Micro Houses

2016-2017

Nexus Team 
Casa Modulo Team 
The objective of a micro home is to minimize the footprint on a landscape, allow for design with recycled or repurposed materials, and to emphasize the sustainability in the project as well as the lifestyle for one to take up residence in a micro home. The functionality of a standard size house can be elegantly structured into a minimal amount of square footage and still meet an architectural standard.
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The Nexus House is a micro home wrapped in grey corrugated steel. One of the concepts behind the design was to create a new generation of Sears Catalog Homes. As a series of prefabricated spatial modules, the design maximizes the interior space by combining the electrical and plumbing needs into a centralized zone. The plan consists of living and bedroom modules, bisected by the service core. Large windows and a sliding door help to bring the outside in and to provide ample light, making the home feel larger than its 400 sq. ft. The front deck with its hand-welded steel trellis, extends the living space to the outdoors, further extending the livable space. 
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Casa Modulo is a group design build studio project that deals with a 350 sq ft micro home designed to be transported from the build site to a different location after construction. The project can be recognized for its modular design, self-sustaining features, attachable unit, pre-fabrication of parts, use of new construction techniques, and a spacious layout for people to live in. Casa Modulo divides its functions into two separate units. The “Living Pod” houses a small kitchen and generous living space. The “Bedroom Pod” houses the bedroom with a murphy bed and desk as well as a small bathroom. A second “Bedroom Pod” can be added to the configuration to expand the housing capabilities. This idea of “Pods” allows the individual owner to create a highly customizable space using these prefabricated pods.

Design Process
Construction Process
Team Members
Justin Ashby, Jennifer Callejas,
Deisy Carrasco, Freddy Jove,
Omar Soto, Prarthan Shah,
Adam Fogel, Cosette Eggleston,
Justin Thairintr, Brannon Heake,
Christopher Harkins, Kevin Park,
Ana-Sofia Gonzalez, Cody Jay,
Daniel Luedecke, Jocelyn Valles,
Kelly Camargo, Quan Ngo,
Roxanne Torres, Andre Maxwell,
Marcus Finneburgh
Faculty Leaders 
Brad McCorkle
Bang Dang
Sponsors 
The Housing Channel, Wells Fargo, ALA, Daikin, Dallas Print Group, Delta Millworks, DFW Solutions, Far + Dang, Granite Design Center, HUBER Engineered Woods, James Hardie, Kwikset, Milgard Windows and Doors, Sherwin Williams, Tamlyn, The Container Store, Tom’s Mechanical, Inc., Topping Out, Texas Appliance, Wall Homes, Whirlpool, ZIP System, Jerald Kunkel Consulting Engineers, LLC, Chad Davis Photography