Michelle Kaufmann Launches New Zero Series Prefab Homes!

It's no secret that we're big fans of modular dwelling designer extraordinaire <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/index.php?s=michelle+kaufmann">Michelle Kaufmann</a> here at Inhabitat, so we're absolutely stoked to see that she's launched a brand new series of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/architecture/prefab-housing/">prefabricated homes</a>! Called the <a href="http://michellekaufmann.com/2010/08/launch-of-new-designs/">Zero Series</a>, the elegant line is made to be zero energy (hence the name) and is all about "<em>designing</em> big rather than building big." In addition to being able to generate as much energy as they consume, the bright, airy spaces filled with ample windows bring the outdoors in and squeeze out every last drop of potential that a build site itself has to offer.

The line consists of three new models, the Ridge0™, the Vista0™ and the Contours0™, which range in size between 422sf and 2643sf.

The Contours0™ and the Vista0™ have interior and exterior rooms designed to maximize natural ventilation and <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/daylighting">daylight</a> through large windows, glass doors and skylights.

The Ridge0™ uses the Passivhaus principles of good insulation, southern orientation with shading, efficient windows and frames, an air-tight building envelope, energy star appliances and lighting, and passive preheating of fresh air to minimize demand for heating and cooling.

An interior shot of the homes showing how much light the large windows let inside.

The homes also incorporate solar power systems, rain catchment systems and gray water systems.

The Zero Series also incorporates 5 eco principles and green materials and systems and are designed to be LEED certified.

And if you prefer, they can even be customized to obtain other green home certifications like Build it Green, NAHB Green Building Standard, or your local green rating program.

The new <a href="http://inhabitat.com/architecture/prefab-housing/">prefab homes</a> are available exclusively through Studio 101 Designs and built by Blazer Industries.

Prices for the homes begin at $66,500.

The Ridge0 makes good use of skylights to minimize artificial lighting during the day.

The houses maximize the potential of the sites they are built on and outdoor space.