Prefabrication | Walter F. Bogner

USA | 1942 | hard form

Description

Walter Bogner's proposal for this house responds to a brief set by the American journal Architecture Forum, which asked for a design that should be adaptable to different needs resulting from changes in family composition as the family grows older.

The architects developed a theoretical concept of a house that comes in four divisions: groundwork, shell assembly, installations unit and accessories and interchangeable parts.

The shell assembly consists of the enclosing walls and a roof, with subdivisions measuring 8 feet - horizontally as well as vertically, which can be further subdivided into three parts - but without the need for interior support. The division within this shell is made with interchangeable panels, which can be solid or have a window, or can be external or internal. These accessories and parts are considered like furniture and include wall partitions, wardrobes, cabinet storage, doors and windows, roof shades as well as a heater and utility room, a laundry and quick freeze room, a garage or car port and a porch or play room. All of which can be bought at any time or rearranged periodically to suit changing family needs.

To illustrate the concept: in a first step, the user would have a basic unit of 24 feet by 24 feet - amounting to around 53m2. The only space-defining element in this shell is a prefabricated bathroom unit with attached kitchen. By adding partitions, still within the same shell, the plan can be subdivided to form up to two bedrooms, an enclosed kitchen and a living and dining room. By adding further 8 by 8 feet modules, the basic plan can be enlarged for greater comfort or changes in the composition of its users.

References

Bogner, W., 'The new house 194X ... : 4. Prefabrication', The Architectural Forum, 1942, pp. 78-81.