Known for the building-components systems they have developed over the past 12 years, Anderson Anderson are interested in exploring the idea of mass customization of components to allow for maximum adaptability and individuality. Their AB Parts House, which uses a system of structural insulated panels (SIPs) for its walls and ceiling, continues this exploration.

Concrete-slab floors provide thermal ballast for passive heating and cooling. Resource-efficient, sustainably produced engineered wood products and recycled steel products are used throughout. The house is sited to maximize light, airflow, and views. Extended eaves and sun screens provide shade.
For Anderson Anderson, one of the lessons learned from prefab’s previous failures of prefabrication is that uniquely proprietary systems of single-source components are too costly to develop. They believe that the most effective way to reap the benefits of prefabrication involves incremental transition from site-based craft and assembly to off-site creation of building elements and components. To that end, the team designed the AB Parts House using only readily available, off-the-shelf materials and tried-and-true prefab systems that they knew from experience could be financed through standard banking channels in a timely manner, and would likely be approved by building departments and/or architectural review boards.