Economy

For the S Mead house we chose to use materials sparingly yet thoughtfully to create a simple expression of an in-city house.

The Shape of the house was kept simple and designed on a 2’ modular grid making efficient use of panel materials. A stacked plumbing core minimized piping runs. The use of advanced framing reduced lumber by 25-30% while increasing the amount of insulation, giving an overall higher R-value for the house. Pre-cut panelized siding optimized the coverage of cladding materials. The use of exposed low-cost industrial and engineered wood and metal products reduced the amount of finish materials while giving a distinct character to the house.

The economical use of materials can preserve resources as well as providing an aesthetic that is rooted in the honest expression of the materials themselves.