Taliesin Mod.Fab Modular Home

960 square feet
Taliesin Design/Build Studio, J. Siegal, M.P. Johnson Design
Scottsdale, Arizona

If you're thinking the Taliesin Mod.Fab house looks like a mobile home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, you'd be on the right track. According to the book Small Eco Houses, the groundbreaking architect had actually experimented with modular designs early in his career, but adoption of the resource-saving concept was reportedly cut short by the disruption of World War I.

The Taliesin (also featured on page 1 of this feature) pays homage to Wright while showcasing sustainability. It's built with so-called SIPs, structural insulated panels, which make installation quick. The house is designed to work well off the grid, using natural lighting and ventilation and optional solar panels.