The 'New New' House for 'New New' Living - A Flexible Modular Housing System

This thesis draws inspiration from architect-engineer, Jean Prouvé, who believed houses should be built like cars. Using this ethos, he created an innovative system of lightweight portable housing. Unlike the prefabs of today, Prouvé’s homes celebrated their structural composition, showcasing their modular nature. This project aims to revive this innovative spirit.

As costs increase, houses are getting smaller, while homeowner needs are diversifying. The ‘nuclear family’ is giving way to new structures such as single-parent households, blended families, multi-generational living, co-habitation, etc. With this variety of modern lifestyles, flexibility in the home is becoming increasingly important. Compact living must become versatile and adaptable.

This thesis proposes a solution – a flexible modular housing system that assembles quickly and easily. Using the tube laser, a flatpack kit of parts is created. This combines into modules, offering various configurations on site. Foundations and plumbing are preset first. Dwellings can later expand outward or upward, to accommodate growing families. The modules are clad in a variety of panels, including ‘greenhouse’ options for semi-outdoor living. These panels lock together using aluminium extrusions, which are easily removeable for future expansion. 

The kit of parts includes a reconfigurable modular rail system used to mount furniture like folding desks, tables, & beds, and storage solutions like shelves, wardrobes & cabinetry. This allows people to customize their interior fitout and change it as they need. 

Easily moveable interior partitions also allow for changing functions throughout the day. If you work from home once a week – you can set-up a temporary office for just that day, using these partitions and fold-out furniture. 

These interior fitout systems are all integrated with the core structure, to work as a cohesive unified whole. All the main elements of the house can be fabricated in one factory, on the same machine.