A new home has appeared in Santa Monica, California: a prototype of the first line of modular houses from LivingHomes
®, Inc., designed by Ray Kappe, FAIA. In August 2006, the home received the first Platinum rating in the U.S Green Building Council’s pilot LEED
® for Homes.
The 2,500 ft
2 (230 m
2) prototype, assembled from 11 steel-framed modules, features a 2.4 kW photovoltaic system, solar water heating, and a graywater irrigation system. Natural ventilation provides cooling, while large walls of low-emissivity windows offer daylighting and views while minimizing solar gain. The house makes use of radiant floor heating, perhaps an odd choice for an energy-efficient home, especially in a mild climate (see
EBN
Vol. 11, No. 1). Adjustable walls and modular millwork allow occupants to renovate the space to meet their needs, according to LivingHomes, and the steel structure is designed to facilitate additional modules.
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