PrefabricatedAffordable

Housing

Independent Research Project by Cristina Perdomo

Mentor: Professor Mark Kessler

Fall 06’ - Winter 07’University of California, Davis

Objectives

Analyze the development of prefabricated architecture to understand its advantages as means of affordable housing.

Understand the necessities of urban low-income families and how prefabricated construction can offer them a choice for housing.

Learn about case studies of affordable prefabricated and/or modular housing.

After research, take on a case study of urban low-income housing and apply prefabricated solutions.

Background• Modernist Movement

• Le Corbusier and the Maison Citrohan.

• Standardized architectural elements.

• Jean Prouvé’s envision for the Unité d’Habitation in Marseilles.

Beginning in the U.S.

1942 - Walter Gropius and Konrad Wachsman “Packaged House”

1944 - Richard Buckminster “Dymaxion Deployment Unit”

“Wichita House”

Towards Modernity

Frank Lloyd Wright and the Usonian Houses.

Charles and Ray Eames and the Eames House.

Modern Attempts House of Today competition and

the Zip-up House by Richard Rogers.

The Yacht House by Richard Horden

Archigram

Current Prefab Trends

The “Dwell Home”

by Resolution 4

Prefab Entrepreneurs

Jennifer Siegal

Ralph Rapson

Michelle Kauffman and The Glide House

Lowerline House - New Orleans

Shipping Containers

Container Studios at Trinity Buoy WharfBy Nicholas Lacey

Hypothesis

Prefab can become affordable.

With the right use of technology the gap between aesthetics and affordability can be closed.

Shipping containers can bring aesthetics, safety, and affordability to everyone.

Model for Project

Valencia Gardens - Mission Housing

Current projectHunters Point in San Francisco

Current project

2 Bedroom Apt 3 Bedroom Apt - 1st Level 3 Bedroom Apt - 2nd Level

Current project

Front View Back View

Structured Insulated Panels

Conclusion

Shipping containers have proven that they can be transformed into living and working dwellings in Europe.

They are accessible and with the right design, they can be beautiful options for affordable housing.

They are sustainable since something that already exists can be reused in a new way.

Questions?