Passive Solar SIP Modern Prefab House Being Built In Northeast Project Blog

I am so thrilled to begin sharing with you the progress of the passive solar modern prefab being built in the northeast! This client is incredibly creative with impeccable modern taste, is passionate about the environment, and thoughtful in every aspect of her home so I am very excited to share with you her modern prefab house as it is constructed, as she sends updates.

Note: This client is a *very* busy woman who is involved with environmental advocacy. Because of her schedule, she tells me her missives will be sporadic, but I hope not- I can't wait to see what she does!!!!

This client is building her tiny house "backwards" - she is first constructing the guest house, THEN, after selling her current house, will erect the main living area.

The client has made some modifications, which we will detail as the project goes along, but here are initial pictures!

"...the little unit is so beautiful with the Iron Grey rainscreen and windows that look in all 4 directions!  I can't wait to "move in" and start spending time in this healthy place.  A fridge, sink, and stove will be installed in the North room, all necessary to receive an occupancy permit."

[Note: Don't forget an ERV or HRV for fresh air exchange in tight, energy efficient homes!]

She mentioned the contractor did not have green materials experience, so this  is one more example of our prefab house kits adding green building skills and knowledge into each community, which makes me very happy.

Here she describes the prefab house more, and changes.

"Lightly snowing...

The first is of the EAST facade, where the electric connections come in from the road. The long window is in the North room where the kitchen will be placed until the main unit is built. Note one change, from piers to blocks. 
...
Although the roof appears to be at a slant in this photo, it is a 3" tilt from N to South."
[Editor Note: This is an engineering change from our original prefab house design.]

"Second photo is of the East and South facades. The third, of the South facade and porch on the West side.

Note window changes. J. wanted to use Anderson windows, & bigger corner windows meant custom. Again, to save money, I stayed with standard sizes. For the main unit, tho, larger corner windows will be made for the south/west windows. And at the last minute, realizing that solar gain was being blocked by the South wall, I changed the clerestory to a vertical casement, same size as on the East, and it allows light and heat to flood into the entry and living space.

The trees you see in the third photo are on a hill that extends from XXX Road to XXX Lane. The Dogtrot sits on c. 60 acres between these 2 roads.
 

...I truly love the Iron Grey color, you can see how soft it looks, while a blackish paint would be so shiny and hard. And it WAS installed as a rainscreen!"
[Editors Note: She used Hardiplank.]

"The outside doors are steel for fireproofing, after I learned recently that warm season grasses do burn, and burn fiercely and rapidly. I'd like to paint them a bright blue, but the white primer is good for now.

Purchased 2 RainwaterHOGS & think I've have them lying on the ground to hide their ugly olive green.

Job was contracted to be finished by Jan.15th, but we probably are looking at the end of Feb."

She ends with, "...Bitter cold & wind coming back today, and I doubt the drywall will be installed until weather moderates. Same for drilling the well."

Here are original unaltered prefab house renderings, below.  
We can't wait to hear more details on her modern prefab house progress!!!!