Last weekend, I had the opportunity to tour this newly-built net-zero energy home in Park City, Utah. The Sungazing House, built by Tall Pines Construction and designed by Jean Yves Lacroix, is home to the O’Meara family of four and features impressive views of the surrounding area. Perhaps more impressive, however, is the fact that it’s pursuing Passive House, LEED Platinum, and NAHB Emerald certifications.
Yesterday, LivingHomes announced that this modern prefab in Newport Beach received LEED Platinum certification. Designed by KieranTimberlake, the KTLH1.5 model home was a showcase for TED 2009 and features stylish, contemporary interiors from Kristin Kilmer Design. Steve Glenn, CEO of LivingHomes, said the home “uses far less energy, water, and materials resources than most homes and … has far better indoor air quality.”
Blu Homes continues to dominate the green prefab world. Today the company announced the relaunch of Glidehouse, a gorgeous home originally made famous by Michelle Kaufmann. Glidehouse will be available nationally and built in Blu’s own factory using the company’s proprietary steel and wood framing system. The new Glidehouse retains all of the signature features of the old design and can be purchased for $360,000+.
Minarc recently took an R+D Award from Architect Magazine for this sink made of recycled rubber tires. RUBBiSH, as it's called, is made through a process whereby tires are melted, stripped of particulates and impurities, and stretched in a lightweight layer over a sub-material to create the surface. RUBBiSH is available in a 1/8 inch sheet of rubber or in a framed option where the product is held in place by two sheets of aluminum at the countertop edge.
KitHAUS, a California-based prefab company, recently introduced a tiny new design called the Kpod. The 117 square-foot structure is made with bolt-together aluminum framing, SIPs, dual-glazed windows, cement board siding, and either a wood or steel clad sliding barn door. KitHAUS specially designed a solar power and HVAC system for the Kpod, though solar is not included in the sub-$20,000 price tag. Perfect for shedworking, Kpod is ideal as a backyard studio, workout space, or something similar.
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