Project Description

Rising Sun is one in a series of prototypical structures for a planned rollout of entirely factory made modular housing. Composed of five steel modules ranging from 18'x72' to 18'x36', the structures form a compound with a home made up of two staggered modules connected at the long sides, a garage, gallery and studio. The five units are grouped to envelop a private inner courtyard.

Each module rests on just fthe concrete piers. Each structure and module enclosure took just five days to fabricate in the controlled factory conditions and was lifted into place by crane in two hours. Rising Sun is a sophisticated and computerized house built using modern fabrication and construction techniques. Its transparent design that all but erases the boundaries between the inside and outside, is possible because of Vierendeel steel trusses that support long spans, unobstructed views and - not incidentally - supplies the rigidity necessary for transport and hoisting.

The challenging site in the Sonoran Desert in located in a flood plain. Each module is placed above ground on the concrete piers at least 12‚ above the high water mark so that floods can flow unobstructed through the property. The intense desert sunlight and heat inspired a system of sun shades mounted above the windows to shelter the interiors. Punched horizontal members mounted on the exterior provide both shading and privacy to select areas. Outside, above some of the decks, there are elevated horizontal screens that protect outdoor seating areas and cast dazzling shadow patterns. Retaining the integrity of the site was important.

With on-site construction time reduced, the architects were able to leave the site virtually undisturbed. The design respects the land: the buildings and outdoor terraces respond to the site by stepping up and down to follow the uneven terrain. Landscaping using indigenous plants and trees enhances the property's natural beauty while providing a natural privacy screen for the owner of the house. The beauty of the system lies in its simplicity. Nothing - including effort - is wasted. Through experience and learned best practices, the crew fabricating and assembling the modules has steadily decreased their time down from weeks to the current five days.

An economical structural and design feature lies in the joinery of the vertical and horizontal unit members that are not welded, but bolted, as direct an application as there can be. The modules arrive on site fully outfitted with cabinetry, kitchens, blinds and have only to be plugged into utilities. All of the steel has been recycled. The three-inch fir flooring and ceiling are structural members as well as warming features in the interiors. The intention behind all these efficiencies is driving down the cost of the modules to make them affordable. The fabrication system has been refined with each iteration. This is the third in the series, another three are ready for installation at the time of this writing.