There is an old construction method that is gaining
popularity, and tons of momentum in recent years; Modular Building. It’s not
just being used in the single family market (double wide anyone?) anymore, but
on a much broader and taller spectrum. While across the country, and the
world developers are turning to this method, I’m going to focus on New York
City’s current initiative.
In a city of over 8 million people, where there are only 1
million one-bedroom or studio apartments for the 1.8 million one to two person
households, something had to be done. In
2012, Mayor Bloomberg, along with the New York City Department of Housing, launched
the adAPT NYC competition. The premise
behind the contest was to develop a new model of housing to adapt to the city’s
changing demographics. This challenge
waived the current zoning laws which limits the minimum size of a dwelling (requiring
at least 400 square feet), to allow for the micro-unit concept.
Each unit features a 3 piece
bath, kitchenette and living space with a 9’-10” floor to ceiling height, and Juliette style balconies.
The Museum of the City of New York has an exhibit Making Room: New Models for Housing New Yorkers open to the public through September 15, 2013 showcasing the winning design. Click here to see the 5 other finalists.
Another development, which is already underway in Brooklyn,
is Atlantic Yards. This development will
not only contain a new entertainment arena, The Barclay Center, but offices,
eight acres of open space, and 6,430 residential units; 2,250 of which will be
permanently affordable for low to middle income households. What makes these units even more special is
that they are all prefabricated off-site at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and trucked
to the site. Once completed, the project
will have the distinction of having the world’s tallest modular building at 32
stories. The development is also striving for a LEED Silver Certification. You can keep up with the project by visiting
the developments website.
They give daily construction updates!
Modular building is becoming a competitive alternative to
traditional construction. Because the
modules are assembled in a controlled environment, construction costs and waste
are reduced, and construction time in the field is cut down significantly. JL Architects was fortunate to work with
Weston Solutions, Inc. and IDBS in 2011, when they decided to use modular
building in the construction of the Wyalusing Hotel Annex in Wyalusing,
Pennsylvania. The Annex provided an
economical solution that not only benefited the employees of Weston Solutions
while in town, but the local economy as well.
Wyalusing Hotel Annex |
JL Architects is currently working again, in conjunction with IDBS, on a
3-story multi-family apartment building in Madison, NJ, which features 13 apartments,
constructed using modular building systems.
The apartments range in size from 1,730 to 2,950 square feet and feature
both 2 bedroom with 2 bath units, and 3 bedroom with 2 ½ bath units. There are
8 private garages, with an additional 8 parking spaces in the basement, along
with 9 storage units. Adding interest to the site is General Anthony Wayne’s
house, which is just next door. General Wayne was one of George Washington’s
Generals, and his home is listed on the National Registry. Construction is scheduled to begin this
winter.
Modular construction may have been made popular 100 years
ago with home kits by Sears and Roebuck Co., but it looks like this building
type may just be the way of the future!
-Melanie Hicks
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