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
