This project was conceived after we were flooded by Hurricane Irma in September 2017 (see previous post). I have always been inspired by the Farnsworth House design by Mies Van Der Rohe, for it’s simplicity and elegance.
I also wanted to build an addition here above the high water mark. I set about to recreate the features of the Farnsworth House but on a smaller scale that could still accommodate the living area, bedroom and the utility “core” which includes bathroom, kitchen and HVAC. I had experience restoring Airstream Trailers so I knew that it could be done in a smaller space.
The privacy issue is not really a problem because the IAM Residency is bordered by the Ribault River with a Nature preserve across from us so there are no other houses within view. I began with a Sketchup model using the footprint for the main structure of 12′ x 48′ with 3 indoor spaces of 12′ x 12′ (432 s.f.) for living area plus a 12′ x 12′ porch coupled to a 12′ x 48′ Dock at the seawall.
The plans will be spec’d in CAD and construction of the prototype will be Structural Aluminum I-beam built in a modular style so that the entire unit can be boxed up into a 20′ shipping container and assembled by 2 people, on site, in one week. The container can then be used for a parking structure.