The Modular House overcomes the main disadvantage of prefab typology, its rigidness by amplifying sustainability and adaptability to various sites and needs – homebuilders can mix and match from the matrix with off-the-shelf components, floor layouts, floors positions, and skin/window patterns. Within the standardization of prefab construction we found a way to preserve a level of flexibility. It is a free-standing, prefab dwelling unit for compact footprint of 400sf situated in an urban site anywhere in the world and Los Angeles, California in particular. First floor program includes living/working area in different stages of openness, dining area with or without bar counter, powder, and storage. Kitchen layouts are compact and in the same time practical. We designed a single stack wall, common for second floor bathroom, first floor powder room, and first floor kitchen piping. Second floor accommodates sleeping area in different configurations of one and two bedrooms with or without walk-in closet, studying area, bathing. We thought about repetition and how to take the project to the point of economical mass-fabrication. Both first and second floor structures are created out of the same shell-module. Besides the regular stack up of the two modules, the home builders have a possibility to select them rotated under 10, 20 or 30 degrees. First floor can be oriented in comparison with the site and second floor can chase the picturesque view out or block the direct, invading view in for more privacy. The roof and the staircase are prefabricated in a factory to adjust the second floor offset.

Bring in the light is critical. The home builders have an opportunity to manipulate not only the geometry but also the light in their future homes by picking their preferred skin pattern / windows mosaic from the matrix. One of the variations has emergency shutters on tracks for protection from vandalism and tornado/hurricane storms. Extended exterior walls on both sides protect from wind, supply shade, and create intermediate space of entry porch and backyard patio deck, blurring the boundaries between outdoor and indoor. We sustain all advantages of prefab technology. Its specialized construction teams, equipment and facilities are conducive to high-quality, precision, and predictability of result. The modular building process also exploits the economies of scale and fast production. The foundation work and the building fabrication could occur simultaneously which decreases construction time and respectively the cost. The assemblage on site is much quicker. Prefabrication lowers building waste and is less resource intensive than traditional stick-built methods. The Modular House incorporates sustainable, healthier, and energy-efficient building materials like reclaimed and certified woods, and doors and windows made out of recycled materials. It relays on insulated glass and operable windows for natural ventilation. In addition there will be forced air radiant heating and cooling suitable for different climates. The 15 degree sloped roof was designed for easy covering in photovoltaic solar panels and solar water heating.