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Loq-kit is a system of mass-produced interchangeable house parts. Loq-kit introduces a new technology for regulating part size with a unique network of gaskets. The gasket network standardizes part sizes through the modular coordination of the parts' own connection (to other parts) size and location.
Shelter with Service - A Green Revolution
PAF Architecture was established in 2003 with lofty ambitions. The launching of the firm centered on the development of an innovative affordable housing technology – one capable of undercutting the costs of conventional wood-based construction systems. This new housing technology is named Loq-kit. Loq-kit is a system of mass-produced interchangeable house parts. It is our action to up the ante by architects and help lead the way toward developing a market-viable solution for the lack of sustainable and affordable housing for all. The project garnered international attention in 2005 with a second place finish in the highly-publicized C2C Home international sustainable design competition. The competition received more than 625 design submissions, with thousands of participants from 41 countries worldwide. The Loq-kit 6-way snap-lock wall, door, window, and valance panel connections significantly ease a home’s assembly, while enabling disassemby. Imagine snapping a window into a wall similarly to pressing a hubcap onto a car wheel! Or releasing and relocating a wall or door. The innovative house parts have been studied at the university level in the US, Canada, and England. The project has received a surprising amount of attention on the internet and has been featured in the book Prefab Agenda and Ecological Architecture Cases. The house parts are currently pending patent. Loq-kit introduces the concept of Shelter with Service as a practical method for house maintenance and modification over the building's lifecycle. With interchangeable and reusable house parts, homes may be easily modified with readily available used parts. The parts may be used over and over, and at reduced cost – while ensuring that components are not placed in a landfill – demonstrating an economically sustainable system of reuse. In 2009, PAF Architecture submitted a proposal to the US EPA for SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) funding in order to develop prototypes of the extruded-plastic wall panel connections. The proposal was not awarded funding - however, project development is a multi-year ongoing effort and we remain optimistic!
Loq-kit News
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learn more about Loq-kit and to see detailed drawings of the house components, please click on the following links:
• Loq-kit Web site – Detailed description of Loq-kit • Loq-kit Patent Application – Link to US Patent and Trademark Office published application • PAF Architecture US EPA SBIR Proposal – Title: Targeting Zero Waste with Lifecycle Service - An affordable Way to Build (and Rebuild) Houses. • Piet Mondrian + Jean Prouve = Loq•kit – Treehugger Article by Lloyd Alter, 12.4.2007 • The TH Interview: Gregg Lewis, Organizer of the C2C-Home Competition – Treehugger Article, 1.20.2005 • C2C Home Competition Press Release – Announcement of Winners (4.02mb) |