microhouse: Early Prefab Housing in Washington State

small is the new green

Increasing environmental awareness along with economic and demographic trends favor smaller house sizes. Many cities are doing their part by updating zoning codes to allow cottage housing and small secondary houses (ADU's) on residentially zoned lots. Seattle and Portland are two cities which allow detached ADU's up to 800 sq. ft. in size. These small houses provide opportunities for families, while increasing housing stock, density and affordability. Continue reading for more information about small house design and Seattle's backyard cottage ordinance or contact us to find out if your lot is eligible for a backyard cottage.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Early Prefab Housing in Washington State

Many of the prefab houses built by the govenment in the 1940's are still around including the one that I lived in for a year. An unassuming 400 sq. ft. 1 bedroom modern box. 1,800 were built in 1944. "Home blown, the history of the homes of richland", published by the City of Richland, is a great booklet documenting the history of these houses. I look forward to doing some early prefab mashups for the microhousenw site. The one bedroom prefab pictured below shows the gable roof added to the prefab above in the early 1950's.
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