We've talked about Taalman Koch Architecture a number of times previously (specifically with the off-grid itHouse and Three Junipers), and they're making a bit of news with this temporary space for the Palm Pre, which was recently on display at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, California. The 240 square-foot exhibit had to be built in twelve hours or less, and Taalman Koch was able to get that done using a stripped down version of the itHouse.
Prefab multifamily is the new black these days, which is why we’ve been watching startup ZETA Communities with interest. ZETA, which stands for Zero Energy Technology and Architecture, finished these live/work, net zero energy townhomes in Oakland and has a number of other projects in the works. The townhomes achieved LEED Platinum certification, a 240 green point rating, and an EPA Indoor airPLUS, the EPA’s highest indoor air rating. Each home is 1,540 square feet with two bedrooms and a single-car garage. And they’re packed with some of the following green elements and strategies:
In July or at Dwell on Design, you may have heard about the launch of Hometta, a collective of architects and builders offering affordable, modern home plans online. The collective may just be on to something interesting. Opting to differentiate from the myriad other house plan providers, Hometta is focusing on small, sustainable, modern home design. And all house plans adhere to a set of criteria, or the following principles:
In the southeast Seattle neighborhood of Beacon Hill, you’ll find four, modern, single-family homes. The development was completed by Dwell Development LLC, and each residence received Built Green 5-Star certification, which is the highest level possible within the Built Green program. Located at 1756, 1758, 1760, and 1762 18th Avenue South, two of the homes have 800 watt solar arrays and the other two are wired and ready to go. These 1,600+ square-foot homes also have some of the following green elements:
The Open Architecture Challenge is an international design competition that's hosted every two years. This year, Architecture for Humanity and Orient Global hosted the competition to bring the architecture, design, and engineering community together with students and teachers to envision the classroom of the future. After receiving over a thousand designs, each submission was rated on feasibility, sustainability, innovation in design, and overall design quality. Now, after four rounds, there are eight finalists and one of these will win in September. Check these designs out and tell us which is your favorite:
Project Profiles
