The Modules: LEED Silver Modular Housing At Temple University

Modular and <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/architecture/prefab-housing/">prefabricated construction</a> projects are praised for their efficient use of resources, quick construction times and energy-efficient design. While a lot of projects are still on the boards, one housing project at Temple University could serve as the poster child for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/modular-housing" target="_blank">modular housing</a>. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/05/14/60000-sq-ft-pre-fab-apartment-complex-in-philadelphia-to-be-completed-this-summer/" target="_blank">The Modules at TempleTown</a>, by <a href="http://www.is-architects.com/main/index.php?/selected-work/modular-apartments/" target="_blank">Interface Studio Architects</a>, is a five-story apartment building constructed from modular boxes and was finished off with a green roof, rain garden, bike garage and is expected to earn LEED Silver certification.

The Modules were recently completed over the summer to provide additional housing options for students around Temple University in Philadelphia.

The project was designed to LEED Silver Certification under the LEED for Homes Mid-rise pilot program.

The modular housing project is also expected to become one of the largest modular LEED-certified buildings in the country when it receives its certification.

The building is arranged in a double-H layout so that each apartment receives natural daylighting and ventilation.

There are 72 apartments total in the five-story building. 2 or 3 bedroom units are available.

The five-story building includes a ground floor parking garage with a bike garage and maintenance shop.

A storm water management plan includes various systems that reduce stormwater runoff by 50%.

A rain garden plus a green roof collect some of that storm water.

The green rooftop deck also provides residents a place to enjoy being outside and has great views of the city.

The building is composed of 80 prefabricated boxes built off-site and then assembled on top of a concrete and steel plinth.

Design of the project took three months and then construction and assembly took a record 9 months, making this one speedy construction job.

The lead architect on this project, Brian Phillips from Interface Studio Architects, said in an interview with Jetson Green, "While modular prefab can save a lot of time in construction – it almost takes more time on the design and coordination side."

The Modules was developed by Carlisle Street Partners, LLC, with Equinox Management &amp; Construction, LLC as the general contractor and Excel Homes as the modular manufacturer.