This site-assembled Aussie prefab is a perfect small-footprint solution for those exploring living an Outback lifestyle or in need of a backyard studio.

Designed and created by architect Craig Chatman, ARKit features exterior cladding made of underutilized, short length timber. The prefab design also features all-in-one panel walls that are factory built, complete with insulation, cladding and internal lining. The modular manufacturing process is low waste and efficient – making on-site construction a breeze.

The various configuration of ARKit range from backyard office or studio to multiple bedroom designs.

All of which require little site work (can be installed with no formal foundation), easy construction (factory prebuilt), and feature natural cedar siding that can be left with its natural finish and allowed to age to a classic grey patina.  Customization is possible with rainwater capture systems, solar panels and various other energy-saving features available.

West coast-based Urban Hardwoods creates impressive rustic wood home furnishings from the salvaged and reclaimed lumber obtained from the remains of diseased, dead, or storm damaged trees.

The magnificent chunk of California Redwood that forms the headboard of the bed pictured above was found in a barn near Mt. Vernon Washington. The 5 giant slabs of Redwood had originally been offered to a cabinetmaker in the Midwest, who for whatever reason, never got around to using them. More of Urban Hardwoods’ work is pictured below:

In order above: salvaged walnut desk, salvaged elm bench and elm dining table – all made from wood salvaged from the Seattle, Washington area.

Sometimes the shape of the building lot dictates the shape of a home. This cool looking site-built home, designed by California-based Office of Mobile Design, is a manifestation of OMD’s SwellHouse design. The prefab’s construction features a modular grid of exposed steel columns and beams that create 3,130 sf of graciously open live-work space.

The SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) system of prefabricated wall and roof panels provides this hacienda with modular structural stability, plus thermal and acoustic insulation. The SIP panels were assembled remotely, trucked to the site, and set in place manually.

This home is separated into two buildings – the main house, and a garage with a second floor recording studio. The two structures frame a courtyard. Two existing mature palm trees, and the small lot’s setbacks determined the placement of the structures.

Ceilings are high and the steel ‘I’ beams are exposed on the interior. The home’s rectangular shape and framing allow for plenty of sliding glass. A radiant tube heat system warms the concrete floor at the first floor.

Many people live and work in giant glass and mortar boxes devoid of fresh air. Designer François Hurtaud created this concept for this modular vegetated wall to create a natural, living air filter that also serves as an aesthetically pleasing art and lighting installation.  Plants have the capacity to depollute the air.

Hurtaud designed his modular green wall system as an “interior lung to enhance air quality and create a luminous positive effect on users.” The plants are carefully chosen for their detoxifying capacities, while the light is provided by ecoefficient LEDs mounted in the fixture’s mounted blades.

Looking to build or purchase your tropical dream home?  Need to getaway to a luxury vacation rental?  Or simply like to look at places you’ll never be able to afford?  These exotic eco-properties may be just for you.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not really into ‘development’ but I do think these sustainable, “eco-homes” being built in Costa Rica by the green development company Kalia have nice designs and an interesting concept.

Kalia handles everything from land sales to the design and building of vacation homes, rental properties and sustainable communities on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

The company strives to seamlessly integrate their homes into the contours of the beautiful Costa Rican landscape.

These homes are situated to maximize the natural cooling effects of cross ventilation.  Other design features: green roofing systems designed to filter CO2 and pollutants while reducing storm water run-off, gray water recycling, solar energy systems and low-impact foundation systems that reduce the need for heavy construction equipment.  Kalia also designs their villages to support local culture and trade with local communities.

Space and energy are two commodities that will only increase, in both expensive and demand, as our population grows. This solar power concept from English designer Gurdeep Sandhu features solar panel arrays that would fold down when not in use in a saw-horse design. The system provides a space-saving, solar power source for residential and commercial consumers who have multiple uses for  their small rooftop, garden or yard.  Open it during daylight hours and fold it down at night. Need to play some soccer or sunbathe?  Just fold the panels down. I presume the installation would be easily moved or retro-fitted to rotate for maximum solar exposure.

California continues to lead the way in green energy solutions and it’s not just about big box stores anymore.  The latest case in point, a local California market is now powering-up with electricity it captures on its own solar array.  The Stellar Solar system is the first solar installation on an Encinitas grocery store and was funded in part by a facade grant from Cardiff 101 MainStreet.

Seaside Market, a North County San Diego independent market, has installed a 3.8kW system on their front awning to help offset their electricity consumption.  The system will ultimately be joined by a planned rooftop installation that will generate significantly more power. (more…)

We’ve been following eco and prefab design specialist Michelle Kaufmann as well as green design firm, Blu, over the years and we’re happy to see that Blu’s expanding…Today, BluHomes, Inc. (www.bluhomes.com) just opened doors to their new office in San Francisco and introduced its West Coast team.  Paul Warner, former president of Michelle Kaufmann Designs, and new creative director for Blu’s mkDesigns line, will head-up the West Coast design team.

Blu also today announced that it has launched a new web address for its recently redesigned mkDesigns website, www.mkdesigns.com.  The mkDesigns Glidehouse was re-launched in August 2010 and the first Glidehouse since Blu acquired mkDesigns is scheduled to be delivered to Washington state in spring of 2011.  The firm’s forthcoming design, Breezehouse, created in partnership with Sunset Magazine, is pictured above.

source: prnewswire

Related:  previously on altCon
Michelle Kaufmann finds new Blu home

The Big Sur PreFab, created by Jennifer Siegel and Office of Mobile Design, rests high-up amidst 217 acres of California mountain wilderness.  The self-sufficient residence is designed to be independent and connected to the surrounding landscape.

The folded standing seam metal roofline provides an armature to enhance the productivity of the home’s twenty solar PV panels and two solar thermal panels while also creating passive shading from the southern sun.

The 2150 square foot, 2-story home is constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs). The prefab was created via a process that produced less material waste, a faster construction cycle, a tighter building envelope, green finishes and higher insulating properties – green building features that resulted in a lower total life-cycle cost of the home.

The first floor utilizes an open layout that emphasizes the strong relationship between the indoor living/kitchen/dining/reading (more…)