Modular 3

Not only does the lifecycle of a building rely on the selection of recycled materials and energy efficient appliances it also takes design ingenuity and a creative interpretation of the built environment. Much early impetus for the design of Modular 3 was taken from the versatility inherent in modular construction and transport. The proportions of Modular 3 have been tailored to the dimensions of a standard city lot, and a raised pier foundation allows for low-impact implementation in nearly any single-family residential context.

The site chosen was among many vacant lots in an underserved neighborhood, selected to help encourage revitalization and re-growth. It is elevated and south facing with views to the Kansas City skyline to the east. Modest in size, the two bedrooms and one bath residence utilizes all of the 1,200 square foot of living space. We composed the six modules that will form the house along an axis, with bathroom, mechanical, and a galley kitchen arranged in a central wet core. In the second bedroom, a movable storage wall permits modulation of interior space, splitting the area from a single bedroom into a separate office and storage space at the homeowner's whim.

In all aspects of design, choice of materials is governed by their respective longevity, environmental friendliness, and capacities of strength and thermal resistance. Modular 3 incorporates a host of technically advanced building components.

• Open-Joist trusses offer the structural reinforcement necessary for clear spans and transport without added mass or use of resources, as well as allowing the passage of mechanicals.
• Densely packed cellulose fiber insulation (made of recycled newspaper fibers) in floor, wall, and ceiling cavities provides a tight envelope, increasing insulatory properties and fire rating.
• SFI certified Douglas Fir cladding (a fast growing softwood) is sustainably harvested and sealed with a Co Polymer product (environmentally friendly and biologically safe) in a controlled environment.
• Double cellular shades were used on the curtain walls to achieve added thermal retention at night and in winter.
• Renewable bamboo flooring with non toxic glue (formaldehyde less than .12mg/100g) is used throughout the interior.
• Operable windows are located to allow for cross ventilation
• Large South and East facing curtain walls are used to maximize natural light and curtain walls allow for passive solar space heating in the colder months. South facing glazing is recessed 4 ½ feet within the porch to create an overhang shading it from the harsh summer sun.
• East facing curtain wall is shaded by deciduous trees to the east of Mod 3.
• Curtain wall and door uses 50-75% recycled aluminum mullions.
• 70 XL solar control low e glass is used in each curtain wall system.
• Bedroom and hallway windows use Argon filled Low-E annealed glass.
• Polygal interior clerestory allows natural light deep into partitioned rooms.
• The kitchen backsplash was fabricated from recycled aluminum.
• A heat pump was used for more efficient energy usage (as opposed to a separate furnace and air conditioning unit). SEER-13 rated HVAC units ensure cost effective heating and cooling.
• The supplied dishwasher has a heat/no heat switch for drying saves energy.
• Fluorescent lamps are used in all can lights.
• The raised pier construction allows for minimal site impact and natural site drainage. Crushed rocks wrapped in filter fabric under downspouts are used to filter rainwater runoff before permeating deep into the ground.
• Recycled wooden formwork was used for the concrete staircase leading up to the house and the retaining wall. The wood was then reused for the construction of the FEMA approved tornado shelter and garage.
• High recycled content steel was used on the steel I-beam supports, ramp, and railing.
• High fly ash content concrete was used for all concrete work. Fly ash is a waste byproduct from coal burning power plants.