Watching The Development Of An EcoContemp Prefab House

The EcoContempo prefabricated house is a collaboration between Northern Steel and architect Gregory La Vardera. FabPrefab presents an interview with the architect and an overview of the manufacturing and on-site assembly process.

1 minute read

March 28, 2006, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The 6030 House began as a modification to the previously designed 6040 House. A customer approached us with a property pre-approved for a 60ft x 30ft footprint...

...The [manufacturing and assembly] process follows more closely the practices of commercial construction rather than residential construction. Design drawings lead into engineering documentation which leads to shop fabrication drawings - each step more detailed. This documentation is used by the various fabricators to create the inventory of parts that go into each house. The elements are manufactured and shipped to site where they arrive along with other manufactured components such as doors and windows.

Assembly is rapid in comparison to home building and carpentry as the various "parts" are larger in scale and more is completed at each stage. The main frame is erected, sub-framing installed, wall and roof panels applied, window and doors installed. Our final product is a weather tight shell on the customers foundation ready for interior fit out to suit their desires and budget."

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 in Fabprefab

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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