New Construction

New Construction offers different design choices from Renovation, and allows use of a broader range of modern construction techniques. Naturally, designers have to understand the systems involved, and be prepared to coordinate and monitor the job through construction. Featured here is one project on a tight budget which used modular construction.

Affordable Housing

In 2005, the Elkhart Housing Partnership approached Hans Roegele to design six new affordable housing units on a small empty lot in downtown Elkhart, Indiana, ringed by major streets and utility easements. The budget was less than $80 per square foot, and high quality construction that also met Energy Star and FHA regulations was required. Beginning by measuring the existing homes in the surrounding neighborhood, Hans Roegele proposed duplexes that matched the neighborhood scale, restored the street edge, and allowed for comfortably sized homes. Homes were generally designed with T plans and 9' ground floor ceilings to ensure that every room had natural light and ventilation on at least two walls. Services were accommodated in the shared core. To achieve construction quality and deadlines on the budget, modular home companies were invited to be part of the project. Indiana Building Systems responded with a competitive proposal, and an array of options to meet the aesthetic goals. In the summer of 2006, the first tenants moved in.