SEATTLE AVENUE

Michelle Kaufmann is an eco-minded architect living in Oakland who is designing beautiful upscale prefab homes.

Smart design, eco materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, healthy environment are the 5 ecoprinciples Michelle developed and follows in the design and construction of her homes.

Michelle currently has five prefab home designs, Glidehouse, mkLoft, mkLotus (shown above), mkSolaire, Sidebreeze, and Sunset Breezehouse.

Homes are built using off-site modular technology and several different floor plans are available. At Michelle’s Resources page find guideance for land selection and site requirements, steps to ownership and budget builder, and referrals to preferred landscape designers and lenders.

Michelle’s general design style appeals to my love of connecting indoors with outdoors, clean lines, warm earthy colors, generous use of large windows and open spaces, and simplicity. That her designs take into account sustainability and impact on the environment cinch the deal. I’ve always loved water so it’s only natural that I love living situated to water, on the water or with a water view. Michelle designs beautiful contemporary homes that blend perfectly with natural beauty of earth, air, fire, and water. Caveat: The fire element really ought be in a safe contained form of your choice.

Michelle’s Green Living aspects of the mkLotus home (shown above) include:

High Performance, Energy Efficient Building Systems

• Green “Living” Roof
• Solar Power: This Home Uses 100% Solar Generated Power
• Rain and Groundwater Catchment System: Collected Water is Used for Irrigation
• Gray Water System: Collected Water from Sinks and Shower is Recirculated to Toilets
• Exterior Siding: Low-maintenance, Long-lasting Integral Color Cement Board by Cembonit and FSC Certified Wood
• Sheathing and Floor + Ceiling Framing: FSC Certified Wood
• Wall Assembly is SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels)
• High Performance, Energy Efficient Spray-in Open Cell Foam Insulation by Icynene
• On-demand Water Heater Provided by Noritz
• Energy Efficient HVAC System
• Double Pane, Low-E, Wood Windows and Glass Doors with Aluminum Cladding by Sierra
• Double Pane, Low-E, Wood with Aluminum Cladding Folding Glass Door Walls by Nanawall

Interior Design Features

• Sustainable Layout for Maximum Cross Ventilation and Natural Lighting
• Rapidly Renewable Bamboo Flooring
• No-VOC Paint by Yolo throughout
• LED Lighting throughout
• Interior Sliding Door Panels by 3form: EcoResin comprised of 40% Post-Industrial Reclaimed Material

Eco-Friendly Kitchen Features

• FSC Certified Wood Cabinetry (over Roseburg Skyblend Particleboard)
• Countertops by Concreteworks: Fly Ash Concrete, Rice Hull, and Recycled Porcelain Aggregates
• Eco-friendly/Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures by Kohler
• LED Lighting
• EnergyStar Appliances

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Features

• FSC Certified Wood Cabinetry (over Roseburg Skyblend Particleboard)
• Countertops by Concreteworks: Fly Ash Concrete, Rice Hull, and Recycled Porcelain Aggregates
• Floor and Wall Tiles by Terra Green Contain 55% Recycled Glass
• Eco-friendly Plumbing Fixtures, Low-flow Shower Head, Mixer, and Dual-Flush Toilet by Kohler
• LED Lighting

Learn more about Michelle Kaufmann designs.