Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Interview: What's Up With Prefab?
Prefabs can be greener, quicker to build and less hassle. So what's keeping everyone from jumping on board? Here's one architect's take
Prefabricated home design tends to be a slightly controversial topic in the world of architecture and interior design. Although this style of building residences and commercial structures has become more popular over the past 10 years or so, many designers, architects, and clients have had a hard time hopping on board when building costs are often the same as a custom stick-build home.
If prefabricated homes aren't less expensive, then why is this style worth investing in? Is it actually worth it? Much of the design community seems to be divided on the issue, but for Heather Johnston of PLACE Architects in Vancouver, BC, the crux of the problem is clear: In order for prefabricated design to achieve what it's meant to achieve, there needs to be some restructuring in the construction industry.
Read on for the first in a series on the ins and outs of prefab homes today.
If prefabricated homes aren't less expensive, then why is this style worth investing in? Is it actually worth it? Much of the design community seems to be divided on the issue, but for Heather Johnston of PLACE Architects in Vancouver, BC, the crux of the problem is clear: In order for prefabricated design to achieve what it's meant to achieve, there needs to be some restructuring in the construction industry.
Read on for the first in a series on the ins and outs of prefab homes today.
| Johnston's firm has won awards for traditionally built custom homes
and has recently designed and completed its first custom prefab home. VB: What would you say are the main benefits of a prefab home? HJ: Done right, a prefab home can be greener, it can be less expensive (although we as an industry haven't really figured out how to do this at the same level of quality as a custom home). However the main benefit is that it is less hassle. The construction time is shorter, you spend less time on the site, and there's less guesswork and mid-construction changing involved. Above: The facade of a panelized prefab design by PLACE Architects, done in one of three models that the firm offers. |
| HJ: Overall, there is less that the clients have to decide. Custom home owners have to learn about everything during the process — types of doorknobs and hinges, you name it — most of which they will never need to know again. This cuts all of that out. You can also see what your home is going to look like early on. There are photos early in the design process of what your home will look like, which is extremely helpful.
Above: Like the exterior, the interior of many prefab homes offers customizable options. Flooring, colors, hardware styles, etc. can all be taken into account when the home is ordered. |
VB: Is it always less expensive to build a prefab residence?
HJ: The price between a custom home and a prefab home is just about the same. There really is no dramatic difference in cost, at least in terms of how it works now. Money can be saved on design fees and time though, since construction is very tightly coordinated so the time is cut quite substantially. But in terms of price per square foot, a good prefab house will cost about the same as a custom-built home.
Above: Prefabricated panels in various materials and sizes are visible in this shot of PLACE's prefabricated home design.
HJ: The price between a custom home and a prefab home is just about the same. There really is no dramatic difference in cost, at least in terms of how it works now. Money can be saved on design fees and time though, since construction is very tightly coordinated so the time is cut quite substantially. But in terms of price per square foot, a good prefab house will cost about the same as a custom-built home.
Above: Prefabricated panels in various materials and sizes are visible in this shot of PLACE's prefabricated home design.
| HJ: The price is something that can be fixed within the housing industry. Really big developers are already using many prefab techniques in their homes/developments because it's quick and it saves money. This is not a new idea, but it is something that is new to a design-oriented community, because the fact that it isn't completely customizable sometimes implies a poor design.
Above: Although this space in this model could be used for a garage, PLACE used it as a dining room for the owners of this home. The metal sliding doors and concrete floors add a fun, industrial twist. |
| HJ: People are trying to find ways to make quality residential architecture at a price that more people can afford. Architects and designers need to work together to get closer to the construction crews and manufacturers to really make this a collaborative effort from the ground up. The way the construction industry works now, everything is separated into these silos, which makes collaboration for the best product at the best price difficult. It's about carefully tuning design to the production process. Production and design need to team up.
Above: For many, prefab implies poor quality and design. However, if done right, it's clear that this doesn't have to be the case at all. The kitchen PLACE designed in this prefab residence would be at home in any modern, high end, custom-built home. |
|
by Jordan Cappella
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| VB: What are the different types of prefab homes that are currently available?
HJ: Modular prefab homes are factory built boxes that can be assembled in larger components as well — they can come together as much or as little as you choose. The foundation is built on site, and installation and finishing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks, depending on how much was planned to be done on site. Above: This shot is from the prefabricated showhouse by Office of Mobile Design. It was a modular prefab home, which means that it was built almost entirely in the factory by a manufacturer, then carried on a semi-truck to the lot where it was installed on its foundation. |
by Marmol Radziner
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
HJ: FlatPak and panelized kit homes are another model of prefab homes. These homes are broken down into panels, and most of the finished work is done. Transportation-wise, it's much easier to ship out, and there's also an added flexibility in design. Structural panels are the same idea, and can take about five to six months to complete. These panels are made out of durable, prefabricated elements that can be as finished as you want them to be.
Above: Prefabricated homes with a lot of customization, such as this one from Marmol Radziner Prefab, are usually panelized homes. By working with individual panels rather than full units, there tends to be a bit more flexibility in the style and design.
Above: Prefabricated homes with a lot of customization, such as this one from Marmol Radziner Prefab, are usually panelized homes. By working with individual panels rather than full units, there tends to be a bit more flexibility in the style and design.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| HJ: I personally tend to like the modular style better. I didn't really like how you have to let the panels kind of sit on the site for a while. I feel like there are more ways with modular homes to get the cost, quality, and efficiency improved.
Above: Many larger prefabricated homes are modular in style, such as the one above. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| VB: What are some things that people should keep in mind when looking at building a prefab home?
HJ: Well first off, cost. It's going to be about the same as a custom home, no matter what people tell you. Make sure you're getting a full quote, one that includes the shell, interiors, construction, and installation. You have to know exactly what's being included in the quote you're getting. Above: It's hard to believe that the entryway of this modular prefab home was made in a factory! With high quality work like this, you are going to be paying a comparable amount to a custom stick-built home. However, the ease of design and installation makes it more than worth it for many home owners. |
|
by sagemodern
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| HJ: Next, you want to make sure you find a design that you like, and will make sense on your site. Make sure the people you're working with understand your site conditions. If you have a hill you're working with, you're probably going to want to consider working with a structural panel style, so you don't have to bring in a crane to install a modular home. If you have a flat bit of land, a modular home will work just fine. Lastly, choose a design option that will fit your lifestyle, and pay attention to the customization options.
Above: This prefab home in Truckee, California, is a perfect fit for a mountain vacation home. Although modern in style, it still pays tribute to a classic cabin style with its use of wood. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Above: A playhouse is a good way to step into the world of prefab.
VB: I've read concerns that some suppliers use poor materials to cut costs. How can someone make sure the manufacturer they're using for a prefab is legitimate?
HJ: Know that cost is going to be your biggest determinate. If you find a supplier or manufacturer that offers homes at $150 a foot, well, that's the quality that you're going to get. If the pricing is similar to a custom home, the quality will be similar to a custom home. Ask what's included in the quote, and ask to see examples. You can ask to go see one of their homes today, or even go on a walk through of their factory.
More:
A Sleek Prefab Warms Up
7 Instant Backyard Getaways
VB: I've read concerns that some suppliers use poor materials to cut costs. How can someone make sure the manufacturer they're using for a prefab is legitimate?
HJ: Know that cost is going to be your biggest determinate. If you find a supplier or manufacturer that offers homes at $150 a foot, well, that's the quality that you're going to get. If the pricing is similar to a custom home, the quality will be similar to a custom home. Ask what's included in the quote, and ask to see examples. You can ask to go see one of their homes today, or even go on a walk through of their factory.
More:
A Sleek Prefab Warms Up
7 Instant Backyard Getaways
Ideabook updated on Nov. 20, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
In the last paragraph you mentioned some manufacturers using poor materials. What are some examples of these lesser-quality materials they are using?
Thanks for sharing...
I'm going to win the lotto one of these days and I'll need to know all of this when I purchase my Marmol Radziner.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huf_Haus
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2784715121086172729#
Huf Haus prefab have been building in Germany for a long time, and recently broke into the UK market with the help of the Grand Designs episode that featured one of their designs. They now export from Hartenfels to anywhere in the world, though none have been shipped to Australia, as Matt points out, the cost would be prohibitive, though not impossible for a super rich fanatic. These prefabs can be sent in Kit form and assembled by the owner or locally sourced builders. They've opened a sales office in Cleveland, U.S.A. and with good sales, may open a Stateside Factory one day.
DaVinci Haus, another German Company, do a (very) similar thing;
http://www.davinci-haus.de/v1/index2.ph ... //home.php
Huf Haus;
http://www3.huf-haus.com/gb/intro.html
It is a brilliant marriage of bauhaus design with traditional post and beam construction. Quite different from anything local prefab builders are doing here.... I think they're superb.
While I'm certainly no expert on pre-fab homes, I have read in the past that, because pre-fab homes need to be transported, they're often sturdier than a "typical" stick-built home.
If you want to really lust after a pre-fab, check out livinghomes.net
In fact, this series would be remiss not to include Living Homes & an interview with Steve Glenn IMO.
This tour is pretty darn cool:
http://www.livinghomes.net/tour.html
Yes, it's not cheaper, but there are several things no one addresses. Waste on site. There is very little waste and so do not forget how much that can cost to take to the dump or recycle. It is much easier to drywall, no studs to find! We even moved some interior walls out by a foot from the original plans to make a master bath more spacious. There is flexibility.
What there is not, is a great deal of architects and engineers who really understand the construction process for these types of homes which is why I think some of the costs may be higher. The engineer we had for the actual SIPs part of the house was not as familiar with building these homes as we had hoped and found issues along the way. They were originally recommended by the SIPs company, but we found out later they even broke their ties with him. Our foundation engineer was great and "got it." Wish we had known him earlier. Understanding the position of windows can make or break a budget. We had to go back to the architect and ask that they move some of the windows in about 4 ft from some corners which meant reducing them in size somewhat. This saved us about $40K in not having to have a moment frame and it reduced the overall cost of the window package. Even siding applications have different application methods, so you really need to do your homework.
So there is still a huge learning curve in the industry. However to go back to Judy's F4 tornado comment, (and Judy my heart goes out to you) SIPS houses have a history of combatting the elements. They withstood the earthquakes in Kobe Japan. (see:http://www.r-control.com/projects/Kobe-Earthquake.asp). Prefab/manufactured homes and methods are all about what you want. In a modern house. I want a modern way of building, that combines strength, durability, and energy efficiency, to complement the aesthetic. The rest is icing.
If anyone is interested, I've been recording our progress on Ecozome Journal. Here's a brief article:http://ecozome.com/building-slow-ten-things-we-may-have-actually-done-right/
I think the main advantage is that the house's components are built in a plant, in a dry environment, and are quickly assembled on site within a day so that the building never stands open and exposed to the elements. Also, the machine-made parts are a lot more precise than those made on site. Nothing that was later added to the house - like the carport - is as impeccably built as the house itself.
Prefab is just that: the parts are pre-fabricated and not built on site. It doesn't mean it's cheap or standardized, it can be (and mostly is) as individual as a "normal" house.
I have worked in the industry for decades and am enthused to see the continued interest in better ways to build architecturally compelling and healthy, energy efficient buildings.