Prefabulous for everyone

Prefabulous for everyone

Sheri Koones, 1949-

Book - 2023

"Prefabricated housing is a practical solution since it is faster to build, less expensive than site-built houses, and potentially more energy efficient -- all aspects that are attractive to homeowners. According to manufacturers, they are seeing the trend for house size coming down but with higher quality amenities. Sheri Koones has authored a series of five prefabulous books; this one is her sixth. She includes a variety of prefab homes from small to large, including modular, SIPS (structural insulated panels), panelized, and kit built. The houses are from a range of locations across the United States and Canada. Koones includes luxurious, expensive houses as well as some modest, lower-cost homes. She includes two houses that replace...d homes that burned down in the California fires. There are several ADUs (accessory dwelling units). The prefab manufacturers have changed in many cases since she wrote her last Prefabulous book in 2016. Although this book includes some of the best older companies, it also includes houses built by new, up-and-coming manufacturers." --

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Subjects
Prefabricated houses.
Dwellings > Energy conservation.
Modular construction.
Architecture, Domestic > United States.
Architecture, Domestic > Canada.
Architecture, Domestic.
Canada.
United States.
Published
Layton, Utah : Gibbs Smith [2023]
Language
English
Main Author
Sheri Koones, 1949- (author)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
224 pages : color illustrations ; 29 cm
ISBN
9781423663591
  • Introduction
  • Acknowledgments
  • The Maynard House
  • Thimbleberry House
  • Olive Passive House
  • The Passive Narrowtive
  • Cowboy Modern Desert Eco-Retreat
  • Harrison Lane House
  • Good Vibes House
  • Ashford WeeHouse
  • The Malibu House
  • Portage Bay Floating Home
  • SPARC House
  • Boxabl Casita
  • Vineyard Vista
  • Tropical Panorama
  • Conexus House
  • The Pink House
  • Hillman City Solar Farmhouse
  • The Raleigh Simple Home and ADU Cottage
  • Lipan Road House
  • Hill House
  • Hive House
  • Maris ADU
  • Lowry House
  • Suppliers
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Journalist Koones (Bigger Than Tiny, Smaller Than Average) delivers a convincing overview of the merits of prefabricated homes. Pushing back against those who "think of prefab construction as tacky and plain," Koones tours 24 homes that "demonstrate the variety and beauty of houses that can be prefabricated." She highlights the different prefab construction methods, showcasing a Wisconsin house built from a kit (using materials that were pre-cut and numbered at a factory), and a light-filled Los Angeles modular structure built from "modules or boxes" assembled off-site. Environmental considerations feature prominently, including a desert retreat in southern California built from reclaimed lumber and recycled metal, a houseboat in northwestern Washington with eco-friendly concrete moorings, and a Vancouver home that achieved energy efficiency by using airtight insulation. Blueprints, gorgeous interior and exterior photos, and descriptions of building materials provide a detailed look at each entry. However, Koones's contention that prefab homes can help alleviate the affordable housing shortage is undercut by her focus on lavish homes whose costs are seldom discussed. Still, this makes a solid case for the high-end possibilities of prefab home design. (Apr.)

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Review by Library Journal Review

Koones's (Downsize: Living Large in a Small House) previous books encourage the shift from larger homes to more sustainable, ecologically responsible homes. A three-time recipient of the prestigious Gold Award in the Robert Bruss Real Estate Book Award, the author expands on why prefabricated homes are a solution to the housing and labor shortages and how it impacts the environment. This book includes 24 prefab homes with images of the layout, blueprints, and a listing of green and energy-efficient features. Readers will enjoy breathtaking images of the interior design of the homes, the unique features that the homeowners included to make their space work for them, and advice for homeowners who may choose a similar prefab style. A comprehensive list of suppliers is provided so that readers can build their own prefab home. VERDICT A wonderfully curated design book for fans of Koones or readers looking to downsize.--Brittany Fechtman

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