It is no surprise that Inhabitat is a big fan of Michelle Kaufmann (MKD)‘s eco-pre-fab designs. We previously featured her mkLotus design during its debut at West Coast Green in San Francisco this past September, and we are now pleased to announce that Kaufmann is again setting new standards for pre-fab luxury with her mkLoft design for savvy home owners. The two-story, two-bedroom, two-bathroom plus loft sets the stage for flexible and spacious environmentally sound surroundings for city or suburban dwellers who are looking to achieve clean, green, healthy living without sacrificing the open plan benefits of the loft lifestyle.
mkLoft designs are an ideal solution whether you are looking to build a primary residence, create an inviting home office, or plug into an interconnected eco-community. Depending on your site, program, and performa, you can order 1 mkLoft, or 50 or more pre-fab units. Kaufmann’s loft homes can be customized in 2 or 3 story configurations using state-of-the-art sustainable materials and methods. As with MKD’s other design solutions and products, mkLofts utilizes energy-efficient, healthy foam-insulation; dual pane/low-E glazing; water-saving plumbing fixtures; and eco-friendly finishes throughout. Solar, geo-thermal, radiant heat and other energy-efficient systems are available in each unit.
mkLoft also meets the Energy Star program standards for energy efficient homes and meets the performance standards of the American Lung Association Health House program. Each home is insulated with an air-barrier, open cell foam insulation, and all wood-to-wood framing joints are caulked, which makes the home airtight, energy efficient, and less likely to produce mold. mkLoft also uses water-saving plumbing fixtures, on-demand water heaters, and a mechanical ventilation system that is 30% more efficient than typical forced-air systems.
Depending on volume and finishes, the typical mkLoft ranges from $130 to $140/sf. This does not include the cost of land nor the permit approval process. Housing developers take note, Michelle Kaufmann is reconfiguring the way that we think about site strategies, as the solutions on the horizon look to be both beautiful, efficient, and cost-effective. Eco-communities might soon be as easy as 1-2-3.
+ Michelle Kaufmann Designs
+ mKLoft Design
+ Inhabitat’s video interview with Michelle Kaufmann on mkLotus Design
+ Link to Green Communities that Michelle Kaufmann is currently working on
Built in California with foundation for $130/SF? I’ll bet the price doesn’t include that or shipping, or crane, or set or button up. Not critizing the house, just wondering the the numbers are misleading. When you state what it doesn’t include, the implication is that it inc ludes everything else. If I’m wrong, someone please jump in here and correct me.
i prefer the physical models (slight differences that help the overall). the 3D modeled exterior is sorta bad tract housing from the 70′s ish. silly Californians, this is a rowhouse (tri-plex, brownstone), not a “loft” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loft. the idea of prefabing a rowhouse is nothing new, but activity in the market is always a good thing. if anything, the best thing about MKD is that Michelle’ studio is prolific. the more that gets out there, the more the market will change.
i wonder if the bath vanity is the $1950 mkPURE or the $2550 mkPURE…? Jesus H.
that first pic is really lovely. wouldn’t want my future kids playing soccer in/on that yard though “i’ll get itahhhhh..”
Is really socially responsible to live in home that is 3000 + Sq. Ft.?
If America is really concerned about being “eco-friendly” then STOP consuming so much junk!
I am rolling over in my grave,
Frank Lloyd Wright
Michelle Kaufmann outlines mkLoft costs and the factors that influence these costs on her website:
http://www.mkd-arc.com/homes/mkloft/costs.php
A breakdown of costs for projects in general appears at the following link: http://www.mkd-arc.com//homes/costs/
This is as specific as we can be for now. Sorry for any confusion or misinformation.
Thanks for reading,
Abigail @ Inhabitat
[...] PREFAB FRIDAY: Michelle Kaufmann Loft Design – Inhabitat [...]
What is the physical model out of? Very impressive. I would not mind trying to create one of my own sparetime.
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