PreFab in Chicago

MSNBC has this video showing Michelle Kaufman's latest prefab masterpiece at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

The best part of the video occurs in the middle with a time lapse shot showing the prefabricated modules being assembled. The entire house was installed in a week.

More on Michelle's Blog
Even more on Treehugger
Press Release
Museum of Science and Industry

Kids in Katrina trailers may face lifelong ailments

You would think that after blundering their initial reponse to a national disaster, FEMA would work extra hard at not making things worse.

Now there is this story about the high levels of toxins in the very trailers provided to help the people of New Orleans.

Although Europe has banned formaldehyde, the US still refuses to do so. This is a great argument to follow the example of Canada and Europe.

SCU wins Third Place in Solar Decathalon!

For those of you that might not have heard of it, the Solar Decathalon is a competition for college students to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered home. It is so competitive and such hard work that it's only offered every two years.

In the last Solar Decathlon in 2005, I was one of the advisors to the Architecture Department at Cal Poly. The students placed an impressive third.


This year, I was one of the advisors to Santa Clara University. Countless hours, debates, discussions and meetings later, and I am proud to announce the results. After two years of preparation and a week of competition, the final scores and standings are in for the 2007 competition.


Third Place: Santa Clara University
This team wanted to build a sustainable solar house that is functional, elegant, and innovative—and they did just that. The Communications Jury lauded their friendly, enthusiastic house tour, which was informative, entertaining, and very much "on target" for public audiences. They were one of five teams to score a perfect 100 points in the Hot Water contest and one of seven teams to score a perfect 100 points in the Energy Balance contest. Their house almost didn't make it to the Solar Decathlon, because their transport truck broke an axle and delayed them by three days.

Congratulations to the students! They were a fun group and they deserve it!

The next one will be in 2009.

A NOTE TO OTHER ARCHITECTURE PROGRAMS: If you're looking to enter the 2009 competition, contact me and invite me to be an advisor. I seem to have a track record of helping you place at least third! ;)

MORE INFO ON: Santa Clara University's Entry
MORE INFO ON: 2007 Solar Decathalon
MORE INFO ON: SCU Solar Decathalon Site

More West Coast Green buzz in the paper today

I was interviewed for the San Francisco Chronicle to talk about West Coast Green.

My favorite part? Being described as "cheeky."

An excerpt:
Back for its sophomore edition, the nation's largest green building conference really puts its money where its mouth is by erecting a green modular home in front of the auditorium on a patch of grass below Mayor Gavin Newsom's balcony in City Hall.
Dubbed the Lotus, the 725-square-foot home is the brainchild of green architect Michelle Kaufmann and boasts solar panels, LED lights, a gray-water system that collects water from sinks and the shower and recirculates it to toilets, an energy-saving "on-demand" water heater and native landscaping. For those who'll need to take a load off just to contemplate the home's ramifications, there's also a backyard complete with chaise longues.

full story

West Coast Green is coming!

As you should know, West Coast Green is coming! On September 20th - 22nd, the largest residential green building conference comes to San Francisco!

There is a great story in Builder Architect Magazine on how the conference came about and what you can expect.

For those of you who attended last year, you will be delighted by this years conference. An impressive lineup of 200+ speakers, 300+ exhibitors, plus the addition of the Lotus House by green pre-fab visionary Michelle Kaufmann.