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IRVINE , CA The
practice of sustainable architectural design attempts to reduce
the collective environmental impact during the production of
building components, during the construction
process and during the life cycle of the building.
The Modular Housing System from Unique Structural Systems, is
a pre-engineered system using a variety of aluminum extrusions
for post and beam framing connected by a patented, concealed
bolt-and-clamp component. This is supplemented by a bolt-in-place
diagonal corner brace for multi-story structures usually concealed
within wall panels.
The MHS sheathing system uses either Structural Insulated Panels
(SIPs) or a combination of other panel materials which slide
into the channels of the framing members.
The system can be assembled manually with the use of a simple
impact wrench and framing members connected anywhere along their
length. This provides virtually limitless design options in any
rectilinear configuration without additional demands on
labor during construction as well as employment of local workers
who can be trained in one day.
The Modular Housing System's key characteristics of simplicity
and flexibility mean this system is adaptable to any geographic,
climatic or societal requirements with no waste or additional
design constraints. Sustainability initially aims at minimizing
the impact on the building site in terms of the land, topography,
vegetation and view. MHS aluminum framing weight is 1/12 that
of steel framing and 1/24 of concrete. This eliminates the need
for heavy equipment at the site, since one worker can carry a
12-ft MHS framing member. Compare this with placement of one
steel I-beam at the job site.
The weight of concrete used in an MHS foundation is almostone
half that required for a steel or concrete structure. Less weight
during transportation of building components means less use of
fossil fuel and lower shipping costs. Further, flat pack shipping
of the MHS components provides substantially greater efficiency
than transport of modular boxes. MHS components can be transported
to any buildable site economically and utilize any foundation
from piers to pad.
As post-and-beam system the MHS offers wider spans with more
glass increasing the option for passive solar heating or cooling
while the thermal advantage offered SIPs provides less 'active'
heating requirements thereby enhancing the option for photovoltaics.
A key attribute of sustainability is energy/resource conservation
over the life cycle of the building. The Modular Housing System's
unique bolt-and-clamp connection allows disassembly with one
hand tool and relocation and reconstruction in the same or entirely
different configurations. This means that the life cycle of the
building is extended indefinitely or that it offers many life
cycles' worth of energy and resource conservation.
The unique simplicity and flexibility of the Modular Housing
System concept truly allows it to sit lightly on the land and
adapt to the nature of its environment in an optimal example
of sustainability.
By Robert Mendel
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