Making Prefab Work for All
Architect and designer Michelle Kaufmann has always been interested in creating smarter ways for building and living. A respect for the earth and a craving for intelligent innovation is at the forefront of her impressive architectural career.
To many, the Oakland-based architect is considered to be the leader of the movement of prefabricated green homes in the United States. Kaufmann believes that today everyone wants to live an eco-friendly life — it's about whether or not the designs that are available make green living affordable and easy. In the United States' construction industry, this is one of the primary problems with prefabricated homes. Although many of these homes offer a greener lifestyle in the long run, their building cost is currently the same as a site-built home. For most consumers, there's no incentive to try a modular house.
Kaufmann believes that although there is a significant learning curve in prefab buildings today, the construction industry absolutely has the capability to create smart and innovative homes, as long as architects and factories learn to collaborate. Many of Kaufmann's custom prefabricated homes — such as this beautiful house in Santa Barbara, Calif. — are wonderful examples of the potential that prefab architecture has, and the way this industry can revolutionize green living. Read on for Kaufmann's insight on a topic that remains confusing for many consumers today.
This Santa Barbara home was built for an artistic couple who grew to be great friends of Kaufmann's through this project. Their main priority was building a green home, but prefab wasn't on the menu at first. As Kaufmann continued to work with the family and their vision for the house, a prefabricated home became the best possible way to make their must-haves happen.
Kaufmann designed a custom, three bedroom-plus-studio for the family, incorporating eco-friendly methods throughout the entire process. For example, rather than demolishing their original home the family opted to have the structure taken apart by hand, and as many pieces as possible were salvaged.
To many, the Oakland-based architect is considered to be the leader of the movement of prefabricated green homes in the United States. Kaufmann believes that today everyone wants to live an eco-friendly life — it's about whether or not the designs that are available make green living affordable and easy. In the United States' construction industry, this is one of the primary problems with prefabricated homes. Although many of these homes offer a greener lifestyle in the long run, their building cost is currently the same as a site-built home. For most consumers, there's no incentive to try a modular house.
Kaufmann believes that although there is a significant learning curve in prefab buildings today, the construction industry absolutely has the capability to create smart and innovative homes, as long as architects and factories learn to collaborate. Many of Kaufmann's custom prefabricated homes — such as this beautiful house in Santa Barbara, Calif. — are wonderful examples of the potential that prefab architecture has, and the way this industry can revolutionize green living. Read on for Kaufmann's insight on a topic that remains confusing for many consumers today.
This Santa Barbara home was built for an artistic couple who grew to be great friends of Kaufmann's through this project. Their main priority was building a green home, but prefab wasn't on the menu at first. As Kaufmann continued to work with the family and their vision for the house, a prefabricated home became the best possible way to make their must-haves happen.
Kaufmann designed a custom, three bedroom-plus-studio for the family, incorporating eco-friendly methods throughout the entire process. For example, rather than demolishing their original home the family opted to have the structure taken apart by hand, and as many pieces as possible were salvaged.
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