Hive Modular, a prefab company out of Minneapolis, recently completed this custom modular home on a sloping corner lot in St. Paul. Sandwiched between mid-century modern neighbors, the 1,864 square foot prefab features contemporary oak finishes and landscaping from none other than Rosenlof/Lucas. Check it out below from a few different perspectives.
This is the X-Line 012 model with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Hive aims for airtight construction and uses 2x6 exterior wall framing, R19 insulation, and R44 engineered floor and roof trusses.
The company also uses low-VOC and green materials while minimizing construction waste in controlled factory conditions.
Hive Modular is one of a handful of businesses out there consistently building contemporary prefabs. If you like this one, you'll certainly like some of these others, including this B-Line Medium in Minneapolis, this X-Line in Vadnais Heights, and this B-Line Medium in St. Paul.
[+] Get more info on Green Homes from Hive Modular.
Credits: Hive Modular.
Seattle allows backyard cottages -- legally referred to as detached accessory dwelling units (DADU) -- in certain single-family situations. These structures aren't without controversy but can helpful when taking on a renter or housing extra family. BjarkoSerra Architects designed this DADU for a family in Beacon Hill, and it will be built in the next year or so to a Built Green 5-Star rating.
As shown in the rendering above, Beacon Hill DADU will have abundant windows for natural lighting, SIPs for an airtight and energy-efficient envelope, and rainwater harvesting for garden irrigation and stormwater management.
Clad in Western Red Cedar, the project will also have roof-mounted solar systems for hot water and electricity and will be built with recycled and otherwise green materials. I'll try to follow up with this DADU upon the completion of construction. It will be beautiful.
Credit: BjarkoSerra Architects.