Pre-fabulous: Checking out Marmol Radziner Prefab
Prefab is all over the architecture media lately, with leading environmental and architectural minds wondering why the movement hasn't really taken off. It's economical, green, and actually very cool. Unfortunately, the general consensus seems to be that prefab suffers from the public's impression of prefab homes as "trailer park."
I wonder, though, if manufacturers like Marmol Radziner will have a hand in changing that perception. Right now, there are a handful of prefab designers and manufacturers out there creating really cool, modern prefab homes.
I know I'd love to see more homes like this in my area - they're so much cooler (and more practical) than your standard McMansion:
I wonder, though, if manufacturers like Marmol Radziner will have a hand in changing that perception. Right now, there are a handful of prefab designers and manufacturers out there creating really cool, modern prefab homes.
I know I'd love to see more homes like this in my area - they're so much cooler (and more practical) than your standard McMansion:
I really like the low profile of prefab homes and I think they're especially conducive to rocky, barren or mountainous landscapes. They blend in. At the same time, I can imagine this home hidden in a forest, with the lights shining like a beacon.
Part of the key to making prefab look really livable is creating a smooth transition between interior and exterior - it's important that the house feel like part of the landscape, like it belongs there and wasn't just plopped down. This extended overhang and clean step create a neat transition space that feels natural.
This is a cool example of how prefab can be customized. Combining a couple of prefab frames in a personal way creates a unique space that's still cost-effective and low impact.
The addition of outside space within the steel frame format is interesting here, and creates an indoor-outdoor living area that I really like for entertaining. I'd love to see the land in between the frames dressed up with a garden or maybe even a water feature - something to create a focal point.
While it's not a feature that's necessarily tied to prefab, I so love the view through this house. It would work equally well in other environments - by the water or in the hills.
What I like in this space is that it doesn't feel like prefab. There's nothing overly standard about it. Plus, I'm always a fan of private, but open spaces, and I think this bedroom achieves that.
When you've got windows like these, you don't need a lot of interior design - it's best to go neutral inside so you don't compete with the amazing view. I do like, though, how comfortable this space looks. It's neutral, but not boring, and spare without looking empty.
Open kitchens are natural in prefab houses - this one feels perfect to me because it's got it's own space, but it's still open to the living area. Perfect, really, for a family with small kids or for someone who throws tons of parties.