2015
PROCESS Arado weehouse 2003
weehouse is Your House weehouses are built in a factory and shipped with everything essentially complete. With on-site help from a local contractor, Alchemy can facilitate all your weehouse project needs. Whether small or large, weehouses are sturdy enough to withstand extremes from desert to tundra. The weehouse can be placed anywhere accessible by truck. The weehouse system is based on modern aesthetics; efficient use of space, intelligent adaptation of prefab building technology, and good environmental stewardship. The original weehouse concept. No matter the size, all weehouses feature fabulous kitchens, unique siding, deluxe fittings and finishes, and many opportunities for green energy upgrades. Just Ask. wee Delivers. OUR STORY
The greenest square foot is the one you don t build. Growth of the Average Home Over the Past 100 Years: LARGE SPACE, smaller package The weehouse achieves a big house feel in a smaller package by judicious use of floor-to-ceiling glass, open kitchens, reduced circulation space, and built-in cabinetry. MORE QUALITY, LESS CONSUMPTION With less stuff, your money and our Earth s resources go further. Simply, less is more. PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN The combination of a well insulated building envelope, solar orientation, shading, and natural ventilation allow the weehouse to be heated by the sun and cooled with the wind. Fold-down overhangs protect your glazing and walls from summer sun and rain. 700 sq ft 1900 983 sq ft 1950 1500 sq ft 1970 2080 sq ft 1990 2004 2598 sq ft Average American Home Size in 2013 weehouse 3BR Pair 1400 sq ft weehouse 2BR Tall 1150 sq ft weehouse Studio 435 sq ft REFLECTIVE ROOF White rubber roofs reflect the sun s heat. Vented roof spaces allow additional heat separation. RENEWABLE ENERGY Our homes are easily integrated with Solar PV (electricity) and Solar Thermal Collectors which collect the suns energy. GEOTHERMAL HEATING Ground source heat pumps which use the Earth s 55º year-round ground temperature as latent energy to heat or cool fluids running your house. Urban or rural sites can be served by tubing buried in deep wells or in large fields. UPGRADE TO weezero How far is far enough? The weezero takes it all the way. By combining low-tech passive solar principals with the most high tech renewable energy technologies, the weezero is able to produce as much energy as it consumes. Talk to us about the costs and energy reductions you can expect. It s good for you and good for our Earth. GREEN DESIGN
Why weehouse? CUSTOM DESIGN Led by Geoffrey Warner AIA, Alchemy s custom projects have received numerous prestigious design awards, have been included in major museum shows, and have been published world-wide. PREFABRICATION There are many benefits to building in a factory; consistently perfect building weather, less material damage, less moisture infiltration, better sealant adhesion, less material waste compared to equivalent site-built homes through precision cutting and material reuse, and lastly, less travel to the jobsite by numerous contractors. SUSTAINABLE Alchemy offers a series of green options, even above the already environmentally friendly prefabrication process, including off-the-grid living in a weezero! Every weehouse is sealed airtight prior to the final sheathing application. Spray foam insulation ensures a tight building envelope, high sound insulation, and 2x higher R-value ratings. QUALITY From the floors to the windows, the products used in every weehouse were carefully chosen based on their durability, sustainability, and overall quality. AFFORDABILITY The weehouse is typically 10-15% less expensive than conventional construction. Compared to similar modern custom architecture, the weehouse brings high quality at an accessible cost. EASE The weehouse simplifies the design and build process by managing the modular construction and partnering with a local contractor to prepare your site. EFFICIENCY Inspired by sustainable design principles, such as building small and efficient, the weehouse acts to offset prevalent practices of overbuilding by bringing smart design to modern homes. TIME Building in a factory minimizes weather, labor and other common construction issues which all help expedite the building process. CRANE-READY Sturdy, well-built modules constructed to withstand the stresses of shipping and craning. COOL Simply put, weehouses are really cool! weehouse custom doorbells, lights, hardwood flooring, drawer pulls, and other speciality designer chosen products are in every weehouse! ADVANTAGES weehouse founder, Geoffrey Warner, assists the crane operator on set day.
The weehouse in 8 steps 1. Land Identify and acquire the land where your weehouse will be set. 2. Feasability Study Your project begins with a $3500 deposit to cover Alchemy s Feasability Study Services for roughly 30 hours of design work as well as an estimate for your project based on regional factories and site specific projected costs. Timeline Comparison SITE WORK DESIGN FABRICATION SET BUTTON-UP weehouse: 9 + months DESIGN CONSTRUCTION Typical Custom Architecture: 12+ months 1-2 months 3-4 6-9 12+ 3. Contract Once signed with initial deposit, Alchemy continues to develop your project! 4. Design Alchemy will design your weehouse to suit your needs/wishes and the site where it will be placed. Alchemy charges 12% on the total project cost for all design fees and maintains an open book policy keeping you apprised of all of the costs that go into the construction of your weehouse. 5. Contractor Identify a general contractor for site work and start foundation/ utility construction. 6. Factory Built Construction While the modues are being built in the factory the site work can occur at the same time saving you both time and money. 7. Delivery/Set The weehouse modules are delivered and placed on the foundation. 8. The Button-Up The modules are finished with siding and any other on-site work is completed. Young weehouse 2005 PROCESS
We can design your weehouse anywhere in the Delivery Zone and potentially beyond! Building your weehouse in factory or on site is determined by the practicalities of your specific location. LOOK WHERE wee CAN GO Factory Built weehouse Site Built weehouse weehouse Projects weehouse in-progress weehouse Delivery Zone weehouse Site-Build Zone
MODELS weezero weehouse, 2010
BUILDING BLOCKS How much space are you looking for? 1x 300-850 SF 2x 1200-1600 SF 3x 1200-2000 SF 4x 1800-2400 SF H 8 or 9 interior 14 or 16 W L up to 60 The maximum dimensions for a module are determined by transportation restrictions. 2x options PAIR TALL TWIN CROSS MODELS
Small 1x Medium 2x Large 3x & 4x Custom MODULE CONFIGURATION SAMPLES
A D B E C F SAMPLE 1x LAYOUTS
A B A B C SAMPLE 2x LAYOUTS
A B A 2 2 2 1 1 C 2 1 1 SAMPLE 2x LAYOUTS
A B C D 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 SAMPLE 3x LAYOUTS
A B C 2 2 2 SAMPLE 4x LAYOUTS
Site Design Considerations Intelligent site design is crucial. prevailing wind break landscape and priveleged views weeroom solar orientation his+hers garages double garage 1x backyard shade trees slope + house elevation? sideyard front yard 4x 2x.A 1-story geothermal heat opportunieis visual screening + shading strategies rooftop deck roof overhangs entry + access 2x 2-story2x.B 1-story tuck-under garages elevated deck or inset deck urban sites rural sites SITE DESIGN
OPTIONS Marfa weehouse, 2009
Wood Siding weehouse Corn Crib Siding Corn Crib Siding is made from locally sourced, renewable, rough sawn wood. The wood rainscreen both shades your house from the sun and allows the siding to breathe, extending the life of the product. Available in any color solid stain. Steel Siding Corrugated steel siding can be installed in both a vertical and horizontal orientation. White Silver Black Oxidized Corrugated Steel Painted steel comes standard with a 35-year warranty against peeling and fading. Choose from a variety of paint colors including weathering steel, a naturally oxidizing, self-sealing finish. Custom Siding Choose from standard weehouse options or we can design a custom exterior treatment for your house. Siding will be installed in the factory or on site depending on house design and factory location. + + + + EXTERIOR FINISHES + Upgrade Installed On Site
Overhangs : Eaves : Porches Railings Eaves, overhangs, gutters, window shrouds & sun porches can be designed to suite your site and to protect your glazing and walls from summer sun and rain. Steel Window Shroud Interior/Exterior Steel Cable Railing Sliding Doors + Windows Door Hardware Andersen windows & patio doors with Low-E glass are standard with every weehouse. Doors and windows feature no-maintenance exteriors and come with a 25-year warranty. Standard colors: White, Terratone. Doors & Windows :: Loewen triple glazed Heat-Smart technology for the highest level of thermal protection + + + Sliding Doors :: Stone or White Entry Door (option) :: Satin Nickel Loewen Doors :: 3-Point Lock Satin Nickel Interior Doors :: Black or Stainless Steel Exterior Accessories Interior Lighting Interior Doors Recessed Surface Mounted weehouse I.D. Plate w/ LED soft-touch doorbell House Numbers weehouse Exterior Wall Sconce Dimmable incandescent or LED to increase bulb life and reduce energy use Solid Core 2-Panel Wood Door Available in Birch or White Trim: White OPTIONS + Upgrade Installed On Site
weehouse Hardwood Flooring Driftwood Ebonized Oak White oak hardwood flooring harvested from sustainably managed North American forests. Choose from our line of seven finishes exclusively designed for the weehouse. Low-sheen, VOCfree, all-natural, and durable, each is a pre-applied, non-hardcoat finish that preserves the tactile quality of the wood. Options for wood feature walls or wrapped ceilings available. Door Pulls Standard Pull :: Häfele Black Standard Pull :: Brushed Aluminum weehouse Door Pull :: Silicone Rubber Designed and produced by Alchemy + Countertops Saddle Whitewashed Black Plastic Laminate w/ Oak Edge Grey + Marble White + Countertops :: FSC Certified Paper Composite Countertops :: Natural Quartz - Resistant to Stains and scratches Cabinets Smoked Warehouse Matte White Ebonized Oak (Foil) Walnut + White Oak + Cabinets come equipped with high-end soft-close European hardware. INTERIOR FINISHES + Upgrade Installed On Site
Appliances* Electric Gas + Cooktop :: Bosch Electric, Gas, or high-efficiency Induction options available Vent Hood :: Broan In-Cabinet Option Available Built-in Wall Oven :: Bosch Stainless Steel Dishwasher :: Ikea or Bosch Integrated, White, Black or Stainless Refrigerator :: Fisher Paykel Stainless Steel or White Fixtures + Undermount Stainless Steel Sink :: Single and Double Bowl Available Pull-down Faucet w/ Soap Dispenser :: Kohler Stainless Steel w/ Grohe Cosmopolitan Articulating Faucet :: Kohler Karbon Stainless Steel Laundry * We feel it is important to make every attempt to reduce the impact we have on our environment. That is why all of the appliances installed in your weehouse will be ENERGY STAR Qualified. Washer / Dryer :: LG w/ Stacking Kit Graphite Steel or White We will work with you to determine the best layout for your culinary needs! KITCHENS + Upgrade Installed On Site
Fixtures EPA Water-Sense Approved Dual-flush Toilet :: TOTO Aquia II, White Floating Vanity with Drawers :: Matte White Wall-hung Sink :: Duravit Scola (A nice option for Powder Rooms) Bath Faucet :: Kohler Toobi Polished Chrome Accessories + + Towel Bar and Tissue Holder :: Kohler Stillness Polished Chrome weehouse Mirror Trio 1 Convex, 2 Flat 3/8 Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure :: Clear Glass, White Solid Surface Floor Soaking Tub :: Duravit Starck White Shower Controls :: Kohler Toobi or Kohler Shift Handshower Polished Chrome Floor Tile Wall Tile + + + Floor Tile :: Natural Stone - Slate Black Wall Tile: Porcelain Greys Wall Tile :: 3 x6 Ceramic Tile Matte White Wall Tile :: 3 x6 Carrara Marble White Shower Wall Tile :: 5/8 Murano Glass Opal BATHROOMS + Upgrade Installed On Site
Title SubTitle X SubTitle X SubTitle X SubTitle X SubTitle X Utility Title Options Plumbing, electrical, ductwork, and in-floor heat tubing are all handled in-factory. For servicing and maintenance reasons, heating and cooling equipment are supplied by your local contractors. Cost of these utility options must be added to the published weehouse prices due to local sourcing unknowns. Hot Water Heaters Cooling INSULATION weehouses use spray foam insulation whenever possible. HEATING Forced-air SubTitle heat is standard. Upgrade to energy-efficient, X super comfortable radiant heat, geothermal, mini-split units, or fireplaces. SubTitle Hot Water Heaters :: Tank or Tankless X SubTitle A/C Mini-Split System X SubTitle Ceiling Fan :: Big Ass Fans Haiku X Black, white or bamboo SubTitle X COOLING You Title may choose to cool your weehouse with a mini-split or condenser A/C system. Every weehouse design incorporates operable windows & doors strategically placed to provide natural cross ventilation. Options for ceiling fans are available. Fireplaces CONTROL Every weehouse comes equipped with a Nest Learning Thermostat which automatically adapts to your changing lifestyle and temperature needs. HOT WATER HEATER Choose between a regular tank water heater or a space-saving, SubTitle on-demand tankless water heater. X SubTitle Custom Fireplace :: Steel encasement X SubTitle Gas Fireplace :: Flush-mounted Wall Inset X SubTitle Wood Fireplace :: weehouses can Xaccommodate many fireplace options (shown :: Wittus Shaker) SubTitle X HEATING and COOLING
Upgrade to weezero for net-zero energy use! RAIN WATER COLLECTION Collection tanks gather rain water for flushing toilets and other non-potable uses S PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING Overhangs and south facing windows heat the home with the sun s energy SOLAR THERMAL Flat plate collectors mounted to the roof gather energy and heat the home s radiant floors W SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS PV Panels supply 100% of the home s energy! SPATIAL EFFICIENCY The most sustainble square foot is the one you don t build: weehouses pack a lot in a small package Standard Home 3000 U/Carbon 19000 kbtu Standard weehouse weezero 2500 U/Carbon 3000 kbtu 700 U/Carbon 12000 kbtu Energy Consumed Green House Gas Emissions Do you wish to use Solar or Wind Power? We can accommodate these and other sustainable technologies to help upgrade your weehouse to weezero for net-zero energy use! Energy-Saving Learning Thermostat :: Nest Standard in every weehouse! weezero
BUDGET Oceanside weehouse, 2013
1 Modular Work 2 Site Work 3 Delivery Total Project Based on size and finishes, the modular component of the project is the element we can most accurately estimate. Alchemy will work with you and your General Contractor to maximize efficiency on all site work and utility installation. Alchemy can help you determine if it is more practical to construct your weehouse in a factory or on site. Alchemy guides you throughout the entire process from design to factory to your set day. Alchemy charges 12% on the total project cost for all design fees and maintains an open book policy keeping you apprised of all costs involved in the construction of your weehouse. Alchemy Services Modular Design Permitting and Budgeting Custom Fabrications + Site Visits Custom Specialty Designs Garage/Accessory Building Design + Site/Landscape Design + Set Day Coordination Post-Set Coordination Factory Services Lighting and Electrical Plumbing Fixtures weehouse Flooring Cabinetry, Doors, and Windows Upgraded Finishes or Appliances + In-Floor Hydronic Heating + Packaging Interior for Delivery Multiple module designs + General Contractor Decking Siding Finished Basement + Landscaping Water and Septic + Garages or Accessory Buildings + Excavation of Steep or Rocky Sites + Geothermal Heating + Photovoltaic Solar Systems + Set Crew Allowance weehouse Delivery Crane Allowance Delivery to Remote Locations + + Upgrade Options: Both the modular components and site work have custom options that have an impact on your overall project budget. PROJECT BUDGET
1 Modular Work Please refer to the following page for costs based on site location. 2 Site Work The cost of site work can vary significantly based on local labor availability and pricing. 3 Delivery Delivery rates depend on the location of your site and the location of the factory where your module is constructed. Factory costs included in modular budgeting Not including the cost of land, site work can range from 50% to 100% of your modular cost. Trucking: $8 $12 per module per mile Crane: $3000 - $6000 for a day of crane service Set Crew: $2000 - $5000 for a full day of work 18-20 wide x 14 high truck access clearance BUDGET 30 diameter crane pad
How much does a weehouse cost? It depends upon where you want to live, how big your weehouse is, and what upgrade options your choose. 1x 450 SF 1 bed, 1 bath 1x 850 SF 2 bed, 2 bath 2x-3x 1350 SF 3 bed, 2 bath 4x 2000 SF 3 bed, 2.5 bath $80K-$90K $90K-$100K $110K-$125K $120K-$150K $130K-$160K $180K-$210K $180K-$220K $180K-$230K $290K-$330K $240K-$300K $270K-$330K $350K-$400K Cost for modular portion of the work only no site or delivery fee included. Budget ranges allow for all standard finishes, plus costs for additional materials and systems such as spray foam insulation, in-floor hydronic heat, wood-wrapped walls or ceilings, custom siding design, and custom cabinetry upgrades. All of the above estimates are for single houses. Developments and duplicate modules would reduce the total project cost. MODULAR BUDGET
2015