Negotiating the Slope: Prefabricated Hillside Dwellings Meet Nordic Influence

<p>In Wellington we are faced with the difficult task of building on our undulating topography. It does however offer inhabitants stunning vistas and to architects the rare opportunity to explore new ways of building, generating distinctive typologies. However, it is questionable whether a bespoke construction method is the most appropriate means for building houses on hillsides in present times. Prefabrication has been a prevalent housing construction method in Scandinavia and for many years and offers a number of advantages, particularly to difficult sites (Smith 255). It is emerging as an option for housing in New Zealand but faces significant problems when confronted with sloped topography (Rouillard 137). The prefabrication movement has become synonymous with the stylistic outcome of modernist detached dwellings, and while this marriage may be an outgrowth of intention rather than a technical requirement, challenging the rectilinear is relatively unheard of (Smith 251). The stylistic concerns embedded by fanciers of 50’s modernism are inherent to the representation of manufactured housing (Smith 251). For prefabrication to become popular in present day society misconceptions regarding stylistic limitations must be resolved. Residential architecture has the potential to shape our architectural identity more significantly than civic buildings. I propose this because we form a closer relationship to ‘home,’ and as a typology they cover a significant proportion of our landscape. To understand how to form an architectural response in the context of Wellington, I looked to contemporary Norwegian architecture which demonstrates contextualising architecture to the landscape. The stylistic character of Norwegian design, and parallels which made their principles applicable to New Zealand, were additional incentives for this focus. This thesis is broken into four parts; background research, design explorations, design discussions and conclusion. In background research, I establish parameters for constructing houses on hill sites. Technical limitations are presented and a range of hillside typologies are identified. Prefabricated systems internationally offered are documented accompanied by the technologies available specifically in New Zealand. The design exploration section illustrates two designs which explore how a hillside typology can be augmented with a prefabricated system. Each is assessed in relation to response to topography and adaptation of Norwegian ideologies. The design discussion revolves around a hillside development of five residential structures and their interconnectivity. Leading into the discussion is a detailed analysis of the prefabrication system implemented, and the modifications to that system which were tested through design. Here, the construction sequence is mapped. This is followed by an architectural discussion on site, access, planning and materials. The conclusions drawn in the final section tie together all these elements.</p>

Negotiating the Slope: Prefabricated Hillside Dwellings Meet Nordic Influence

<p>In Wellington we are faced with the difficult task of building on our undulating topography. It does however offer inhabitants stunning vistas and to architects the rare opportunity to explore new ways of building, generating distinctive typologies. However, it is questionable whether a bespoke construction method is the most appropriate means for building houses on hillsides in present times. Prefabrication has been a prevalent housing construction method in Scandinavia and for many years and offers a number of advantages, particularly to difficult sites (Smith 255). It is emerging as an option for housing in New Zealand but faces significant problems when confronted with sloped topography (Rouillard 137). The prefabrication movement has become synonymous with the stylistic outcome of modernist detached dwellings, and while this marriage may be an outgrowth of intention rather than a technical requirement, challenging the rectilinear is relatively unheard of (Smith 251). The stylistic concerns embedded by fanciers of 50’s modernism are inherent to the representation of manufactured housing (Smith 251). For prefabrication to become popular in present day society misconceptions regarding stylistic limitations must be resolved. Residential architecture has the potential to shape our architectural identity more significantly than civic buildings. I propose this because we form a closer relationship to ‘home,’ and as a typology they cover a significant proportion of our landscape. To understand how to form an architectural response in the context of Wellington, I looked to contemporary Norwegian architecture which demonstrates contextualising architecture to the landscape. The stylistic character of Norwegian design, and parallels which made their principles applicable to New Zealand, were additional incentives for this focus. This thesis is broken into four parts; background research, design explorations, design discussions and conclusion. In background research, I establish parameters for constructing houses on hill sites. Technical limitations are presented and a range of hillside typologies are identified. Prefabricated systems internationally offered are documented accompanied by the technologies available specifically in New Zealand. The design exploration section illustrates two designs which explore how a hillside typology can be augmented with a prefabricated system. Each is assessed in relation to response to topography and adaptation of Norwegian ideologies. The design discussion revolves around a hillside development of five residential structures and their interconnectivity. Leading into the discussion is a detailed analysis of the prefabrication system implemented, and the modifications to that system which were tested through design. Here, the construction sequence is mapped. This is followed by an architectural discussion on site, access, planning and materials. The conclusions drawn in the final section tie together all these elements.</p>

Overview of the Characteristics of the Modular Industry and Barriers to its Increased Market Share

Modular and offsite construction approaches reduce project duration and cost by synchronizing offsite and onsite work. Project activities are undertaken in a controlled offsite facility to minimize the effects of inclement weather and site disruptions, while meeting safety and quality requirements. To study the characteristics of modular and offsite construction, questionnaires have been conducted during the last decade by many organizations, including the Modular Building Institute (MBI), the Buildoffsite campaigning organization in the United Kingdom, the Canadian Manufactured Housing Institute, the National Institute of Building Sciences, McGraw-Hill Construction, and the Fails Management Institute. This paper introduces comprehensive analysis of the results of a questionnaire survey carried out in collaboration between members of the Department of Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering at Concordia University, the Modular Building Institute, NRB Inc., and the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta. The questionnaire focuses on two issues: (1) the characteristics of the modular and offsite construction industry, and (2) the barriers against increased market share in this industry. For the latter, an effort was made to address a set of five factors identified in a workshop on the topic of challenges and opportunities for modular construction in Canada held in Montréal in 2015 to analyze barriers to growth of modular construction in the Canadian context. Key findings of this survey include requests for use of a separate building code for modular construction design, innovative financing and insurance solutions, standards that consider procurement regulations, and for financial institutions to create lending programs suited for modular construction.

Design, manufacture and construct procurement model for volumetric offsite manufacturing in the UK housing sector

Purpose The purpose of this study is to gain insight into procurement routes and forms of contract used for volumetric offsite manufacturing (VOSM) in the housing sector of the UK West Midlands. Seminal literature and government reports have established the potential of offsite technologies to improve the supply of quality housing in the UK. However, the lack of a structured procurement route, common to manufacturing approaches in construction, has significantly contributed to delays in large scale adoption. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the research intention, an exploratory study was undertaken. A literature review of seminal literature and government papers was conducted to establish and benchmark current trends in context. Data was collected using focus groups and interviews with a housing association and housing VOSMs. Grounded theory was used to analyse data and inductively generate themes leading to an original procurement model. The issues identified in the delivery of volumetric housing were categorised into three themes. Findings The findings suggest a limited familiarity with offsite manufacturing (OSM) by housing providers. Albeit, a willingness to adopt these technologies to deliver housing were demonstrated by trial attempts. However, due to limited knowledge, the approach to procurement is by adapting existing procurement models, which are not ideal and obstruct the potential benefits of using offsite technologies primarily because of the significant difference in processes. Also, geographical location influenced procurement decisions when comparing cost with conventional procurement and the dearth of specific government incentives to deliver housing using offsite technologies. This study proposes a procurement model for VOSM. Practical implications The results have implications for decisions about procurement routes and contractual terms used by housing providers delivering volumetric offsite manufactured housing at scale. Although this study focussed on the West Midlands region, most of the issues identified were not geographically unique. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on potential barriers to the adoption of OSM in the housing sector of the UK. The findings will be of value to stakeholders involved in delivering housing and offers a useful contextual basis for future research.

Structural Forces: Perception and Vulnerability Factors for Tornado Sheltering within Mobile and Manufactured Housing in Alabama and Mississippi

Southeastern U.S. mobile and manufactured housing (MH) residents are the most tornado-vulnerable subset of the population because of both physical and socioeconomic factors. This study builds upon prior MH resident tornado vulnerability research by statistically and geographically analyzing responses from a survey administered to these residents in the Southeast. Specifically, 257 Alabama and Mississippi MH residents were administered a survey with questions pertaining to their perceived tornado risk and vulnerability, protective action and decision-making, and beliefs about the structural integrity of their homes. Results indicate that, despite the weather and emergency management enterprises consistently suggesting that MH residents evacuate their homes for sturdier shelter during tornado events, more than 50% of MH residents believe their homes are safe sheltering locations. The prevalence of larger MHs in northern Alabama partially influences willingness to shelter within one’s MH, while higher levels of negative affectivity stemming from recent impactful tornadoes in northern Alabama influences people to evacuate their MHs for safety. Study findings also uncovered a perception and vulnerability paradox for these residents: Those who have the means to evacuate their MH often feel they have no need to do so, whereas those who recognize the potential peril of sheltering in their home and want to evacuate often lack the resources and/or self-efficacy to carry out more desirable sheltering plans. Overall, study results provide valuable information for National Weather Service forecasters, emergency managers, and media partners so that they may use it for public outreach and MH resident education.