my design fix

Happy Haus – Donovan Hill Architects

Queensland based architecture practice Donovan Hill have designed a series of prefabricated housing modules for designer pre-fab housing company Happy Haus.

Titled the DHAN series, it consists of base modules that include a fully fitted bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and living space as well as smaller expansion modules such as additional bedrooms or living areas. With over ten different modules to choose from, multiple configurations can be created to suit any family, lifestyle or site. This allows owners to extend or add freestanding modules when needed as well as having the flexibility to downsize over time.

The DHAN series is characterised by finishes and details developed in Donovan Hill’s domestic architecture. Off-white interiors with timber window and door frames allow the personalisation of interiors by owners. The timber pelmet incorporates general room lighting as well as provision for art and curtain hanging. Plywood exteriors suit Australian environmental conditions and are offered with a colour choice to suit individual settings. Distinctive roof forms and coloured ventilation flaps characterise the exterior form.

Completed entirely off site in controlled factory conditions the modules take between 4-12 weeks to complete and can be installed on site within days. This is great for the environment as only one trip to the site is needed instead of builders and deliveries having to travel to the site each day over a number of months.

Due to their quick construction and flexibility this type of housing can also make a difference in emergency relief. Donovan Hill’s Happy Haus model was amongst nineteen designs selected for the Bushfire Homes Service for rebuilding homes that were destroyed in the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

• www.happyhaus.com.au
• www.donovanhill.com.au
• www.wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au

Photography: Jon Linkins

Images via archdaily