IN-PERSON Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

30+ students and faculty from [Institution] designed [Project] – a new single-family housing typology which addresses challenges specific to [Region] in affordability, constructability, sustainability, and resiliency. [Region] demands flexible and scalable affordability solutions. Each [Project] home, based on a modular 4’ grid and hybrid off/on-site construction, can expand from a one-bedroom, one-bath core to a six bedrooms and four baths. In areas with higher property costs, a core unit ADU can defray mortgage costs. In rural areas, a larger single unit can replace multiple mobile homes. Market analysis by an MBA team confirmed this expandability could drive affordability. Major systems are constructed off-site – enhancing quality control and economies of scale, especially in the kitchen, mechanical room, and saferoom/bathroom which could potentially be the first CLT saferoom brought to market. Unlike the mobile homes it replaces, [Project] is built to standard building codes, allowing it to serve as mortgage collateral. The structural walls are 2-1/4” thick native species Cross Laminated Timber panels. Exterior insulation, finishes, and solar shades / storm shutters are transported inside the module for site application, which also facilitates on-site disassembly for expansion, maintenance, and recycling. [Project] integrates passive design strategies, such as solar shades and a continuous 8’ plate height that optimizes solar panel exposure and passive cooling through clerestory windows. An energy management system with a whole-home battery enhances resiliency against unreliable electrical infrastructure, especially in rural areas. The paper details the urgent questions, proposed solutions, outcomes to date, and future challenges and potentials of [Project].