We have increasingly developed our own modular approaches to the design, fabrication, and implementation of affordable, high-quality prefabrication systems. We have come to see this as our own unique system of parts that are not just physical building components, but also a set of ideas about design and building that can be thoughtfully adapted as required by unique sites and client programs. We call this approach AB Parts House and utilize it here in the specifically adapted design of the Tung-Wieler residence for the Dwell House Invitational.
In the sections that follow, we explain the primary features of the design, and the approach we have taken in this application of our AB Parts House‘ system.
Site Strategy
Sited on ridge to maximize light, air flow, views
Modules step with slope to minimize cuts and fill
Excavated earth is re-used as design-integrated landscape elements
Deployment along ridgeline maximizes natural attributes of the site
Arrival sequence designed for minimal grading, maximal spatial experience
The house is carefully sited to take advantage of the unique qualities of the ridgeline the Tung-Wielers have chosen as the site for their home. The modular building elements are deployed to emphasize the form of this ridge from both a great distance away as a part of the arrival sequence, and from close up as a part of the entry sequence. The entry drive and entry walk are placed in relation to the ridge in such a way as to again emphasize the ridge, and to minimize grading and excavation cost and site disturbance. The excavated earth is reused immediately adjacent to the foundation holes as large berms that help to spatially define the courtyard deck and to direct views, provide layers of privacy and organize entry divisions between the house and the future music studio and office space. The minimum essential earthwork is designed to eliminate expensive trucking of dirt, while at the same time creating additional richness in the siting and living experience of the house.
Quality of Life
Privacy of site configuration allows open-flow building configuration
Lacy trees, sun screens, windows, walls, stairs, curtains work as filters
Filter devices define layers of privacy, shading and spatial definition
Continuity of curved interior ceiling emphasizes openness, unity of house
Perforated steel stair, railing, and wall elements extend and open spaces
Alternating solid panels/window zones link interior and exterior as screen
House is organized around outdoor living zones
This is a remarkable building site for the opportunities it provides
to establish a private setting surrounded by nature. The sloping topography
allows access to light and territorial views through the filter of the
trees, suggesting an ambient openness rather than a focused view orientation.
We would like the house to feel like a clearing in the woods, full of
light and air during all seasons of the year. When winter comes and the
trees drop their leaves, the distant hills come into focus, and the main
floor windows allow for views in every direction. Stripes of low winter
light will animate the interior with the moving shadows of the bare trees,
the slatted sun screens, and on-again off-again wall panels, organizing
layers of nature and construction into a dense spatial unity. In spring
and summer, the harsh higher sun will be modulated by the sun screens
and roof overhangs, and the green filtered light through the leafy trees
will provide a shaded dapple to all the rooms and exterior living spaces.
The alternating application of solid panels and vertical window strips
is particularly appropriate for this private site, and the equivalence
of glazing on both long sides reflects the requirement to balance preferred
views to the North, and light access from the south. The alternating panel
pattern also highlights the panelized construction approach, and illustrates
the ability to place solids and voids to take advantage of the particularities
of site and program.
Construction Strategy
Modular design components simplify adaptation to specific sites, programs
Adaptive application of familiar components speeds permitting, financing
Conventional foundation speeds permitting, financing, construction
Off-the shelf materials and methods adapted and applied for efficiency
Prefabrication of components easily expanded in post-prototype production
Repeated modules maximize design and construction efficiency
Non-proprietary materials and systems allows localized sourcing
Competitive bidding for non-proprietary components lowers cost
Sponsored products are featured throughout design
Potential sponsored product opportunities identified and featured
Flexibility of component assembly adapts to diverse sites and programs
Design modules structured for easy phasing, expansion and remodeling
Base modules and optional modules allow flexible implementation
To meet the strict time and budget conditions of the project, we chose
well-proven and readily available building components and systems that
already have ICBO approvals and can be easily permitted and financed.
The panelized SIPS wall system can be purchased from numerous sources
throughout the country, and is utilized in full-panel factory direct module
sizes that require virtually no site fabrication and produce no waste.
The single-piece vertical panel arrangement allows for off-site installation
of exterior and interior finish surfaces so that panels will arrive fully
completed, ready for assembly. At present, few fabrication facilities
offer this kind of secondary manufacturing of the panel products, and
it is more cost effective to install these finishes on-site, but this
is a promising area for future development of SIPS panel-based building
systems.
The organization of windows into alternating strips of window and solid
wall accommodates project sponsor Loewen’s standard window components
without the need for custom curtain wall assemblies. This approach can
adapt to alternate window dimensions by altering the spacing between the
SIPS panels. To speed site assembly, the vertical window strips can be
mulled together in the factory in full-story or building-height modules,
using temporary braces and protective surfaces to keep them rigid and
squared up until fixed in place on site.
Resource Efficiency, Environmental Comfort and Recyclability
Solar shading provided by extended eaves and sun screens
Natural ventilation made possible by window placement and selection
Indoor/outdoor living areas allow activities to follow comfort zones
SIPS super insulation panel system for walls and ceiling structure
Resource efficient, sustainably produced engineered wood products
Energy efficient glazing system specified with Loewen window system
High-efficiency integrated space and water heating system
Concrete slab floors provide thermal ballast for passive heating, cooling
Recycled agricultural fiber products used in interior/exterior finish
materials
Water catchment and waste-water recycling systems minimize water waste
Recycled steel products used throughout
On-site design integration of excavated earth saves transport impacts
Photo-voltaic roof option allows capture and use of direct solar energy
The modular approach to the design allows for many opportunities to
use products chosen for environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
The SIPS building panels have excellent insulation properties, with R-23
ratings for the 6” panels specified, and R-30 for an 8” wall
thickness option. Recycled products are specified in many applications
throughout the house, including the use of by-product agricultural fiber
panels for interior and exterior finishes.
Particular attention has been given to configuring the overall house to
reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling needs. Windows and sun
screening devices are arranged to admit more light in the winter to warm
the interior, and screen out direct light in the summer to keep the interior
cool. Concrete slabs are used on the floors as part of the high efficiency
radiant heating system, and provide the thermal mass to store heat from
the solar energy that strikes them during the winter. These slabs, shaded
from summer sun, help maintain cool temperatures during the summer months.
Additional cooling is provided by the extensive flow-through ventilation
from opening windows and doors on all sides of the house. The large number
of opening windows allows options to select low openings on windward sides
and high windows in the lee direction to optimize the ventilation capabilities,
with the opportunity to reconfigure according to changing season and weather
patterns. It is not expected that any mechanical air-cooling system will
be needed.
Phasing Strategy
Base house modules can be implemented in many configurations
Primary building enclosure can be effected for low initial cost
Optional screen, deck, stair and other modules adapt to site and needs
Option modules can be planned to bolt on in stages
Additions and remodels can be accomplished efficiently and affordably
Ease of future adaptation increases resale value
In planning the utilization of the AB Parts House‘ system for
the Tung-Wieler house, we quickly realized that the owners’ wish
list included spaces and features that couldn’t be accomplished in
the target budget and project size. This led to the development of the
Phase 1/Phase 2 planning strategy that will allow for the addition of
the garage/music room/office module as the family needs change.
Phase 1 of the project includes the basic building program, and utilizes
a base building shell with the addition of exterior wood slatted screens,
a perforated metal screen entry component, and exterior deck as bolt-on
adaptations to this particular site. The Phase 2 structure is proposed
as a freestanding building to house the garage and work spaces for Ingrid
and Nathan, so they can be close enough to the house to supervise children
in the future, but remain separated enough to be able to pursue their
business and music activities in private settings.