One very clever South Jersey resident knew the best way to his wife’s hear on Valentine’s Day–a brand new LABhaus!

Just two days after the pre-cast foundation was set in place, Haddonfield and Haddon Township police escorted the five-module project on three trucks through the historic heart of South Jersey.  After spending the weekend next to a neighborhood baseball field, the modules were brought to the job-site early Monday and erected in one dramatic day.  The future home-owners watched as one 80-ton crane and a set-crew of six assembled their new home in just eight hours.  By the end of the day, they were able to walk through the home and their two young boys could visit their future bedrooms for the first time.

The home is expected to be completed within approximately 60 days.  Those interested in learning more about this project or who would like a private tour in early March should contact info@labhaus.com.

We at LABhaus are extremely excited to announce the construction of the first full-production LABhaus home.  The future residents were recently at the factory to watch their home come together and participate in the filming of an upcoming cable television feature on the project.

After staff training and trouble-shooting of the panelized construction technique, the exterior walls were assembled and joined to the floor and ceiling plates on January 13th, 2011.  The windows and kitchen arrived early that day and were installed directly thereafter.  Starting next week, the baths and interior finishes will be installed.  Delivery to the site is anticipated in the first week of February, with delivery to the residents to take place approximately 8 weeks thereafter.

We will be releasing regular updates regarding the progress on LABhaus.com, our Twitter Feed, on on our Facebook pages. Those interested in viewing the project up-close-and-personal should contact LABhaus at 215.821.9117 or info@labhaus.com.

The following videos from our Youtube channel show the connection detail for the panelized wall system (as performed by a very special guest laborer!) and the ceiling assembly being lowered upon one of the modules.

As part of an ongoing ‘Lernen lernen durch Fragen fragen’ (Learning to learn through asking questions) lecture series organized by Something Fantastic, LABhaus will be presenting a lecture on new models of design efficiency at the Universität der Künste in Berlin on Thursday, January 13th.  The lecture specifically shall focus on the LABhaus on-demand delivery model, supply chain optimization to provide higher quality designer and construction at a more affordable price-point, and recent investments made in technological advancements.

Those interested in arranging for future lecture appearances relating to LABhaus in either Central Europe or the United States should make direct inquiries to nebel@labhaus.com.

LABhaus is proud to preview its first project in New York State– a custom ecoVilla planned for a fall/winter 2010 construction start in Westchester County.  In addition to being the first LABhaus scheduled for construction in New York State, the home will feature such innovations as R40 wall construction, in-floor radiant heat, and dramatic new design elements set to debut in a revised ecoVilla line in the coming months.

The home will be built on a dramatic green-belt site with massive granite outcroppings and approximately seventy feet of vertical drop from one end of the lot to the other.  As a result of the unique site conditions, the owners chose to build a custom ecoVilla.   The building envelope itself is dominated by the highest of the granite outcroppings, with a down-slope fall off of approximately twenty feet.  As such, the house was conceived of as two distinct elements– a monolithic slab resting on the outcropping and a vertical tower connecting back to the down-slope side.

The ‘slab’ contains the primary public spaces and is relatively closed to the north and north west to ensure both energy performance and privacy from neighboring homes.  The ‘slab’ then opens to the south with massive terraces overlooking beautiful greenbelt views.  The ‘tower’ contains the private spaces and offers primarily east and south exposures for the bedrooms and baths.  The master bedroom and service spaces are on the upper level, with three children’s rooms on the lower level.  The master suite offers a small private terrace overlooking the greenbelt and a generous spa-style bath.  While the children’s rooms all are positioned above grade for privacy, the hallway offers direct access to a grade-level terrace and the rear yard beyond.  Additionally, the ‘tower’ has a full basement with storage area and space to eventually build out as a large playroom.

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LABhaus and Quality Crafted Homes is happy to be featured in the latest issue of the popular Hampton’s weekly, Dan’s Papers, as part of the ‘New Kids on the Block’ section, profiling the newest and best lifestyle offerings on the East End.   The article said of Quality Crafted Homes and LABhaus:

“QCH has been building custom modular homes in the Hamptons for 20 years, gracing properties from Remsenburg to Montauk and everywhere in between. Barry Altman and Steve Graboski are presenting a new line of sustainable Modern Classic Homes that premiered this summer. “The Hamptons Collection” can be seen at their Southampton-based offices. Already known for their beautiful traditional and contemporary styles, this forward thinking company has reacted to customers’ desires to go Modern. One of the country’s most notable modern architecture firms, LABhaus, has designed three proprietary designs in approximately 3,000 sq. ft., 5,000 sq. ft. and 6,000 sq. ft. models that can be customized to buyers’ desires and needs. Using an eco-friendly approach, with sustainable materials and quick turnaround times, the dramatic yet simple structures illustrate the design direction for homes in the 21st century. Quality Crafted Homes has built 1,500 sq. ft. ranches to 10,000 sq. ft. mansions. Several of the new Modern Villas are being offered on waterfront sites, exclusively represented by Marcia Altman, broker with Brown Harris Stevens. Inquiries can be directed to Marcia at 631-288-5004. Your only limitations are your imagination and budget!”

The full article can be found online, here.

LABhaus is proud to announce the availability of a second villa designed exclusively for the Hamptons and developed in partnership with Quality Crafted Homes of Long Island, one of the nation’s premier builders of advanced custom homes.  The  Tanner’s Neck Villa is sited on an exceptional 1.6 acre waterfront lot with dramatic bay views on Tanner’s Neck Lane in Westhampton.

The home designed around an intimate internal courtyard and is designed to offer maximal luxury and space for entertaining in a manageable footprint. The western side by a detached three car garage, the courtyard entry, and a sumptuous guest suite. The north side of the courtyard is defined by a wing with two bedrooms suites, utility and laundry spaces, and the hallway leading to the guest suite with a semi-private entrance. The south side of the courtyard is defined by the generous master suite, featuring an over-scale spa bathroom, large walk-in closet, and a water-view bedroom. The eastern side of the courtyard contains a formal entrance, a large airy living room, a private office, and a massive kitchen opening onto dining and family spaces. All of the public spaces as well as the master suite offer direct water views.

Highlights include:

-3,305 sq ft
-Four bedrooms + Office
-Four and one-half baths
-Main floor master featuring substantial sitting room, spa bath, and private east-facing terrace as well as direct pool access.
-Formal living room featuring massive 16′ folding glass doors on both the east and west walls to allow for total integration with the environment
-Dining room designed to seat up to 12 comfortably
-Spectacular sun-drenched kitchen with island seating for 8 opening onto the combined family and dining rooms
-Exclusive Gaggenau appliances in both kitchens
-Secondary master suite with semi-private access
-Two additional ensuite bedrooms
-Exceptional designer finishes throughout

Inquiries regarding available properties may be made directly to Marcia Altman of Brown Harris Stevens at 631-288-5004, or by filling out the inquiry form below.

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LABhaus is proud to preview its new line of premium villas designed exclusively for the Hamptons.  Developed in partnership with Quality Crafted Homes of Long Island, one of the nation’s premier builders of advanced custom homes, the Hamptons Villas offer cutting edge luxury with unprecedented efficient and environmentally sensitivity.   Each is designed to take full advantage of the unique natural beauty of greater Suffolk County and offers the finest in materials and systems. Sited on some of the finest land available in the Hampton, each villa is permit-ready and fully customizable according to the wishes of the purchaser.  Inquiries regarding available properties may be made directly to Marcia Altman of Brown Harris Stevens at 631-288-5004.  Inquiries regarding building  opportunities in the Hamptons may be made to Quality Crafted Homes of Long Island directly at 631.726.9300.

The first LABhaus Hamptons Villa offering is sited on a stunning 2.3 acre waterfront parcel on exclusive Brushy Neck Lane in Westhampton (view listing).   The sprawling  six bedroom estate will feature spectacular sunset views over beloved Brushy Neck Creek, with all living areas, the master bedroom, and the largest guest suite offering direct access to the pool and creek beyond.  Highlights include:

-6,185 (3,192 down, 2,993 up)
-Six bedrooms + Office
-Six and one-half baths
-Main floor master featuring substantial sitting room, spa bath, and private east-facing terrace as well as direct pool access.
-Formal living room with 21′ ceilings featuring massive 16′ folding glass doors on both the east and west walls to allow for total integration with the environment
-Formal dining room designed to seat up to 16 comfortably
-Grand open main stair case with private stair case for family use
-Spectacular sun-drenched kitchen with island seating for 8 opening onto the double-height family room
-Full caterer’s kitchen with separate entrance and discrete access to dining room and main kitchen
-Exclusive Gaggenau appliances in both kitchens
-Main floor quarters with separate entrance and access to household service spaces
-Massive second floor game room and office with water-view loggia
-Secondary master suite on second floor with private water-view loggia
-Three additional ensuite bedrooms on second floor
-Exceptional designer finishes throughout

Built on a vacant lot in an established neighborhood, just steps from schools and shopping, the home features 2438 sq ft of above-grade interior space and two car parking.

The first floor is generously laid out to provide for family living.  The sun-drenched kitchen is dominated by an over-scaled island and shares rear patio access with the adjacent family room.  The living and dining room feature a double-height gallery and massive windows to take advantage of the rear greenbelt.  The first floor also features a full guest bath, a private office or guest room, a rear vestibule entrance, and multiple closets to keep order.

The second floor features the family bedrooms, including a generous master suite, a large windowed laundry room, and a gallery open to the living room below.  The full basement offers 1301 sq ft of space for future expansion as a play room and art studio. The interior features the full standard LABhaus fittings package including sustainably forested 7″ select white oak plank flooring, custom stair cases, custom rift-sawn, grain-matched white oak cabinetry with solid-surface counter tops, and Jenn Air floating glass appliances with induction cooking.   The bathrooms feature Kohler stillness faucets, custom rift-sawn white oak cabinetry with under-mount sinks, white micro-crystal glass flooring, mosaic marble wet-bed showers, frameless glass shower doors, and honed marble accents.

Most impressively, the exterior shell is comprised of engineered wall systems with R40 (.025u) insulation.  This, combined with the high-efficiency packaged heat pumps, and energy-star fixtures throughout should result in exceptional low energy consumption

The LABhaus product line is sold throughout  the Mid-Atlantic through philaLAB.

Basic Specs:
2438 ft2 interior, plus full 1398 ft2 basement, and two-car parking (1-car garage and 1 car-port, opening to rear auto-court)
4BR, 3Ba

Performance/Sustainability:
-R40 polyurethane SIP construction
-R60+ Roof assembly with 7″ of polyurethane foam, 5″ of blown cellulose, and 2-4″ of rigid foam on the roof
-R19 insulation between the floors
-Ultra efficient packaged heat-pumps
-Short-run on-demand hot water
-Solar prep for state-subsidized array.
-R13 insulated foundation
-8000 psi fly ash pre-cast foundation
-Locally sourced cabinetry and finish materials
-Induction cooking
-Sustainably forested North American white oak plank flooring, site finished with non toxic finish
-Dual-flush toilets

Luxury:
-Select-grade 7″ hardwoods throughout
-9′ ceilings throughout
-Full custom kitchen with stainless steel soft-close drawers, book-matched rift-sawn white oak faces, and maple dove-tailed carcasses
-Custom crafted Corian counter-tops and finish details in kitchen
-Jenn-Air white floating glass appliances, induction cooking, and integrated dishwasher
-Wall-hung custom rift-sawn white oak vanities with Corian tops and under-mount sinks
-Under-mount cast-iron soaking tub in Master
-Custom shower glass and glass railings
-Omnia hand-crafted stainless steel hardware throughout
-8′ custom white oak doors throughout
-high-end lighting throught
-Kohler Stance faucets in baths
-Kohler zero-radius stainless under-mount sink and Karbon faucet in kitchen
-24″x24″ micro-crystal white glass slab floor tile
-Limestone mosaic accent tile
-Color night-vision video intercom entry system
-Duravit wall-hung toilets

Family Friendly:
-Convertible main-floor 4th bedroom with double doors for use as play room/office/guest space
-Full bath on main floor for guests
-Pantry, entry closet, broom closet, and linen closet in service
-Proper entrance hall
-Separate rear entrance with tiled vestibule and closet
-Central kitchen with large island,
-Rear parking to hide cars and provide protected basket-ball space for boys
-Extra-large second-floor laundry with windows and views

Value:
-Approximate 50-70% lower construction costs than similar homes
-exceptionally low utility costs
-all materials used can be refinished or refurbished multiple times
-zero-maintenaince exterior (fiber-cement and synthetic stucco)

LABhaus is announce its new line of premium villas designed exclusively for the Hamptons.  Developed in partnership with Quality Crafted Homes of Long Island, one of the nation’s premier builders of advanced custom homes, the Hamptons Villas offer cutting edge luxury with unprecedented efficient and environmentally sensitivity.   Each is designed to take full advantage of the unique natural beauty of greater Suffolk County and offers the finest in materials and systems. Sited on some of the finest land available in the Hampton, each villa is permit-ready and fully customizable according to the wishes of the purchaser.  Inquiries regarding available properties may be made directly to Marcia Altman of Brown Harris Stevens at 631-288-5004.  Inquiries regarding building  opportunities in the Hamptons may be made to Quality Crafted Homes of Long Island directly at 631.726.9300.

Labhaus is proud to preview its new Ios line of lifestyle homes.    The Ios line is intended to offer optimal flexibility in style in a simple turn-key package.  The Ios line includes three distinct designs which can be used as stand-alone vacation homes, manageable guest cottages or be combined in series to create diverse landscape-centric communities.

The Ios.1 offers 382 sq ft of living area in a generous single-room space with ample storage and the beautiful Ios spa-bath.  The Ios.1 is intended for use as a stand-alone guest cabin or can be connected to other Ios units to allow for a private bedroom addition.  The Ios.2 offers 608 sq ft of living area in a two-room layout.  The generous living area offers a full-featured kitchen and dining area, and the private bedroom opens onto a private terrace.   The Ios.3 offers 828 sq ft of living area in a three-room layout.  The enlarged living area is complemented by a full-size private bedroom and a third flexible space for use as either an additional sleeping area or work space.

The Ios will be launched first on the East Coast and shortly thereafter on the West Coast.  Costs for completed units with luxury finishes are expected to be highly competitive with custom construction.  Ios units will also available for custom design under the LABhaus hospitality program.

The full Ios line has an expected on-sale date of February 1st, 2010.