In an entry in October, we wrote about the trend toward more sensible bathtub options, but a larger indication of the downsizing of American living can be seen as smaller homes begin replacing “McMansions” as the preferred modular housing choice.

That’s right – for today’s homeowners, size really doesn’t matter.

The struggling economy and housing market are likely to blame for the shift, but it’s not altogether a bad thing. Many homeowners are simply realizing that five bedrooms just aren’t necessary, and instead are opting for just enough space to maintain a comfortable life (and a comfortable mortgage payment).

In a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders, nine out of 10 builders reported they are building smaller homes. Architects are saying the same thing. After doubling in size since 1960, it appears that new homes have finally begun shifting back toward the sizes our grandparents embraced in the 1950s… at least for now.

Imagine looking at a traditional two-story home through the lens of a child’s kaleidoscope. As you twist the lens, the home starts to transform. What was ground is now at roof level. What used to be a single recognizable component is now fractured into multiple pieces. This architectural perspective was the inspiration for the design of Excel Homes’ “Kaleidoscope” custom home.

Set on a typical flat lot, or one that gently slopes to the rear, this home focuses on a sunken courtyard and a rear, south facing veranda. These indoor/outdoor spaces expand the home’s livable space, and create secure, shaded areas that enhance its passive cooling design. A two-story water feature helps to keep the home cool as air is pulled naturally from the sunken courtyard up the open stairs and out the upper level windows.

This home also focuses on those who will live and grow within it. A private second master suite with private entrances and a bathroom that meets ADA standards allows for a secluded getaway and helps to maintain independence for the home’s older residents. Additionally, an accessible ramp, elevator and wide circulation paths allow for ease of movement by all.

Green design helps to ensure a healthy environment both indoors and out for the family and the remaining 7 billion inhabitants of the world. But sustainable or green building involves more than simply adding a low-flow faucet or installing ENERGY STAR rated appliances, and the Kaleidoscope home takes this concept to a new level. Integrated solar panels, a green roof, gray water systems, long lasting eco-friendly materials, energy monitoring devices and modular construction combine with the more common green finish materials to produce a home that is not only sustainable by  design, but also a pleasure to live in.

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Here’s a look at one of our newest and most innovative residential designs…

Southern coastal design with a modern modular twist.

The southern, coastal design of this floor plan makes it the perfect choice for relaxed seaside or lakeside living. This home is designed with narrow beach front lots in mind, with an option to move the two-car garage to the side of the home instead of the back (as shown here).

The second story balcony is perfect for relaxing during summer nights or enjoying a view of the nearby ocean. The spacious loft area brings the feeling of being outdoors inside for you and your guests to enjoy.

The optional bedroom suite is perfect for larger families or for investors looking to rent out a vacation home.

SPECIFICATIONS:

SQ FOOTAGE: 2,640 sq. ft.
# BEDROOMS: 4
# BATHROOMS: 3.5
SPECIAL FEATURES: First-floor master, Jack & Jill bath, loft/media area and professionally designed kitchen with separate cooktop and oven.
MISC: ENERGY STAR certification option available.

Like it? Don’t like it? Think something should be changed or added?
Please feel free to comment on this design by leaving a comment below.

One of the things we’ve always prided ourselves on is our ability to create homes that meet the design needs of builders and homeowners. And not only do we want to meet those needs by staying one step ahead when it comes to the best that home design has to offer, we want to do it in a cost-effective manner that helps modular homes maintain their edge over stick-built homes when it comes to comparing price tags.

To help us live up to those expectations, Excel Homes has created a new position in its front offices: Director of Architectural Design and Innovation. The position will be devoted to developing and marketing innovative new home designs and products for Excel Homes and we’ve named our current Director of Engineering, Steven Saffell, to be the first to step into the important role.

We asked Steven a few questions to explain his new position and offer some insight on modern design in today’s home building industry.

MODULAR MUSINGS: What do you hope to accomplish in this new position and how will it benefit Excel Homes?

STEVEN SAFFELL: The expectation with this endeavor is to set Excel Homes apart from the competition in both the stick built and the modular industry by providing a level of design rarely experienced at this level.  We will design and bring to market homes that are not just laid out well and pleasing to the eye but take advantage of the latest technologies in building and efficiency.  We want to demonstrate that modular constructed homes can be beautiful, good to the environment and a better value than a site built home.

MM: What’s the biggest challenge facing the modular home industry today?

SS: For the short term the economy has been and will continue to be the biggest challenge.  This downturn will however benefit those companies that survive it.  As Americans are forced to tighten our belts, we have started to look for more economically appealing building methods.  The consumer is doing their homework and many are discovering that the modular industry builds a product that is equal to or better than traditional site built products. It’s not just the fact that we build a stronger structures, it is the reduced time to build and the resulting reduction in the construction loan cycle, less waste, tighter structures and limitless design possibilities that all come together to provide a better value.

The longer term challenge will be to continue to educate the buying public and provide an understanding of what a modular product is and is not.  Too many people still think of this industry as single wide trailers (HUD units) or simple ranches for entry level buyers.  The truth is that we are closer to the traditional site built in construction practices and offerings than we are to the HUD industry any more.  That may be where we got our start, but it is a very different product today and we need to educate our buyers and the building professionals to this fact.

MM: Which trends in modular home design will you and your staff be watching closely?

SS: Energy efficiency and “green” building are the hot terms being bounced around today.  However, this can mean a lot of different things to different people and regrettably to some in the building industry it is simply a new marketing ploy. The consumer must be careful of companies that “green-wash” their product in an effort to sell more. Here at Excel, green building is not a marketing ploy but a way of doing business.

MM: How will the economy affect housing design?

SS: No one can say if it is the economy, greener thinking or simply the consumer’s current trend but it appears Americans are starting to look for better quality over quantity. We will always have those looking for massive homes and we are prepared to provide those too, but we are seeing a growing trend toward smaller, high quality designs with nice amenities.  “More bang for your buck” does not always mean larger homes anymore.

MM: Is it possible to continue to create innovative home designs and products while still allowing modular homes to maintain an edge over stick-built homes when it comes to cost and efficiency of construction?

SS:  While in college one of my architectural professors would say regularly, “Good design does not cost any more than bad design.” That statement is even more relevant when it comes to modular construction. 

The modular construction method has so many efficiencies built into the process that the end result can be nothing more than a superior product that is more cost efficient than stick built. A stable workforce of craftsperson’s, an environmentally controlled building environment, years of experience, and a continuous inspection process all work together to create a process that produces the best quality product at the best price on the market today.

This process coupled with Excel’s commitment to design innovation will provide our customers with a product that sets them apart as leaders in the housing and light commercial construction market going forward.  We have a reputation for providing top quality and service and we intend to be known as the industries innovators also.

MM: What’s next for Excel Homes?

SS: The possibilities are endless. Excel has assembled a team of leaders that have vision and are not restricted by the industries “old way of thinking.” We have some of the best modular industry professionals in the business today coupled with top leaders from other industries to create a fresh approach to doing business that is not willing to except the status quo.

We are not just looking at the design of our homes but the entire process from the marketing of our name and product to how we follow up with the customer after the home is set in place.  Everything is fair game for review as we are committed to finding easier ways for our customers to do business with us, improving our building process and product and following up to make sure it exceeds the expectation of our customers.

A few weeks ago, we told you about a modular home in Utah made from two metal grain silos. The only problem is, that home just sort of sat there, stuck to its foundation. How much fun is that? Now imagine a house that could walk around on six insect-like legs. That’s exactly the vision a Dutch design firm had when they created the walking house you see on the right.

The house – about 10 feet high, 10 feet wide and roughly 12 feet long – is modular in nature because it can be connected to other walking houses to create a walking village. The designers themselves said: “Walking house is a modular dwelling system that enables persons to live a peaceful nomadic life, moving slowly through the landscape or cityscape with minimal impact on the environment.”

And, as you would expect for such a futuristic design, the walking house is environmentally friendly, featuring solar panels and micro windmills, as well as a rain water collection system and a solar hot water heater. Its pace is only about 200 feet per hour, so you’re not likely to use it for long distance travel, but imagine being able to move your home around a bit for a change in scenery or to put a little distance between you and a noisy neighbor?