M-house, Small US home design, Minimal USA residential building images, Architecture, Architect
M-house Architecture : Small American Home
Small Residence Design United States of America design by M-2: Michael Jantzen, USA
post updated April 18, 2024
Design: Michael Jantzen Architect
M-2 is a design study for a small house that utilizes the same M-vironments building system that I developed for the construction of the M-house.
Nov 1, 2007
M-house, United States of America
M-2: Michael Jantzen © 2007
This structure would be constructed from the same basic components used in the design of the M-house, but different numbers of those components would be used and they would be arranged in different ways onto a different size and shaped support frame. The main purpose of this exercise was to see how the same basic components of the M-house could generate a very different structure to accommodate the different needs of its occupants.
M-vironments Æ
Relocatable M-vironments are made of a wide variety of manipulatable components that can be connected in many different ways to a matrix of modular support frames. The frames can be assembled and disassembled in different ways to accommodate a wide range of changing needs.
The M-house, which is made from the M-vironment system, consists of a series of rectangular panels that are attached with hinges to an open space frame grid of seven interlocking cubes. The panels are hinged to the cubes in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation.
The hinges allow the panels to fold into, or out of the cube frames to perform various functions. Some of the panels are insulated and contain windows and doors. These panels can completely enclose spaces that are heated and cooled. Other uninsulated panels fold in or out over and around open platforms to shade the sun, deflect the rain, or block the wind.
Some of these unfold from the face of the cubes to become places to sit, places to sleep, places to work, or places to eat. Most of the slotted panels are oriented over and around these open platforms. The platforms and the cube frames are supported by adjustable legs, which are attached to load bearing footpads. In many cases the support frames do not require a foundation, and they can be adjusted to accommodate terrain variations.
All of the M-house components are interchangeable, and can be increased or decreased in numbers and size. The panels can be made in a curved configuration and from many different types of materials. The existing M-house panels are assembled with a steel structural frame that supports thin sheets of a concrete composite. All of the exposed surfaces of the structure are painted.
This M-house was designed to function as a single private vacation retreat, or in multiple numbers and configurations, as a complete stand-alone high tech resort complex. The house can be designed to be self sufficient, powered by alternative energy sources such as the sun and the wind. The M-vironments were developed to accommodate a wide range of markets. With different sizes, shapes, materials, and panel types, the system can be used for exhibit structures, pavilions, play environments for kids, retail spaces, office modules, and many other commercial applications.
Michael Jantzen, 27800 N. Mc Bean parkway, Suite 319, Valencia, CA 91354, USA
M-2 house info from Michael Jantzen Autumn 2007
Location: Valencia, CA, United States of America
Architecture in USA
Contemporary Architecture in USA
Another design by Michael Jantzenon e-architect:
Sun Shadow Pavilion – concept building
Design: Michael Jantzen
picture from architect
Also by Michael Jantzen: Sun Tower, Valencia, USA 2007
American Home Designs
Contemporary US Real Estate Designs – recent property selection from e-architect:
Paintbrush Residence, Jackson, Wyoming
Design: CLB Architects
photo : Matthew Millman
Paintbrush Residence in Jackson
Ravenhill House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Architects: Studio Robert Jamieson
photos : Sam Orberter, August Haeuser and Studio Robert Jamieson
Ravenhill House, Philadelphia
Oak Pass House, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California
Architects: Walker Workshop
photograph : Joe Fletcher
Oak Pass House in Beverly Hills
The Oak Pass Main House sits atop a 3.5-acre ridge site with panoramic canyon views. The property’s topography and landscape, which most notably include over 130 protected Coast Live Oak Trees, were the primary drivers for the house’s design.
Californian Architects : Morphosis
Californian Buildings : John Lautner
Comments / photos for the M-house Architecture design by M-2: Michael Jantzen USA page welcome