"Upstate"

 
 
 
 

“UPSTATE” started as a personal exploration of building science, systems, materials, and a two-part thought challenge.

  1. Recognizing the role buildings play in global warming and the nature of our outdated housing stock. How can the firm build better?

  2. How can we provide affordable, quality, housing to those in need of personal space during COVID-19?

In an attempt to satisfy both of the above two criteria while exploring newer building systems, science, and materials we decided to design a modern panelized prefabricated dwelling unit with auxiliary space.

A panelized prefab home is built faster with a higher degree of accuracy and stricter tolerances enabling a more energy-efficient home in less time. Prefab panelized homes can be assembled on-site in two days, with less building waste (according to the National Association of Homebuilder’s panelized prefab reduces onsite waste by 80%), better quality, and predictable timelines and budgets. Something standard onsite construction cannot achieve. A faster building cycle also means a more rapid ROI, whether you’re renting, selling, or living in your new home.

All of this and more was explored, considered, discussed, and implemented in “UPSTATE” as WAKE embarks on its mission to “Build and Be Better.”

 
 

Project Name: “Upstate”

Typology: Panelized Pre-fab Residential

Location: Kingston, NY

Year: 2020

Status: Ongoing

Size: 1,200 sqft

Client: WAKE design development

Collaborators:

Design Team: Nathan Minett RA