|
A new company that totally turns this argument on its head
is New World Home, which offers the New Old Green Modular® (NOGM®) home. The
company offers a variety of house plans, which can all be customized, that have
been specifically designed to marry traditional and historically-inspired home
designs – inside and out – with most contemporary building technologies,
resulting in a modern, high-performance home that seamlessly blends in with even
the most historic neighborhood. In other words, it’s the best of both worlds.
But it gets better. A NOGM® home is designed to be a top-of-the-line green home,
as well, and several have received EarthCraft, LEED Platinum and NAHB Gold
Certification. All homes are built with highly-sustainable materials, such as
metal roofing, fiber cement siding and composite decking. They have rainwater
harvesting systems, an Electronic Energy Monitor and are pre-wired for renewable
energy sources, such as solar, that can be added later. GREENGUARD-certified
countertops, dual flush toilets and low-VOC paints and finishes are just some of
the other green features. However, even with all these modern products and
technologies, the homes maintain a classic, historic style that many homeowners
crave. It’s just another example of how, thanks to rapidly improving
technologies, today’s dream homes are not limited by going green – or modular.
Modular Lofts - Skyloft Asheville
If not traditional, but crisp and clean modern styling is
your thing, then check out the possibilities exhibited by Skyloft Asheville. The
new, multi-family condominium/loft community, perched on a hill just five blocks
from Asheville’s downtown proper, has plenty of clean lines and open spaces and
provides upscale, green urban living … all accomplished with modular
construction.
For Matt Holloway, owner and president of Aspen Builders, which is known
primarily for high-end, custom residential building, Skyloft Asheville provided
a great introduction into the world of prefabricated, modular construction. “It
was my first experience with modular, and we kind of jumped in with both feet,”
says Mr. Holloway, of his role as the builder for the project, “but it was a
great experience and I learned a lot. I was really impressed with what they can
do.”
Skyloft Asheville is composed of 27 modular units, each built by HandCrafted
Homes, and with a unique floor plan. “All the units not only have open floor
plans, but open areas to create loft spaces as well,” Mr. Holloway explains.
This complex layout required months of extensive planning, but construction went
considerably faster. “We built the foundation onsite, and after the units were
delivered, it only took about three and a half days to get the building
dried-in,” recalls Mr. Holloway. “I think we saved considerable time – close to
50 percent if I had to guess.”
Modular construction techniques also helped Skyloft to earn a certification from
the North Carolina HealthyBuilt Homes program. These low-maintenance,
mountain-view homes are truly modern in every sense of the word, with energy
efficient and durable products, low-VOC and recycled materials, an advanced
heating and cooling system and an underground drip irrigation system to reduce
water consumption. As an important component of multi-family living, thicker
interior walls, ceilings and floors improve insulation – and thus utility bills
– while providing a greater sound barrier between residences.
So far, reviews have been very positive. “We’ve had a lot of great feedback,”
reports Mr. Holloway, “and so many have said, ‘I can’t believe this is modular!’
People are very impressed.”
From a builder’s perspective, Mr. Holloway cites another possible benefit for
modular construction: “In the near future, our labor force might have an
influence on the popularity of prefabricating homes,” he predicts. “It’s
becoming more and more difficult to find skilled labor, and from statistics,
it’s only going to get worse. Kids just aren’t learning the skills. I envision
that one day in the future, the companies that can cater to custom,
modular-built homes will have the most success.”
Fortunately, for many homeowners desiring a state-of-the-art, custom green home,
many already are.
To return to the beginning of this article, please click here:
Learn about the modular construction
process. |
Facebook