New developments in factory-built housing now make it possible to design custom, environmentally enlightened homes that meet the needs and pocketbooks of normal homeowners. Healthy and green, these buildings can be less expensive to build and operate even while looking historic, vernacular or contemporary. But only if you understand the entire process and work with the right manufacturers. This course will enumerate the dos and don’ts of building with prefabricated house parts by taking students through a design process focused on their own individual projects. In addition to appropriate siting, Energy Star and LEED design principles, we will cover how to shop for a manufacturer, what to ask, how to price your home, and what to expect as the construction process unfolds. There will be field trips to fabrication plants, and we will demonstrate how to vet different manufacturers.

Earn college credit through UVM:  The August offering of this course is available for credit through the University of Vermont (CDAE 95, 2 credits).  In-state tuition is $828, plus a non-refundable $300 program fee to Yestermorrow. Click here for UVM registration information.

  • Competency Level: All Levels
  • AIA credits: 35 -- Qualifies for HSW and SD requirements.
  • UVM credits: 2

Remarkably, it is almost impossible to segregate the design from the construction of a factory built home. These two fundamental aspects of making a custom home must be understood as one integrated process.

This course will illuminate that process. It is intended for architects, home designers, traditional builders and ambitious homeowners. The curriculum will be pursued as a real-life endeavor rather than an academic exercise. Students with actual projects are urged to bring a site plan (detailed survey), a copy of your local building code and zoning ordinance. Students without real projects will still design a house using pattern book designs modified to fit a real site.

Students are expected to attend with an internet-ready computer (laptop) that can access the school’s wireless network. Although no skills beyond using a browser are required, most of the important information for prefab design & construction must be collected from various web sites. Using computers allows students to “bookmark” key information rather than attempting to take notes while the instructors are presenting.

 

Sunday: 

  • 5pm -- School orientation
  • 6pm -- Welcome Dinner
  • 7pm -- Course overview

Monday:

  • The Design Helix
  • Principles of sustainable siting; access; logistics and resource management.
  • Process overview.
  • Panelized versus Modularized design approaches; SIPs and other systems.
  • Initial floorplan development.

Tuesday:

  • Presentation of a typical modular system by a regional manufacturer.
  • Bring floorplan into 3D using the principles and constrains presented by the manufacturer.
  • Visit a project where boxes are being set or walls are being raised.
  • Finalize footprint & massing.
  • Evening presentation by Sheri Koones, author of PreFabulous and Modular Mansions.

Wednesday:

  • Sustainable design – materials & methods
  • Presentation of a typical panelized system by a regional manufacturer.
  • Set up computers, access internet, download SketchUp.
  • SketchUp primer (for those who need it).
  • Overview of price and scheduling. Online examples at manufacturers’ sites.
  • Visit assembly-line at nearby manufacturer.
  • House tour of LEED certified six-mod bungalow.
  • Begin specifications for house project; compare alternatives on manufacturers’ sites.

Thursday:

  • Energy conservation and innovative systems.
  • HVAC alternatives and their consequences.
  • Clean air, conserve water, reduce consumption.
  • Lighting
  • Sketch Up building elevations; explore passive solar strategies
  • Visit another project where boxes are being set or walls are being raised.
  • Contracting the job, how it’s done and by whom.
  • Final design push.

Friday:

  • Finalize Design
  • Finalize costing
  • Finalize scheduling
  • Final review and suggests with guests from the modular and panel industries.

 

NOTE:

  • Material may be presented in alternative sequence to accommodate speaker and guest schedules.
  • We will be guests at any construction sites we visit and must sign releases.
  • Because of the depth and pace of this course, students are encouraged to leave distractions at home….but, of course, that’s up to the individual student.
  • Students without an actual project should peruse magazines, house sites, and other sources for house plans that are somewhat close to something they would like to build. They should arrive with these plans in hand as no time has been scheduled for “shopping”.
  • Instructors are happy to give free consultations on student projects outside of the class but only after all the scheduled class work have been presented.
  • This class will illuminate the novel features and demands posed by the factory-built design/build methodology. While basic principles of green design will be presented, this class is not a substitute for any of Yestermorrow’s courses focused specifically on design or green principles.
Start Date: August 15, 2010
Closed
Start Date: April 17, 2011
Duration: 5 Days
Instructors:
Tuition: $750
Registration