California-based design studio Michelle Kaufmann Design has completed a redesigned three-storey prefab house which is built on the grounds of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago building. The sustainable building project is named as mkSolaire, part of 40 prefab houses project which she completed in the last five years.
The mkSolaire outdoor spaces consists of what is called as a “zen courtyard”, a covered outdoor dining area, a second-floor deck off the master suite, and a sideyard patio. These spaces encompass varying gradients of privacy and enclosure, from the front-yard zen to the covered dining. As extensions of the various indoor rooms, these spaces allow for expansion of the interior as well as for generous natural ventilation, something the whole house strives to accomplish.
As a sustainable building, this mkSolaire is also equipped with green roofs and solar panels. Designed for an infill urban lot, the house sculpts itself to allow for light and air. Loft-like spaces and zen-like details complete a package that unfortunately was cut too short. But in Kaufmann’s optimistic message, this may not be the end of mkSolaire and her other designs, as she talks with builders about different methods of making the prefab story continue.
Its really good.keep up the good work.
I’ve been looking for a zen inspired house to construct and this is one good idea. The structure is really neutral to the eyes but not boring. Interior is so relaxing. Great work!