Indeed, whether prefab houses or traditional, home ownership provides a sense of freedom, privacy and sanctuary. The fulfillment of a place, that of having your own home, is invaluable. It is a place to nurture your children and a space to spend time doing the most personal and intimate things in life.
But in this generation — where high home quality is partnered with costly goods –taking on inexpensive concrete modular homes is a must so that average homeowners can purchase a home within their budget.
Here is an example of a couple who were able to build their low-cost concrete modular home. Tarek and Cynthia had a thought that their old house on Martha’s Vineyard had to be replaced completely. So they looked for a good architect who could work on a collaboration and one who lived on the island.
One day, a friend of Cynthia’s paid for a visit in Boston one weekend and they discussed home construction while they were looking at a certain house near the shoreline. While they were going around the house areas, they saw a box of tiles with architect Peter Rose’s name printed on it. So Tarek thought of contacting his office, and what a coincidence, Rose would be flying to Boston on the same day. Hence, they agreed to meet there and they disregarded the island-resident criterion that they listed before.
So their good connection began and since the 1980s, architect Rose has established a portfolio of work on Martha’s Vineyard that includes both contemporary and regional-style structures. Rose noted, “What is common among these buildings is a great deal of attention to the siting of them, especially in terms of topography.” He added, “Partway into the process, we became aware of the slow, steady erosion of the bluff.” Rose also said that the inclined lakefront spot is characterized by narrow degrees.
Rose and his group formed the house as a chain of 6 prefabricated structures joined by 2 criss-crossing hallways. Every box can be elevated by crane.
Considering the beautiful scenery all around the house, Rose designed the house with subtle, fuzzy borders between the exterior and interior. Rose remarked, “There are two sets of rules on the Vineyard: If you do a vernacular house, you can build higher; if you build a modern house, it has to be lower.” Hence, Rose and his group decided for the latter. They thought of constructing a one-storey structure with a chain of flat, planted roofs, capped with beautiful natural sea grasses.
Rose explained, “The use of concrete was like placing a boulder onto the site.” In spite of the useful strength of the building material, Cynthia was initially doubtful but her husband convinced her that concrete is fit with Vineyard setting—the seashore, the rocks, and the mist. Actually, the subtle tones and faintly coarse surfaces of the exterior boards, controlled by expanses of glass and Spanish cedar window casings, form a beautiful home for the couples.
Another feature of the house is its rainwater collection. There are also geothermal wells that provide shiny floor warming which is useful in reducing HVAC equipment cost.
Overall, this lovely inexpensive concrete modular home is practical for home owners to consider as it’s durable, beautiful and it’s within an average budget. To see more of Peter Rose + Partners’ work, find them in the Building Homes and Living directory.
