Ultra-affordable and ecological-minded, factory-built housing units for SE USA
The CONCEPT: WHAT IF A "FACTORY-BUILT, ENERGY-EFFICIENT MOBILE HOME" WAS OFFERED TO THE MARKETPLACE (and/or the international disaster relief market-place)? AND, WHAT IF IT MET THE IRC (International Residential Code for housing including structurally-sound foundations that could also be demountable for relocation) and, could function in a place with a limited infra-structure or no utility grid in-place? What if TVA (or other utility companies) could provide and maintain solar panel products and systems (which also feed their grid)? What if these units could also be used for immediate disaster relief housing (including first responders) and later converted to permanent housing (as needed)? What if consumers were able to purchase these units utilizing special subsidized financing amortized over a 40-year mortgage for qualified buyers? The benefits of this concept include the following: 1) units will be energy efficient with limited or no utility costs; 2) lower monthly payments as a result of extended mortgage rates; 3) lower insurance rates as a result of IRC code compliance; and 4) reduced electric utility with net metering, on-site PV electric generation could be a profit center or at least, eliminate or reduce electric utility costs. Ultimately, this combination strategy makes these units very, very affordable!
This PROJECT has been acknowledged by the FEMA Alternative Housing Pilot Program (AHPP) - - - where the GreenMobileTM was selected number one in ranking and awarded funding ($5.8 million) for the construction of 100 units on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in December 2006. Currently working w/ the governor's office and MEMA to execute the grant.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES: This GreenMobileTM proposal accepts the fact that the basic concept and strategy (of mobile home production and delivery) is exceptional; the only intention here is to modify the end product. The following list proposes (more) efficient methods of production and assembly, as well as how to incorporate ecological (green) design principles.
The following criteria (advantages) have guided this project:
BASIC STRUCTURE / ENVELOPE (green SIPs): Using fewer parts on the assembly
line by constructing the envelope (floors, walls, roofs, and possibly
interior walls) out of SIPs (structural insulated panels). The envelope
assembly sits atop a standard trailer bed for transport in the assembly
line and for ultimate delivery. SIPs provide extremely high R-Values for
the envelope of the bldg.
FLEXIBILITY (open building systems + Design for Dissassembly [Dfd]): Over
time, most homeowners will make additions (to) or remodel their dwelling.
This is one of the largest growing economies within the building industry.
Unfortunately, most buildings are NOT systematically designed to be adaptable;
huge expenses are incurred to make changes. Oftentimes, "fighting" with
the existing structure in order to install the new work, is one of the
major costs. Open building system is a concept that promotes a design
philosophy that systematically allows for change and adaptability. This
project will incorporate systematic strategies for growth and change (which
can parallel how family structures also grow and change). "Pre-fabricated
plug-in" rooms, plug-in porches, and surface mounted wiring, etc., are
an integral part of this design.
PASSIVE DESIGN (Daylighting and natural ventilation): By examining the
climate of the Gulf and the Delta, existing research has determined that
certain plan diagrams as well as site orientations will perform optimally.
Ironically, the long thin profile of the typical mobile home performs
well when orientated on an east-west axis, if porches (and/or overhangs)
are included along the south side. The south-facing porch keeps the direct
sun off the building but still allows for interior daylighting. The porch
also allows for more protected windows on the wall which can be used to
maximize natural air movement which almost always comes from the south
in the warmer months. Basically, the GreenMobileTM house will use built-in
porches to modulate the sun and wind; culturally, the porch will also
invigorate the street in an urban or suburban setting.
SITE DESIGN (integrating building into the site): Typically, buildings
are considered as discrete components disassociated from the building
lot and/or site. This proposal considers the two inseparable. Sustainable
design dictates that this building plan diagram can only work (well) in
one basic orientation; and therefore, be completely inappropriate for
certain lots or sites. The GreenMobileTM unit would be sold with a kit
of specific tree plantings (using species best suited per geographic location)
along with a planting diagram. Xeriscape principles would be employed.
MATERIALS (life-cycle): All building materials will undergo a sustainability
and life-cycle analysis which addresses (but is not limited to) the following:
1- local, regional supplies of raw material and manufacturing (using local
economy); we are looking carefully at the wood industry (2nd largest economy
in Mississippi); we intend to use all-wood finishes (interior/exterior/floors/ceilings);
2- stewardship of natural resources; 3- regional shipping; and 4- long
term durability
APPLIANCES AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS: All appliances and mechanical systems
will undergo a life-cycle analysis which addresses (but is not limited
to) the following: 1-Energy Star ratings for all appliances; 2-using natural
systems as much as possible in conjunction w/ mechanical systems; 3-composting
toilets/ wetland sanitary; 4-solar hot water pre-heat; 5-photovoltaics
for daytime use (no batteries if connected to the grid; net metering w/
utility companies); 6-ceiling fans; and exhaust fans which supplement
natural air flows (such as 'flushing' hot air out during night-time daily
cycles; 7-rainwater harvesting (for all gray water needs (and possible
potable water); 8- ductless A/C systems (which maximize "on-demand" needs
and also eliminates air ducts that are a major cause of indoor air quality
problems; and 9-electric lighting (only needed at night) to be compact
fluorescent.
Helical Pier FOUNDATION SYSTEMS: The GreenMobile unit will be delivered
to the site on a modified mobile home trailer bed. Prior to delivery,
a pier foundation system will have been installed and ready to connect
the unit. The modular unit will be rolled into place and lowered down
on the piers to be securely bolted in-place. The helical piers can be
put into place with portable hydraulic equipment that can be hauled by
a pick-up truck; all the piers can be placed within a day's time. The
disruptive impacts to the site from heavy machinery and concrete trucks
will be eliminated. It can easily be assembled and disassembled.