Like we said in last week’s look at male home buying preferences, the following was posted previously here on Modular Musings, but we thought it was worth a second look.

Last week, we took a look at some of the features of a new home that men are more likely to focus on. That includes home offices (40% of men versus 33% of women), recreational spaces and, of course, a garage. But what do women look for in a home?

According to the same 2008 study by ZipReality that we referenced last month, women were more focused on practical spaces and dining related spaces, including:

• Women placed more emphasis on dining spaces like a gourmet kitchen (61% to 55%) and a dining room (33% to 30%).

• Storage space was important to women, with large closets or walk-in closets as the number one home feature for women versus men (73% to 64%).

• While men were more likely to prefer a home with a view (32% to 27%), more women demanded a larger yard (49% to 45%).

The ZipReality study was based on a survey of 2,620 active home buyers and is proof that while we may not differ much on what we want out of a home, men and women do have their own opinions about what matters most – and that’s not likely to change any time soon.

The following was posted here on Modular Musings about a year ago, but as the New Year kicks off and would-be homeowners begin shopping for a new home, we thought it was worth a second look. Coming up next: A look at what women want in a new home.

Let’s face it, when it comes to buying a home, men and women are often on two different blueprint pages when it comes to features they want. Sure, some features are important no matter who you are, but what do men typically want when it comes to choosing and customizing their modular home?

According to a 2008 study by ZipReality, men and women don’t differ much on certain features, but some differences are worth pointing out:

• Men preferred a home office more than women did (40% to 33%)
• Men placed greater emphasis on recreational spaces, like a home theater (12% to 6%), exercise room (13% to 9%), a swimming pool (22% to 20%), and an outdoor entertainment area (57% to 55%).
• On a surprising aesthetic note, more men than women demanded a home with a view (32% to 27%).
• As expected, men need their garage more than women, with 74% of men saying they wouldn’t purchase a house without a garage, versus 71% of women who made the same claim.

We’ll cover what women want in a future Modular Musings blog entry. Until then, let’s try to find some common ground when it comes to deciding what to do with that new addition off the living room.

Recently, the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council voted to mandate the placement of sprinklers in all new one- and two-family residences and townhomes built in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania beginning January 1, 2011. Good thing builders have a little over a year to get ready, right?

While waiting until the last minute might be an option for some builders, it’s not an option for Excel. Instead, the team at Excel Homes has decided to start installing sprinkler systems a little earlier. In fact, we’re going to start right now.

Beginning today, all Excel Homes will include an optional sprinkler system designed to protect a homeowner’s investment and make each home a lot safer. Of course, for now, these sprinkler systems are only optional. But after January 1, 2011, they’ll be mandatory in Pennsylvania (and soon thereafter in many other states). The good news is, that by the time that deadline rolls around, the Excel team is ready.

Our enthusiasm for the new sprinkler law should come as no surprise there many reasons to support the use of sprinkler systems, here are just a few.

• According to the National Fire Sprinkler Association, the addition of sprinklers to homes could prevent more than 3,000 fire-related deaths and 60,000 serious fire-related injuries each year in the United States.
• The typical home fire can reach deadly proportions in just three minutes, while in many cases, it may take 10 or more minutes for the first fire truck to arrive. With a sprinkler system, the fire can be controlled or even extinguished before loss of lives or property.
• The average damage from a fire in a house with a sprinkler system is less than $2,000, compared to more than $17,000 in damage in homes without sprinkler systems.
• In addition to the peace of mind that having a sprinkler system can provide, sprinkler systems also decrease insurance costs and increase a home’s value.

For more information about Excel’s sprinkler system program, check out the brochure on our website.

This is a home that combines style with the space to entertain.

The open concept plan allows for large gatherings but still has that warm feeling of home. Two-story areas at the foyer and the family room add to the grand feel of this home and an option for a third story walk-up attic gives you space to expand.

A two-sided fireplace divides the family room and the kitchen, but allows for easy interaction between the spaces. Special details like the colonnade at the foyer, a butler pantry and a walk-in pantry give this home those special touches to set it apart from other floor plans.

SPECIFICATIONS:

SQ FOOTAGE: 4,828 sq. ft.
# BEDROOMS: 5
# BATHROOMS: 3.5
SPECIAL FEATURES: Lots of built-ins and special architectural features such as two-story areas and a colonnade foyer
OPTIONS: Walk-up attic, porch, garage
MISC: Double stack window walls in the family room flood the space with natural light.

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.

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.

Almost everyone is aware that modular homes are, on average, more energy efficient than stick-built homes. But some people point to the fact that the modules have to be driven via large, flatbed trucks to the final location as a reason why modular construction might not be as green as one might think.

It’s a valid point, but the shocking fact is – shocking even to some of us in the modular industry – that modular construction uses just 10 percent of the vehicle movements that stick built construction does. You heard that right. Even though these homes are transported on truck, modular homes rack up just a fraction of the mileage that the traditional construction process does.

It’s just another example of how modular really is the greener option.

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.

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.

We’ve talked in the past about how modular construction is stronger and more durable than stick-built construction. A big reason for that is the extra materials that go into making a modular home (yet we’re able to use fewer materials overall and keep costs down because we produce less waste material). These added braces and stronger joints are in place mainly to reinforce the structure during its ride on the truck on the way to its final location.

But this method also makes modular homes more durable during hurricanes and other natural disasters. In December 1992, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a study of buildings and homes in the wake of Hurricane Andrew. The report was called “Building Performance: Hurricane Andrew in Florida.”

Below is an excerpt from the report that sheds some light on the findings in favor of modular construction, along with a graphic:

“Overall, relatively minimal structural damage was noted in modular housing developments. The module-to-module combination of the units appears to have provided an inherently rigid system that performed much better than conventional residential framing.”

The University of Wolverhampton in England is making architectural history this month, as student residents move into Victoria Hall, a 25-story complex that entered the record books as the tallest modular building ever constructed. (At right is an artist’s rendering.)

Only the ground floor of the building is site built, with the other 24 floors being comprised of 383 individual modules built in Cork, Ireland. Each module weighs 21 to 29 tons and includes a steel frame designed to support the weight of the modules above it.

So, why did they choose modular construction over traditional methods? We’re glad you asked.

It seems Wolverhampton found itself in a predicament faced by many colleges and universities when its student population began to grow faster than the campus’s living quarters could support. In short, Wolverhampton needed dorms and needed them fast.

Enter modular construction.

The Victoria Hall project, which actually consists of three buildings, took just nine months to build. According to architect Gary West, using traditional methods, the project would have taken at least 24 months to complete.

Each student suite is comprised of multiple modules, which are pre-fitted with plumbing, fixtures, finishes, cabinets, and furnishings prior to being shipped. A glimpse of the suites can be seen on the right. Overall, the project is yet another example of the near limitless potential of modular construction.

With each unit measuring just 12 feet wide, the 21st century townhouse is an ideal infill. Or construct several units to create a modular complex like no other.

This plan could be used for a narrow lot application such as infill housing or as townhomes when set in multiples. The small footprint allows 1,320 square feet of living space to be compacted on a lot of only 12’0” x 40’0”.
A spacious deck off the master suite helps to bring the outdoors in and makes the space feel much larger. A more traditional residential style roof helps to reduce the scale of the front façade and give it a more traditional residential look.

The open design of the first floor allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interior of the home. Architectural features such as the arch and column details between the kitchen and dining room create a warm, comfortable space. The third floor master suite features a large walk-in closet and a private deck.

SPECIFICATIONS:

SQ FOOTAGE: 1,320 sq. ft.
MAX FOOTPRINT: 12’-0” x 40’-0”
# BEDROOMS: 3
# BATHROOMS: 3
SPECIAL FEATURES: Third floor master suite with private deck; residential-style roof reduces scale
OPTIONS: Length and width can be adjusted to fit lot
MISC:  Architectural details add charm

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.