreenPod have high-quality craftsmanship.

Prefab Home by E Cube

2009-03-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Prefab Home by E Cube is a series of high efficiency, modern-style prefab homes. Prefab Home by E Cube is designed by architect Carsten Jensten. Prefab Home by E Cube is offered by Jenesys Buildings. Each Prefab Home by E Cube is assembled on site from a kit of prefabricated components. Prefab Home by E Cube is available in three sizes; 2244, 1574, and 1398 square feet. Prefab Home by E Cube are constructed from "superinsulated" structural insulated panels (SIPS).

PREFAB HOMES BY ECO STEEL

2009-02-20T02:05:00.000-08:00

PREFAB HOMES BY ECO STEEL designs and manufactures modular homes using engineered steel components.

PREFAB HOMES BY ECO STEEL DESINGS

PREFAB HOMES BY ECO STEEL DESINGS

PREFAB HOMES BY ECO STEEL DESINGS

Prefab Homes by CleverHomes

2009-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Prefab Homes by CleverHomes are modern prefabricated model and semi-custom homes. Prefab Homes by CleverHomes Use fabricated, panelized components. Prefab Homes by CleverHomes offer high quality, durable and efficient homes that are easily shipped and assembled. Prefab Homes by CleverHomes offer CH1 and CH1.5 models both sensible design with flowing living spaces, lofted ceilings and unique corner windows.
Prefab Homes Model CH1.5 by CleverHomes trades a second floor bedroom for a rooftop deck / green space.

Prefab Homes by Alchemy Architects

2009-02-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

Prefab Homes by Alchemy Architects are prefabricated modular living structures based on "weeHouse modules". Prefab Homes by Alchemy Architects range in size from 14' x 26' (weeStudio) to 14' x 56' (weeTwo).The base modules of Prefab Homes by Alchemy Architects can be used alone or combined with "companions" to form larger, custom prefab homes. Prefab Homes by Alchemy Architects can be used for creating both commercial and residential structures. Prefab Homes by Alchemy Architects are known for there flexibility and design ingenuity.

Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin

2009-02-16T14:50:00.000-08:00

Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin are reused shipping containers. Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin are scaleable, flexible, industrial-style homes. Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin are available at reasonable prices. Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin range from around 2,000 square feet to more than 4,000. The Quik House is a prefabricated kit house made from recycled shipping containers. The Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin goes up fast and can be erected in one day. An average Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin costs about $99,000. Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin are beautiful. Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin are flexible.

Prefab Homes by konyk Architecture

2009-02-16T03:06:00.000-08:00

Prefab Homes by Konyk Architecture are futuristic, high-tech prefab homes. The designs of Prefab Homes by Konyk Architecture utilize steel "uni-body" frames, structural panels and lots of insulated glass to form super-modern, sleek living spaces. The Prefab Homes by Konyk Architecture are fabricated and delivered fully equipped with high-end appliances, fixtures and mechanicals.

Yahgee Shipping Container House

2009-02-16T02:45:00.000-08:00

Yahgee Shipping container house was Established in 2001 in china. Yahgee Shipping container house flat-roof is a roofing system with containerized frame. Yahgee Shipping Container House steel structure is used as the basis and foundation of floor loading capacity. Yahgee Shipping Container House fully takes the advantages of the intensity of sandwich wall and roof panel. Yahgee Shipping Container House is constructed by bolting necessary steel components, such as beams, trusses, columns and others.Yahgee Shipping Container Houses are being used in UAE and Ethiopia.
Yahgee Shipping Container House come with double pitch and flat roofs. Yahgee Shipping Container House can also be folded.

CONTAINER HOMES

2009-01-13T12:08:00.001-08:00

Ever Wondered How To Set Up CONTAINER HOMES?

Building with Shipping Containers

2008-11-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

An idea whose time seems to have arrived is the use of stockpiled shipping containers as modular units for building homes. Because of the balance of trade in the United States, these hefty steel boxes are piling up in ports around the country and posing a storage problem. Several architects and builders are taking advantage of this surplus to recycle the containers.

According to David Cross of www.sgblocks.com, "a container has 8000 lbs of steel which takes 8000 kwh of energy to melt down and make new beams etc... Our process of modifying that entire 8000 lbs of steel into a "higher and better use" only takes 400 kwh of electrical energy (or 5%). Granted it takes a bit more "muscle" but we call this Value-Cycling which we feel is that next step up from Re-cycling."

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Shipping Containers For Offices And Storage Space

2008-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Shipping Containers and other recycled materials being used in an Eco Friendly construction. Shipping containers about 10-12 years old, that have exceeded their life as cargo shipping containers are being used as offices and storage space. Shipping containers, trimmed wood that is scavenged from demolished homes,paper mixed with concrete a new super insulating material for fencing and insulation of the shipping containers and trailers and bamboo are the recycled materials being used in this construction.

Shipping Containers As Homes

2008-10-28T02:45:00.000-07:00

Shipping containers being used as homes, innovative green housing trend.

TRANSFORMATION OF A SHIPPING CONTAINER INTO A CONTAINER HOME.

CONTAINER HOMES

2008-10-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

Container homes are becoming the most popular type of urban Eco friendly housing. Container homes are also becoming the symbol of mega & greener recycling, as the amount of energy and resources utilized to convert old shipping containers into comfortable container homes is far lesser then melting and welding those rusty old containers. Container homes is not a new concept during the mid of the last century caravans and trailer were introduced as the new age alternate housing. Container homes today are no dough a viable green solution for cleaning up the shorelines all around the globe. Container homes are also developing an impression of sudden yet reliable housing that not only looks nice but is also energy efficient. Green homes made out of straw bales, sand bags and bamboos are great but just not the answer of our ever growing urbanization. Container homes are the preeminent green solution when it comes to tiny spaces of the synthetic urban environment.
Container homes are being fabricated from the inside with green insulation's to control temperatures and provide sound proofing, but that’s not some thing to get excited about what fascinates more about these container homes is the possibility of using reflective surface paints and solar ivy’s for preventing heat and generating electricity.
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CONTAINER HOMES

2008-10-14T02:08:00.000-07:00

Mega recycling! Melt down an 8000 lbs steel cargo container, by using 8000 KWH of energy to create new steel beams. Think again! How about converting an 8000 lbs of steel box into a comfortable studio apartment by using only 400 KWH of electricity, which is only 5% of the energy needed to melt these shipping containers.

A cargo container measures about 8 feet in width, 40 feet in length and 9 feet in height.

Container homes is not some thing new, the hippie era and the caravan homes movement are the impressions of the modern history of container homes. Huge mobile carts served as homes to many immigrants pouring into America of late 17th to early 18th century.

Shores and harbors allover United States and other trading nations, are becoming dump sites for old retired shipping containers, as mentioned earlier, recycling these shipping containers is not only costly but also hazardous for the environment. Two or maybe more container can joined together to create a small house after hacking down similar wall and utilizing the hacked steel to create partitions and internal walls.

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LOT-EK Container Home Kit (CHK)

2008-10-13T23:35:00.000-07:00

We’ve raved about Lot-Ek before for their ingenious conversions of industrial shipping containers into inhabitable modern spaces. And with their Container Home Kit (CHK) project, they’re bringing shipping containers to the masses with a clever and easily-adaptable system for virtually every residential context. Lot-ek’s scalable system can accommodate anywhere from 640-2560 square feet, and comes fully equipped and ready to plop on-site with built-in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fully insulated AND furnished. It’s fully-equipped conceptually as well, making practical use of the world’s surplus of ISO cargo containers while exploiting the inherent structural qualities of the containers themselves. read more.........

CONTAINER HOMES FROM CONTAINER CITY

2008-10-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

CONTAINER HOMES OF THE CONTAINER CITY ARE THE URBAN GREEN ECO HOMES OF LONDON.

CONTAINER HOME

2008-10-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

TRANSFORMATION OF A SHIPPING CONTAINER INTO A CONTAINER HOME.

I would like to write about these THINGS, PEOPLE, OBJECT AND PLACES

2008-06-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

Balance Associates Architects Bamboo Groves Brian Abramson.Mark Rylant Bridgette Steffen Carib Daniel Martin Charlie Lazor Container Homes CONTAINER HOME CONTAINER HOME. CONTAINER HOMES Cuban Army. Davis Studio Architecture + Design duo Dwell Homes Eco Homes Edgar Blazona Environment EOC FRIENDLY HOUSING EOC FRIENDLY HOUSING. FlatPak Franklin Azzi Architecture GREEN HOUSING GREEN HOUSING. green living Group 41 Guadua Bamboo Jeffrey McKean Jennifer Siegal Jeriko House Joshua Tree Kohn Shnier LivingHomes RK 2 Loq•ki LVL prefab home Marmol Radziner Method Homes Michelle Kaufmann microCABANA mini homes mini shed mkConstructs Modern cabana Modern house Nathan Wieler OMD Patrick Freet Peter Strzebniok Place Architects Prefab Designs Prefab home Prefab Home by E Cube Prefab homes Prefab Homes by Adam Kalkin Prefab Homes by Alchemy Architects Prefab Homes by CleverHomes PREFAB HOMES BY ECO STEEL Prefab homes. Prefab homes.MFINITY's Prefab homes.sustainable living prefabrication propene energy Ralph Rapson Rapid Fix Prefab Homes Ray Kappe RECYCLE RECYCLE. recycling Renewable energy Resolution 4 Architecture RK 1 Rocio Romero Royal Homes Shawn Burst SHIPPING CONTAINER HOME SHIPPING CONTAINER. Skylab Architecture Skyline solo Staub Architects Stillwater dwellings sustainable living Utah Containers Yahgee Shipping Container House