for questions about our prefabs, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.
How long does it take to build a house, a pre-fab building, a tower?
Of course the length of time of construction varies with the size and complexity of each project. Our experience shows that the construction of conventionally built single-family houses and small buildings --not prefab-- take about a year from start to finish. Multi-unit housing, low-rise buildings, or complex small buildings, may take an additional six months to a year. And residential or commercial towers, depending on their complexity, may take a total of three or more years.
With our pre-fab buildings, the turn-around time for fabrication is 6 months. Depending on the level of finish required, onsite completion may take anywhere from two weeks to two months. [January 2022 update: please see our updated prefab info below].
Who designs your buildings' interiors?
If it is attached to the building, we have designed it. So all the interiors, including all lighting, plumbing, millwork (cabinetry), paint colors, floor finishes are specified by us. When we are done, the building is ready to be occupied and used; just bring in your furniture, clothes and your toothbrushes.
Have you used solar or geothermal?
Yes, we have installed solar panels, geo-thermal wells, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. But we don't lose sight of a clear fact that the way a building is sited, its orientation, exposure to light, protection from winter winds, simple thermal insulation, and thermal windows are the first steps to energy efficiency. As we often say, a well-performing building shell is like a glove on one's hand: creating a continuous thermal layer that shields the interior from too much heat or cold.
Do you work with your own builders?
Our goal, in selecting builders, is to work with those who display exceptional work and enthusiasm, who are eager to solve problems, and who display a proven track record of projects that align with our methods of construction. Sometimes we are asked to make introductions to those we have worked with. And at other times, we are asked to meet new builders.
Do you work beyond NY -internationally?
Exploring new regions, contexts, climates and cultures is a unique pleasure of architecture. But there are challenges as well; local know-how, knowledge of building codes and construction methods, to name a few. Besides taking time to research and understand any environment, we try to engage local architects to assist with local and regional processes and issues.
Where from did you compile the colors on this page?
One of the most significant artists of the 20th century, the radical ideas and work of Donald Judd continue to provoke and influence the fields of art, architecture and design. To read more about Judd, go here.
The work of Donald Judd exerts a special influence on architects of every generation; including us. His outstanding ability to distill experience to a singular event -ripe with infinite associations- influences our thoughts to this day...
Are your buildings expensive to build?
We take great pride in exploring methods of construction that are efficient, and in communicating our intent to builders carefully and instructively. This yields a seamless workflow, efficient construction and cost savings. In most instances, the construction cost of our buildings are in par with high-quality structures of equivalent size. Our pre-fab buildings, on the other hand, are significantly lower in cost than conventional building.
Do flat roofs leak?
Its surprising how often this question is asked. It shows that flat roofs have caused issues in the past in some buildings. Flat roof construction is very different now than even ten years ago. A properly built flat roof should not leak! We seal the roof and all its joints very tightly. And take careful precautions to shed water, snow and ice.
October 2023
We have great news!
After a long period of research, design and development, we are ready (and super excited) to present our new program of pre-designed and -engineered building templates. These are sets of architectural drawings —for variously sized buildings— that are ready for construction —by you or your contractor, or in one of our partner factories and delivered to your property.
Please go to our webpage: RTL (Read-to-Live); as well as our dedicated Instagram page here. For further info about our process, please visit our Blog page here .
To start your project, email us at info@mbarchitecture.com.
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