Plant Prefab recently partnered with Koto Design to create two new and exclusive LivingHomes: Koto LivingHome 1 (Yksi) and Koto LivingHome 2 (Piha), just in time for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
"Our mission is to make great architecture more accessible, affordable, and sustainable," commented Plant Prefab CEO Steve Glenn. "To do this, we're looking to work with the best design practices globally -- firms whose missions align with ours -- so we can bring their designs to life in the most efficient way possible. Koto is the first international firm with whom we've partnered and we're incredibly excited to introduce two exclusive designs, and to expand our offering of top quality, highly sustainable homes. We couldn't think of a more appropriate time, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day."
Koto prides itself on using natural materials and creating spaces that heighten human senses and provide opportunities to fully immerse in nature. Strongly influenced by the Scandinavian design tradition, Koto's work is characterized by simple sculptural forms that maximize light and space, and their homes are conceived with nature in mind, to protect the environment and to encourage biophilic living: a connection between people and the natural world.
The four-bed, three-bath 2,184 sqf Piha (meaning 'courtyard' in Finnish) is characterized by two courtyards that connect inhabitants with the outdoors-a central value of the Scandinavian lifestyle and design aesthetic. The sculptural form of the cantilevered Yksi (meaning 'first' in Finnish) creates a comfortable, two-bedroom residence in just over 1,100 square feet. Both designs offer ample deck space for outdoor living, and employ large windows and long sightlines to create a sense of openness. The characteristic Scandinavian designs maximize light, space, and connectivity to nature, facilitating comfortable, biophilic living with a minimum carbon footprint.
"At Koto, we strive to surpass expectations of modular construction, while always considering wellbeing for humanity and the natural world," said Theo Dales, Co-Founder of Koto. "With Plant Prefab we share a vision for innovative, top quality and sustainable design, and are thrilled to now be able to put this approach into practice, and marry our design aesthetic with the highest quality manufacturing for a US audience."
Koto LivingHome 1 and 2 will be built with ultra-efficient heating and cooling systems, smart energy monitoring, LED lighting, recycled insulation and drywall and low-flow water fixtures. Additionally, to maximize energy efficiency for each home, Koto and Plant will work directly with the homeowner to determine optimal site placement to account for environmental factors such as sunlight.
With sustainability always in mind, Koto also integrated select design elements to build upon Plant's net-zero standards. Both models are designed with windows that maximize cross-ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning. Wherever possible, more common synthetic materials such as cement siding have been replaced with timber-based products to reduce the amount of embodied carbon expelled during construction.