Prefabricated construction is a hot topic in architecture these days, and for good reason. Prospective homebuilders around the world are gravitating to prefab as an environmentally responsible and cost-effective way to achieve that holiest of grails: an affordable, well-designed house. For those who are hoping to jump onto this bandwagon or just interested in what prefab building really entails, Prefab Prototypes is required reading. While other prefab books on the market show what can be done, Prefab Prototypes takes the next step and shows how.

Architects Mark Anderson and Peter Anderson have been working with prefab buildings for more than 15 years. With Prefab Prototypes, they break prefab down into six systems, from most flexible to most complicated, including panelized wood framing, sandwich paneling, steel framing, timber framing, concrete systems and modular systems. Each chapter delves into the benefits and drawbacks of its respective method, and features detailed plans, sections and photographs of completed projects. The resulting book is both a lush depiction of the Andersons' prefab output and an in-depth analysis that will prepare readers for taking the plunge into prefab building.

About the Author

Mark Anderson and Peter Anderson's experimental design and construction work has been widely published throughout the world. Their firm, Anderson Anderson, has been involved in prefab building strategies for over 15 years, and their work has been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Architecture, Dwell and Architectural Record as well as on television specials on PBS, CNN, Home and Garden Television and NHK Tokyo.

TH 4819 P7A584 2007

• prefabricate buildings, manufactured housing

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