Studio 804 - Home of the Year 2006 (GALLERY)

The 2006 ‘Home of the Year’ as featured in the Architecture magazine has awarded to 20 University of Kansas students for the second time in three years. The awesome and innovative house is delicately perched a hilltop in the Strawberry Hill area of Kansas City. The students ply their creative flair and practical flamboyance at the Studio 804.

The house of the year and other similar projects are created and constructed within 20 weeks brining deserved international recognition for the class of Studio 804 working under the umbrella of Kansas University’s School of Architecture and Urban Design.

The house is prefabricated and makes no excuses for it; in fact positively flaunts it, so be prepared to rethink any preconceptions you may hold regarding prefabricated housing and be floored by Modular 3 - 534 Riverview Avenue.

Studio 804 focus on all the growing problems you face in urban living with the likes of energy efficiency, sustainable and recycled materials, and most importantly, affordability. Most of the time projects target areas in need of revitalization and renewal; often being the only ‘new’ house in the neighborhood.

The Studio is a not-for-profit organization with any monies from sales, with prices ranging from range from $140,000 to $170,000, being redirected back into the organization for future designs.

“Modular 3 - 534 Riverview Avenue is a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bath house assembled from six prefabricated rectilinear modules. From the street, concrete steps lead to the house that is elevated on a platform supported by concrete piers. It faces southward and offers panoramic views of downtown Kansas City, Mo., through its extensive floor-to-ceiling windows. The recessed front deck offers a contemporary version of a street side front porch and shields the front windows in the living area from glaring sunlight. One room has a movable wall so the homeowner can customize the interior space. Tall trees on the east filter morning light into the kitchen and main living areas. Bedrooms are at the rear of the house. All utilities are positioned together in a central building core area.”

“In terms of sustainable materials, Studio 804 used Douglas fir exterior siding and bamboo flooring inside. Instead of fiber glass, house insulation is recycled cellulose. To cut heating and cooling costs, the extensive glass panels have adjustable thermal window coverings. The heating and air-conditioning equipment has a high-efficiency rating for cost effectiveness. To reduce fuel consumption associated with shipping materials from overseas, students selected Douglas fir siding produced in the United States protected with a water sealant made from sustainable raw materials.”

Qualifying purchases can expect an outstanding and innovative home with bold lines, subtle detail, and a light airy Modernism feel; all of which will be delivered on the back of a truck and assembly can be witnessed in rapid time.

One for the wish list one thinks!