Mcube - Green Home Design
MDesign has a patented “Mcube” prefab housing system that is stunning, inexpensive and adaptable to most sites.
The Mcube is a 10’ modular prefab housing system that looks to use a “Kalwall” translucent panel system. ( I use the term Kalwall as generic for translucent insulating panels) The cost is estimated to be $80.00 per square foot, which is stunningly inexpensive.
The questions I would ask the architects are: 1. Kalwall type systems require maintenance. I have inspected several translucent panel systems and after about 5 years they need to be re-coated with some sort of clear sealant otherwise the fiberglass starts to delaminate. 2. Doesn’t that stuff off-gas? The panels are fiberglass. 3. Does the kit come with real windows? I like to look outside sometimes without having to open the windows. If every exterior surface is translucent you can’t see the world around you without opening the window.
I think the Architect would have good answers to these questions. The houses also feature radiant heat, solar hot water and photovoltaics. I’d say they are on the right track.
From Inhabitat:
MDesign’s patented Mcube modular prefab system is a gorgeous, flexible, solar-powered, and stunningly affordable housing option that exemplifies the benefits of prefabricated building. The system is based on a translucent 10?-cube module which can be stacked in multiple floors and units for residential and commercial purposes. Made from concrete, steel, and luminous fiberglass daylighting wall panels, the system can be fully erected in 90 days at a cost starting at $80 per square foot! (Yes $80 a foot!). Considering how expensive most sleek SoCal prefab systems seem to be - this is a price tag that really got our attention.
We chose this design for our Green Home Showcasefor its modular stackable approach, beautiful modern aesthetic, superb eco credentials (photovoltaics, radiant heating, solar water, etc) and fabulously creative use of translucent daylighting walls to light the whole house with diffused sunlight throughout the day - eliminating any need for electric light.
MDesigns, MCube, modular housing, prefab housing, prefab house, prefab systems, prefabricated homes, Prefab friday, green building, prefab green
Mark Baez of MDesigns has recently completed construction of the MCube prototype in Venice, California, equipped with quite the array of both passive and active solar technologies (how appropriate for sunny Southern California). From solar radiant-heated floors and solar heated water to photovoltaic roof panels and the translucent light-emitting window-wall system, Baez has all his solar bases covered, making MCube not only a functional and beautiful space, but a sunny green abode.
The most impressive thing about the MCube is certainly the ingenuity behind the functional and luminous moveable window/wall panels. Clearly inspired by the Japanese shoji screen concept, the MCube’s 4 walls are composed of translucent light emitting “windows” that let a constant stream of diffused natural light into the space from all angles. Made out of lightweight insulated fiberglass panels, the light-emitting walls let all the natural light one would want without any of the heat radiation of typical glass windows. Because the panels are translucent like Japanese shoji screens, rather than transparent like glass, they also protect privacy and block views into the interior. Better yet, each daylighting panel is moveable/operable like a shutter, allowing the occupants to open up any part of their little cube in order to let in the breeze. There aren’t any real glass “windows” per se in the house, but since each and every wall is essentially a window, there is no reason for separate windows in a house like this. To top it all off, the movable/removable wall panels allow for transformable space, so you can enjoy an ever-changing domestic space for years to come.
September 19th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Read your piece. Kalwall does not need to be resurfaced in five years. We have installations at museum in LA over twenty and just is thinking about resurfacing. Please email me if you need more info on Kalawall. Where is the project in the piece. I am not sure where it is built.Thanks.
September 19th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
David-
My experience with Kalwall is not very recent and they (you?) may have improved the formulation of the skins.
I would defer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspections and maintenance.
Thank you for the comment.
jsbarrie
December 17th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
As David stated earlier, translucent systems do not need to be resurfaced that quickly, and many manufacturers now offer color-change and other warranties to guard against those fears. The panels in the Mcube are from Major Industries - they’re Guardian 275® panels. From what I understand, the architect designed them to open like an awning window, but otherwise, you are right - the standard panels are translucent. That said, they can also be purchased as window wall combinations (for outside views) if that’s the look you desire (both from Major and other translucent daylighting manufacturers). It’s a very unique and eye-catching concept - it was also on HGTV’s What’s With That House a few months back - might be worth checking on for further info and an inside look.