A SELECT building presents a solution to those discouraged by high-cost prefabs by creating an efficient hybrid of several contruction methods. Inspired by current factory-built homes, off-the-shelf methodology of the Case Study homes and custom-construction techniques of Wright's Usonians, the SELECT hybrid guarantees mass accessibility.

Each building is a collection of 3 parts, factory-built Blocks, off-the-shelf Skins and custom-constructed Trunks that weave all together.

Blocks are fabricated by a national manufacturer of portable buildings and storage containers. Custom quantities, sizes, materials and finishes are unique to each project, and are limited only by delivery routes and budget. Blocks are manufactured at the company’s closest facility to each site to minimize shipping costs, and arrive on site with all finishes and wiring installed. Blocks are built within an existing assembly system that allows for customization without impacting price.

Skins, which are built around the arrangement of Blocks, are off-the-shelf, modular pieces that include steel framing, exterior sheathing, finishing and glazing systems. These Skins are designed, pre-engineered, fabricated and delivered to each site ready for installation.

Trunks are custom designed and constructed infill that are assembled on-site by contractorsl, and are unique formal flourishes not typically allowed in a Prefab project. They permit each building to fit sympathetically into a site to minimize negative ecological impact.

Creating a Hybrid by choosing and mixing numbers of Blocks, Skins and Trunks allow for any site condition, program, budget or schedule while maintaining a sophisticated design aesthetic.

This example contains 11 Blocks (blue) in 6 basic arrangements. With simple adjustments and the addition of Skins and Trunks (red), 18 building variations emerge that can meet the needs of any client, program or site.

The developmental possibilities of form, arrangement and volume are infinite, and hybrid construction efficiencies allow for any budget.