While the manufactured home industry is normally not considered a trend setter in housing design and innovative approaches to energy savings, Clayton Homes, the nation's leading mobile home company, has clearly stepped beyond its usual comfort zone in rolling out its exciting new prototype...the slightly futuristic "i-house." Although at first glance, its distinctive, somewhat inverted roof line, which resembles a flattened "V", raises a tinge of doubt about what they've put inside the walls, but it doesn't take but a few minutes of closer scrutiny to feel a twinge of excitement about this little jewel of a house.  In fact, it is somewhat difficult to accept the fact that this was built on a mobile home assembly line. With a Hardie board exterior, a cement board product that is much more durable than the vinyl siding usually found on manufactured homes, and a number of environmentally-friendly, energy saving features, such as a rainwater collection system, optional solar panels, a tankless water heating system and dual-flush toilets, this is a structure that is certain to attract a lot of attention from buyers as soon as it reaches production. The display of the prototype that has been shown to the public also comes with bamboo flooring and an expansive exterior decking made of recycled material.   A “mini-split” climate control system eliminates the need for duct work and permits individual temperate settings for each room. Moreover, each room is factory wired for telephone, television, and computer, clearly a plus for today’s wired generation of homebuyers.   Click here to see a Virtual Tour of the i-house.   The unique term "i-house" is derived from the footprint of the home, which combines a single-module 992 square foot core unit linked by exterior decking to a separate square shaped flex room and second bath, which can be viewed as the “dot” on the “i.” Optional variations of the footprint permit the flex portion to be placed in other positions, but the advantage of having this room built as a separate pod clearly enhances the privacy and feeling of open space of what would otherwise be somewhat close quarters. However, with the separation of this ancillary living space, the i-house can be quite versatile and would clearly be suitable as a primary residence for a couple, especially if one of them worked at home. Notwithstanding the linear appearance of the exterior elevation, the residence itself does seem like a very functional cottage, one with a certain warmth and homey atmosphere.    Undoubtedly this feeling can largely be attributed to the meticulous thought and planning that has gone into the interior furnishings and color schemes of the prototype.  While the main module, consisting of an open living room and kitchen area, bedroom and bath, occupies a simple rectangular space, it is tastefully furnished with sleek, stylish Ikea cabinetry and accessories, a welcome departure from the typical mobile home decor.    Perhaps the most surprising design element of this house is the roof top deck, complete with metal stairway, that sits atop the flex room and adds an unexpected outdoor space.   While a final pricing structure has not yet been announced by Clayton, initial press reports indicate that the ihouse will initially retail in the neighborhood of $100,000.  On the surface, this seems unattainably below what one would expect, but if it is anywhere in that general area, the i-house will be a popular, well received product in light of today’s worsening economic news. ......................................................................................................................     More About the i-house The Clayton i-House [unofficial blog] Clayton's i-House on Display [Knoxville News Sentinel] Knoxville's Green House Effect [Metro Pulse] Green Building [Jetson Green Blog]

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