The Evolutionary Housing System

Global changes — political, social, economic and technological — are fueling a demand for improved quality of life. Developed countries and developing countries, rich and poor alike, feel the pressure. The problem affects all because it is one of quality relative to what exists. Those living under the worst conditions clamor for the simplest amenities; those living relatively well demand improvements they see elsewhere. For anyone at all aware, visible strides in science and technology are a constant reminder that a better life is possible, and should be attainable.

Visionary models of “houses of the future” have long been features of world’s fairs, expositions and industry promotions, pressing boundaries to show what could be, if … the if’s being social, economic and political thresholds that must be crossed, but seldom are. Despite these barriers, technological developments in manufactured housing and electro/mechanical services over the years have brought a slow but steady progression of improvements in housing to the general public.

The Evolutionary Housing System can be used to construct new housing, replace substandard or distressed housing, and adapt existing housing to higher levels of quality. With its kit of parts, houses can be custom-designed and adapted over time to changing family needs, technological improvements, increased self-sufficiency, and the evolution of the community.

The problems are real; not surprises. Yet today, after a century of experimentation with modern prefabrication and system building concepts, housing around the world still tends to be conservatively conceived, wasteful of resources and energy, and unresponsive to the changing needs of those who live in it. Evolutionary Housing addresses these issues and others to point the way to housing improved functionally, environmentally and socially.