Plant Prefab aims to make housing accessible and affordable

Between impact on the land, use of resources, construction waste and effects on air quality, the building and maintenance of homes and businesses accounts for nearly 40% of carbon emissions on the planet. Plant Prefab setting out to change all that. 

The concept behind Plant Prefab is prefabricated homes. It’s a process the construction industry has leaned into for a variety of reasons, including the fact that prefabbed buildings require less materials and create substantially less waste. Working from this base of knowledge, Plant Prefab builds custom multi-family or single-family homes from any architectural design. 

Related: These prefabricated tiny homes are earthquake- and fire-resistant

This in-house building system addresses many environmental and industry-specific issues. One is the shortage of skilled labor in the construction field. Efficiency in the plant means less labor is required. The process is also cost effective by streamlining material and labor expenses. 

The hybrid modular model of building panels equates to short project timelines, 20% to 50% faster than a standard build. The process is flexible, so it can cater to endless combinations of low or high volume real estate developments at a 10% 25% cost savings and up to 30% less waste.

When in full swing, the company anticipates being able to produce around 900,000 square feet of living space per year, equivalent to 800 dwelling units. Currently, the company is catering to custom builds, but they are working to scale the process to serve a breadth of customers across all price points, becoming a solution for the housing crisis across the U.S.

The company’s third plant will break ground this month. It will be located on 17 acres in the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center, 25 miles south of Bakersfield, California. The innovative automated system will guide the business towards achieving these goals, with production starting in about a year.

“The launch of our hub is a critical milestone in Plant Prefab’s broader mission to make architectural, sustainable housing more accessible, as it allows us to expand our capabilities from single-family and small multifamily housing into high-volume, large-scale developments – including student, affordable and market-rate housing for real estate, hospitality and corporate developers,” said Steve Glenn, founder and CEO of Plant Prefab.

Plant Prefab is the first Certified B Corporation building technology company dedicated to sustainable design, materials and operations. The new hub echoes sustainability goals with efficient systems to minimize water use and energy consumption. Energy-efficient lighting, appliances and mechanical systems ensure low-usage requirements. The plant will also rely on solar power for energy production. Plant Prefab has announced a goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2028.

The homes produced in the Plant Prefab factories are held to an equally high sustainable building standard. Materials are selected for occupant and environmental health such as wool-based insulation and recycled drywall, as well as zero-VOC paints, stains and sealants. 

+ The Brown Studio and Plant Prefab

Images via Plant Prefab

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/3fUFM88
via Inhabitat

19th century Harlem house restored to be energy efficient

A 19th-century house, owners interested in passive house design and an architectural firm came together with a resulting blend of original elements married to modern innovations in a big-city row house.

MESH Architectures led the design for this original Brownstone building in New York City. While the façade looks like others in the Harlem area, it’s been restored bottom to top. Walls and roofing are air sealed and insulated with ample blown-in cellulose insulation for energy efficiency.

Related: The United States’ first Passive Plus House generates nearly all the energy it needs

Inside, the cellar was converted into a home gym and media area. The main floor houses the kitchen and dining room that open into the back patio space. One floor up, the parlor level features the living room and library. The master bedroom and home office/guest room are located on the third floor, with four bedrooms on the fourth floor. 

Each level was modernized with innovative HVAC systems that constantly filter air to provide fresh air for the residents. The systems are ultra energy-efficient, leaving behind a minimal environmental footprint. 

Although brought up to date in terms of passive design standards, the team put significant effort into retaining elements of the original 1800s era home. The process involved repairing the extensive original woodwork around the windows, doors, stairs and fireplaces, while updating the home at the same time. 

The hybrid interior design is seen throughout the space with fixtures that are a blend of new and historical. While the kitchen was completely remodeled for the modern era, some doors were recycled by relocating them in order to salvage them. 

“This house is an integration of old and new. It is airy and clean, and it responds directly to the needs of a modern urban family,” said MESH Principal Eric Liftin. “We emphasized the social space of the kitchen/dining room/yard, while making a special effort to preserve the historical elements of the house. The house is full of recent building science technology, yet it feels like a serene, historic Harlem row house. We were happy to learn that the clients had already learned about passive house construction before we met them.”

Although a row house by design, the retrofitting of energy-efficient technology stands as an example of what’s possible for home renovations in the name of zero-emission futures for both existing and new architecture. 

+ MESH Architectures 

Photography by Frank Oudeman 

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/3Kz9aPk
via Inhabitat

Indoor-outdoor living drives this design for VAVA House

Architecture takes a variety of forms and serves many purposes, but most people would agree that the best home is one that meets the family’s needs and lifestyle goals. To this end, VAVA House was designed to emphasize indoor-outdoor living through shared space and a connection to the outdoors. 

Designed by Fivedot Architects, this Seattle, Washington home caters to the client’s desire for a space that reinforces family connection within the home and community relationships outside the home. Unlike most residential homes that open into the backyard, VAVA House opens outdoor living into the front yard where it can be shared with neighbors. 

Related: Brutalist home in Puerto Rico is resistant to weather

Inside, cozy coves beneath the staircase and in a narrow TV viewing area provide space for reflection and relaxation. Larger areas are equipped for group gatherings, whether that be family, neighbors or friends. In all, the house features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open floor plan throughout the main living area, a home gym, lounge, office and bonus room in a 3,643-square-foot space. 

Out front, the home features an expansive patio with gathering areas, a custom-made wood swing, and heat sources such as a firepit and heater for year-round entertaining. The swing incorporates recycled roof joists from the previous home and souvenir hardware the clients brought back from India. 

Plants and landscaping surround the home, including a green roof and beds along the front yard and street. The theme continues with a custom plant rack for hydroponic growing.

Previous concrete on-site is fashioned into the design to minimize water runoff and waste. Extensive solar panels produce renewable energy for the home.

Fun, custom additions adorn the home. Prints of the children’s first steps are imprinted into the floor, and mural prints by Mario de Miranda decorate the walls.

+ Fivedot

Images via Mark Woods

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/3KxvCZw
via Inhabitat

Energy efficient bamboo device in Vietnam is a cooling system

AREP, a multidisciplinary architecture agency, created a cooling system prototype based on the history, culture and original designs used by ancient civilizations. Called an adiabatic urban cooling system, the idea dates back centuries, yet is still perhaps the most natural solution for the challenges of cooling modern Vietnamese cities facing regular heat waves.

The adiabatic urban cooling system relies on the copious amounts of water throughout Hanoi. At a local level, the system works to naturally cool the air through an evaporation process. It’s energy-efficient since there’s no energy required to implement the adiabatic principle. 

Related: LEGO to build its first carbon neutral factory in Vietnam 

It’s also a frugal solution to cool the cities and public areas without a need for energy production or the use of polluting refrigerants like those in air conditioning units. All that’s needed is fresh water and hot air — two things Vietnam has in natural abundance.

The cultural relevance of the adiabatic technique goes beyond the system itself. It has a unique update that supports local artisans and incorporates another resource Vietnam has an abundance of — bamboo. 

In addition to agriculture and fishing, Vietnam supports a bustling arts and crafts industry. Villages scattered throughout the region have developed specialization in bamboo, pottery, textile and even recycled beer glass techniques. For AREP’s prototype, the team met and worked with local families to develop a system that could be built by locals. 

They initially experimented with glass, but found glass to be fragile and unsafe. In the end, they turned to bamboo for the main structure. The marriage of AREP’s modern take on an ancient process with traditional handicrafts in the region became a viable, low-tech and energy-efficient solution for cooling down the city’s outdoor spaces. 

+ AREP

Images via AREP Vietnam

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/3Ap0cj9
via Inhabitat

Green roofs top Marmormolen's sustainable timber architecture

The timber design for Copenhagen’s upcoming large commercial building Marmormolen shows sustainable architecture leadership from designers Henning Larson and Ramboll. Lush with green roofs, a waterfront garden and more, the project shows what a commercial building can be to a community.

Marmormolen, which will break ground in 2022 and open in 2024, was created to be a combination retail, office and public programming space. It will be one of the largest contemporary wood structures in Denmark. The building integrates into the innovative district of the Nordhavn waterfront, which has replaced a traditionally industrial neighborhood with a residential and tech district complete with self-driving bus test routes and recycled brick buildings.

Related: University under a hill in India has a green roof

Marmormolen features an open green plaza out front to welcome visitors and includes lush rooftop gardens and promenades. The building blends seamlessly with the waterfront via a park that extends to the water. Marmormolen measures 28,000 square meters with eight stories and is primarily being built for the AP Pension company.

“Today, it is imperative that architecture challenges our usual notion of structures and materials,” said Soren Ollgaard, Partner and Design Director at Henning Larsen. “The construction industry is a major emitter of CO2, and we therefore also have great opportunities to make things better.” Henning Larsen is collaborating with AP Pension to prioritize the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals in creating the building.

Green urban space surrounds Marmormolen on three sides. The building has a full height of eight stories on the street side where train tracks cross, stepping down to three stories toward housing on the opposite side. This is possible because the building is built of cubes with individual rooftops featuring terraces, gardens, butterfly houses and beehives. The rooftop can even produce vegetables for the cafeteria.

“Workplaces used to be very interior and exclusive, but people today want to feel they are a part of a more diverse community and open up to their surroundings. With Marmormolen we want to create more than a great office building, we also want it to give something back to the city and makes the building come alive – even outside office hours,” said Mikkel Eskildsen, Associate Design Director and Lead Design Architect on the project. The ground floor will house an auditorium, various markets and public meeting spaces.

On upper, more private levels, workplaces enjoy views of the city skyline and the sea. A large courtyard tops the center of the building with planted gardens.

+ Henning Larsen and Ramboll

Images via Henning Larsen and Ramboll

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/3Agb5nu
via Inhabitat

Vegan handbags' new line was inspired by photography and women

Investing in a long product lifespan is one of the most sustainable actions companies and consumers can make. NOIRANCA, a company singularly aimed at this goal, has debuted a line of handbags with a commitment to protecting the environment. 

Quality is the primary objective at NOIRANCA, with the belief that creating a timeless look will keep the bag in circulation longer and out of the landfill for many years to come. Unlike many companies that prime their profits by promoting fast fashion, NOIRANCA challenges customers to buy less and enjoy longer.

Related: Cariuma teams up with Mike Vallely for 100% vegan shoes

To achieve durable craftsmanship, the company relies on 30 dedicated artisans who work in a family company with 50 years of design experience. NOIRANCA is proud to support small business in a small town, rather than investing in a massive, resource consumptive production facility.

Each bag is handcrafted in partnership with suppliers that adhere to strict and measurable environmental standards. This includes EU REACH and U.S, CA65 regulations, plus ISO9001 certification.

“Traceability, transparency, circularity, and positive consumption are central to NOIRANCA,” the company summarized in a press release.

In alignment with that mission, NOIRANCA ensures all partners are committed to protecting the water from toxic chemicals. The product lineup was inspired by the work of legendary photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and his iconic women collaborators.

In fact, the styles and colors of the bags were designed as a statement to these women, full of expression and empowerment. Alice Neel, Amanda Leer, Grace Jones, Patti Smith and Debbie Harry are honored in the five design styles, available in brown, dusty rose, olive and blue.  

Each bag is made from vegan leather made up of 58% recycled materials for an appealing look without harming animals. From the materials selection through to eco-friendly packaging, NOIRANCA advocates environmental corporate responsibility at every step of the process. 

+ NOIRANCA 

Images via NOIRANCA

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/33KBU76
via Inhabitat

Urwahn Platzhirsch e-bike wins major sustainability award

German bike maker Urwahn has received the German Sustainability Award 2022, Europe’s biggest award for social and ecological commitment to helping the planet, for its E-Bike Platzhirsch. The Platzhirsch is a 3D-printed steel electric bike with a gorgeous matte frame. The award honors groundbreaking contributions toward a sustainable future and boosts Urwahn’s efforts to create fair conditions for people and the environment.

The jury for the German Sustainability Award is comprised of leaders in the fields of design and sustainability. The E-Bike Platzhirsch was given the award this year for its steel frame, which is featured on all Urwahn bikes. The idea is that steel provides longevity as it can be repaired and recycled better than carbon or aluminum, thus reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Related: CAKE announces new :work series of mopeds and e-bikes

The E-Bike Platzhirsch has 250 watts of power, producing 40 Nm torque and up to 25 km/h support from the electric motor. This produces a range of 208 Wh, making it a great urban commuter bike. All cables are routed inside the frame, giving it a sleek and modern look.

Urwahn runs short production cycles and focuses on regional sales to further reduce production waste and extra carbon from shipping. Every Urwahn e-bike is created according to the principles of lean production, on-demand, and just-in-time.

CEO and Urwahn founder Sebastian Meinecke explained, “Sustainability plays a central role for us and goes far beyond production. People are always at the center of everything we do. For this reason, we have conspired to ultra individualization in order to be able to consider the needs for design, function and safety on a whole level. In addition, we pay all people involved in the value creation fairly, pay attention to regulated working hours and preserve health protection.”

+ Urwahn Bikes

Images via Urwahn Bikes

from INHABITAT https://ift.tt/3fpZybG
via Inhabitat