Overview

"In this text, Avi Friedman, winner of the United Nations World Habitat Award and internationally acclaimed architect, recounts the genesis and development of his innovative project. Like the auto industry's approach to the economy car, Friedman's Grow Home gives people what they need in a house at an affordable price - a quality product that allows both the perimeter and interior of a house to be expanded and changed to fit the space needs and budget of its owners. Frills are extra. With economic restructuring, demographic shifts, and lifestyle changes, the traditional family-working father, stay-at-home mother, two to three children - is no longer the norm and the need for smaller homes at moderate cost has skyrocketed. The first prototype of the Grow Home was built on the campus of McGill University in 1990 and more than one thousand units were built across North America and Europe in the first year alone. In this illustrated guide, Friedman describes the background, conception, and construction of these modest (14' x 36') homes. He details their construction for prospective owners, builders, and architects, showing how past and contemporary precedents were transformed and how the first versions were adapted by the building industry. Visits to completed Grow Homes shed light on why such homes were purchased and the process by which they ""grew."" Friedman also shows how the design has been adapted for prefabrication to meet the needs of the developing world. He describes the contribution that small-unit design makes to saving valuable natural resources and shares his experiences in planning communities based on the Grow Home."

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Named one of the 10 men who will change the way we live by ultra hip Wallpaper magazine, architect Avi Friedman explains his anything-is-possible home . In 25 years time, we'll be sitting on a soft sofa that can morph into a dining table, living in a department store (well, almost), watching our gadgets satisfy our every decorative whim and dreaming of an easier life. In the meantime we've identified ten forces who will improve everyday experiences including Avi Friedman, architect of the anything-is-possible home. - Wallpaper Avi Friedman is revolutionizing the way Canadians look at housing. - Danny Kucharsky Affordable housing is one of those fuzzy ideas that everyone likes to support but few know how to actually create. One exception may be Dr. Avi Friedman. - Designer/Builder: A Journal of the Human Environment It is the architectural equivalent of the Japanese compact car, without options like power steering or a tape deck. - The New York Times The Grow Home is a no-frills, quality townhouse that makes so much sense, it's destined to be a model of smart living. - The Ottawa Citizen

"""In 25 years time, well be sitting on a soft sofa that can morph into a dining table, living in a department store (well, almost), watching our gadgets satisfy our every decorative whim and dreaming of an easier life. In the meantime weve identified ten forces who will improve everyday experiences including Avi Friedman, architect of the anything-is-possible home. Wallpaper ""Avi Friedman is revolutionising the way Canadians look at housing. Danny Kucharsky ""Affordable housing is one of those fuzzy ideas that everyone likes to support but few know how to actually create. One exception may be Dr. Avi Friedman. Designer/Builder: A Journal of the Human Environment ""It is the architectural equivalent of the Japanese compact car, without options like power steering or a tape deck. The New York Times ""The Grow Home is a no-frills, quality townhouse that makes so much sense, its destined to be a model of smart living. The Ottawa Citizen"

In 25 years time, well be sitting on a soft sofa that can morph into a dining table, living in a department store (well, almost), watching our gadgets satisfy our every decorative whim and dreaming of an easier life. In the meantime weve identified ten forces who will improve everyday experiences including Avi Friedman, architect of the anything-is-possible home. Wallpaper Avi Friedman is revolutionising the way Canadians look at housing. Danny Kucharsky Affordable housing is one of those fuzzy ideas that everyone likes to support but few know how to actually create. One exception may be Dr. Avi Friedman. Designer/Builder: A Journal of the Human Environment It is the architectural equivalent of the Japanese compact car, without options like power steering or a tape deck. The New York Times The Grow Home is a no-frills, quality townhouse that makes so much sense, its destined to be a model of smart living. The Ottawa Citizen

In 25 years time, we'll be sitting on a soft sofa that can morph into a dining table, living in a department store (well, almost), watching our gadgets satisfy our every decorative whim and dreaming of an easier life. In the meantime we've identified ten forces who will improve everyday experiences including Avi Friedman, architect of the anything-is-possible home. Wallpaper Avi Friedman is revolutionising the way Canadians look at housing. Danny Kucharsky Affordable housing is one of those fuzzy ideas that everyone likes to support but few know how to actually create. One exception may be Dr. Avi Friedman. Designer/Builder: A Journal of the Human Environment It is the architectural equivalent of the Japanese compact car, without options like power steering or a tape deck. The New York Times The Grow Home is a no-frills, quality townhouse that makes so much sense, it's destined to be a model of smart living. The Ottawa Citizen

Author Information

Avi Friedman is associate professor and director, Affordable Homes Program, McGill University. He received the Prix J.-Armand Bombardier for his Grow Home and Next Home innovations.

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