fabnewsletter02

newsletter 02
17 November 2003

Our aim with these periodic updates is to keep you informed of developments in modernist prefab. Sign up for email updates to be notified when we publish this periodic newsletter and other prefab news.
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1. Feature.
		In this Issue we take a close-up look at Lot-ek’s Mobile Dwelling Unit (MDU). Share your thoughts on the MDU in the fabchat discussion area - you'll see a thread in the ContainerBay forum.

2. Recent additions. The following projects have been added since our last newsletter.
		Wee House was recently added to the fabzone. This small retreat in Minnesota was factory built and delivered to the site complete.
		We added several of Resolution for Architecture's Modern Modular Case Studies: Summer Retreat, The Suburban, and House for Martha's Vineyard.
		The Mosley Residence was recently added to the fabzone. This project uses off-site manufactured SIPS. Greg Walker at CHRC Design Studio in Atlanta advises that plans will be available for purchase soon.
		Lifebox by Gary Rea, Modern Home Design was recently added to the fabzone. This prefab home concept would have a fiberglass outer shell.
		Capricorn 151 was added to the fabzone. This was an Australian-based steel-frame prefab program which is no longer marketed.
		We have added a few Lot-ek projects to containerbay after their site was recently updated:American Diner #1, Container Cafe and Container Kit Home which is currently in development. Containerbay is now also sorted alphabetically by architect (company/designer).

3. Recent updates and announcements. The following projects have been updated since our last newsletter.
		LV Home held an Open House in Perryville, MO in mid-October and again on Nov 15. The next Open House is scheduled for November 30. Images of the completed Show Home in MO are expected to be available towards the end of November.
		Resolution 4 architecture recently updated their web site with additional information & images on their Modern Modular Typologies
		Ferda Kolatan from su11 architecture+design advises that a prototype of their I/N House will be constructed soon.
		Wieler Homes has announced the forthcoming availability of The Greenbelt by Ralph Rapson. Wieler Homes was founded by Nathan Wieler, one half of the the Dwell Home client couple. Nate advises that a manufacturer has been selected. We will list this project when detailed information is released.

4. Recently published articles. Newsweek's Oct 27 issue was dedicated to design. Cathleen McGuigan's article The McMansion next door discusses the lack of true choice in off-the-rack housing. Mississippi State University realeased an article on next-generation mobile homes which will lower Total Cost of Ownership through energy efficiency and other measures. Martin Pawley published Henry Ford and the limits of prefabrication in Architect's Journal that touches on the potential for prefabrication to address housing issues. He notes how Henry Ford's production and marketing successes lead to the saturation of a particular market segment - a problem not yet faced in modernist prefab architecture!

5. Calendar items. LOT-EK's MDU (059) is currently on display at University Art Museum at the University of California, Santa Barbara until December 7. Visitor information here

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