Modular House
Also known as The Space Module.
No. 26 · 1965 / 1973 / 2018
The story of the Modular House began in 1965 as the Space Module, a forward-thinking project by six architectural engineering students with Mr. Kiley as advisor. Its goal was to showcase the feasibility of prefabrication and modern materials in creating an efficient and adaptable structure. Initially conceived as a dual-purpose seminar space and accommodation for visiting professionals, the project laid the groundwork for future innovation in the canyon.
Early phases of the project focused on completing the steel framework, which was achieved by 1969. By the 1970s, it entered a transformative period, becoming the first caretaker’s residence. This milestone brought key infrastructure to the canyon, including water and electricity, through the combined efforts of the caretaker and George Hasslein. The caretaker’s reflections highlight the house’s unique blend of functionality and tranquility, with its mix of wood and Plexiglas walls offering both practicality and a sense of openness.
Over the decades, the house adapted to meet changing needs, with incremental modifications that embodied its modular philosophy. By the late 2000s, however, the structure faced significant wear from vandalism and environmental exposure. A 2018 restoration stripped it of its deteriorated components, preserving the steel frame and transforming it into a weather-resistant, open-air pavilion.
The Modular House is a symbol of the canyon’s enduring spirit of innovation. Its history—from its inception as the Space Module to its evolution as a residence and eventual reimagining—speaks to the resilience of modular design and the vision of its creators.
Builders and advisors
- Kiley Koberg — Advisor
- J.W. Edmiston — Advisor
- Ken Haggard — Advisor
- Don Kahn — Advisor
- Dr. Abraham Lynn — Advisor
- Kevin Dong — Advisor
- Philip Barlow — Advisor
- Paul Thoryk — Builder
- Wayne Richards — Builder
- Wayne Onomura — Builder
- Farhad Nosseyri — Builder
- John Edmiten — Builder
- Don Berggren — Builder
- David Henrichsen — Builder
- Mark Kluver — Builder
- Tom M. Bylund — Builder
- James B. Jones — Builder
- Richard P. Pata — Builder
- Lorin H. Smith — Builder
- Jerry W. Tucker — Builder
- Dennis D. Turner — Builder
- Richard Lee — Builder
- Bruce Renfrew — Builder
- Delbert Starret — Builder
- Richard D. Connett — Builder
- Robert S. Harding — Builder
- Thomas J. Reilley — Builder
- Aaron James Steele — Builder
- Katherine Fitts Kwiatkowski — Builder
- Kevin Chiang — Builder
- Spencer Dilley — Builder
- Sarah Dothwaite — Builder
- Trevor Daniel Houghton — Builder
- Ryan Lefebvre — Builder
- Michele Leung — Builder
- Cameron Lober — Builder
- Chris Martinez — Builder
- Katie Mayer — Builder
- Abby M. Lentz — Builder
- Michael L. Blanchard — Builder
modular architecture, prefabricated panels, customizable design, efficient assembly, sustainable housing concept, experimental construction
Location
Sources & further reading
Photographs
