In recent years, fans of modern home design have been looking for ways to get the style and character associated with an architecturally designed modern home, which can cost more than $400 a square foot, on a budget. The result has been a growing trend of modular prefabricated homes, designed by architectural firms.
One pioneer is Twin Cities-based FlatPak, founded by Charlie Lazor (who also started Blu Dot furniture). He named the company after the term used to describe knock-down self-assembled furniture that can be shipped flat in a box.
The FlatPak system is intricate and can be customized using a standard modular 8-foot-wide wall system, which can be clad in a variety of materials including wood, metal and glass. The standardized wall system costs about 20 to 30 percent less than a traditional architect-designed home, while the interchangeable nature of the materials and exterior panels offers the freedom to create a uniquely styled home.
FlatPak homes have received recognition from the design community through magazine, TV and extensive blog coverage. In July, a FlatPak 576-square-foot demonstration house opened as a long-term installation at the Minneapolis Walker Art Center's Sculpture Garden.
The structure had been used in several other design demonstration applications the past few years, but it was displayed indoors. The home received some slight modifications, including a real roof, to make it watertight and weather-ready for its latest outdoor appearance at the Walker.
FlatPak in the Garden is the first long-term architectural design installation since the Walker featured the Idea House II in 1947 as an exhibition of modern living. The structure will be used to display works of art and for special events throughout the year.
As projects around the country and global interest grow, don't be surprised if you see one of these wonderful, modern modular homes in a neighborhood near you some day.
To learn more about Hammond's new house and to see photos and previous blog posts, go to www.startribune.com/newhouse. Or e-mail him at hammond@mojosolo.com.
