Kithaus, Modular Housing Systems

Relevant requirements include optimizing resource

conservation, energy efficiency and health, generally
subsumed under the term sustainability.

This exploration has brought prefabrication to the forefront.

Prefabrication refers to dwelling parts and systems
manufactured in a production facility and transported to the
building site for assembly. Inherent in prefabrication are
sustainable values derived from use of alternative building
materials, less material waste in the production process,
less impact on the building site, improved quality control and
higher production tolerances.

There is a demand for dwellings

which can adapt to new lifestyle
requirements; optimization of
health, energy efficiency and
resource conservation.

On the experimental edge of architectural design new soft-

ware providing computer-generated structural analysis
promises to evolve new ways of fabricating buildings, which
in turn will offer innovative options in design, and
subsequenty, a revitalized dialogue between interior and
exterior living spaces
 MHS is essentially a
traditional post and
beam system using
simple rectilinear
space frame geometry
and a bolted rather
than nailed method of
assembly.
Modular Housing System
The Modular Housing System
developed by Tim Siahatgar of Unique
Structural Systems, LLC, is a hybrid
modular building system offering an
array of benefits including sustainability.
The MHS is a pre-engineered system
using a variety of aluminum extrusions
for post and beam framing, connected
by a patented concealed bolt-and-clamp
San Diego Westfield Mall hospitality office, photo by the author
component. This is supplemented by a
bolt-in-place diagonal corner brace for
multi-story structures, usually concealed
within the wall panels. The sheathing
system uses either structural insulated
panels (SIPs) or a combination of other
panel materials which slide into the
channels of the framing members.
The way in which these components
are integrated provides a synergistic
range of effects. The MHS framing com-
ponents have a channeled profile along
their entire length which allows connec-
tion with other frame members at any
point, offering an virtually
limitless rectilinearstructural configura-
tions. The channels also readily
accommodate modular window panels
or composite panel walls and can be
framed to accommodate conventional
windows of any shape.
Roofing, supported by a simple roof
truss and extruded profile solid web
truss rafters, can be either conventional,
 framing member profile
SIPs or metal panel roofing. The floor-
ing uses the same extruded solid web
truss pieces as the joists and can
be used with any conventional flooring
material. Additionally, the joists will also
accommodate a suspended panel
ceiling system. Foundation systems can
be conventional curtain or slab
foundations or piling foundations typical
of many post and beam structures.
When Siahatgar first arrived in the U.S.
and saw the wood stud framing system
in use he said to himself, ‘I don’t believe
in it and I don’t want to work with it as
an architect.’
Siahatgar got his Masters degree in
architectural engineering in 1976.
In 1985 he first developed the MHS
system on a small scale for showcase
assembly. Seeing the possibilities it
offered he expanded the design and
converted it into a building system in
framing corner
1988. He completed the IBC and ICC
certifications for the MHS in 2008.
MHS versatility is derived from the
patented quick-connect clamping
system, which allows assembly of a
structure with only an impact wrench. A
construction team can be trained in
one day and time and materials are not
wasted due to errors in the construction
phase. This, along with non-destructive
disassembly – again with only a hand
tool required – makes the structure
relocatable in either the same
configuration or in an entirely different
one. An MHS structure can be
disassembled and reassembled as
many as ten times with no damage to
the integrity of the aluminum members.
Siahatgar says, “This is a truly modular
building system. To me, modular means
using the same element in different
ways. It is a system which offers us
MHS framing connection
the best of both worlds; the flexibility,
simplicity and strength of traditional post
and beam structures with the labor
savings and efficient economics of
industrial production. It is the closest we
have so far come to the ideal of a plug-
in architecture.”
The system further facilitates
modularity with a simple selection of
components that supports the
structure’s frame while also affording
access to the connections. An entire
structure can be framed by employing
only seven components. In addition,
any existing materials, finishing or
connections can be applied to the
system.
There are other advantages achieved
by this system; it offers all the benefits
of SIP construction while eliminating
the main weakness – the connection of
the SIPs – because the SIP is always
housed within the framing member’s
channels. The system also distributes
the panel shear strength across the
entire aluminum frame. Further,
because the frame corner members
are always open, utilities can be routed
within them. Each dimension created
produces a space frame that allows use
along the entire surface area, along the
framing members and within the ceiling,
producing a complete envelope.
This enables use of the entire space
within the frame. Dead space, a wasted
resource resulting from conventional
construction, is no longer an issue.
The MHS structure functions more
efficiently because it offers more
exploitable space.
Siahhatgar says, “The modular
components were designed and
developed to solve construction
obstacles with the intent of exploiting
the full potential of a building
configuration. As a result, almost any
site-specific or chosen application can
be designed to match the aluminum
frame interface. MHS construction
options can be combined with any
material and installation technique
used under previous technologies. For
instance, wood framing can be used
within the structure for internal space
division. Characteristically the MHS
includes rather than excludes solutions
to become highly adaptable.”
MHS is essentially a traditional post and
beam system using simple rectilinear
space frame geometry and a bolted
rather than nailed method of assembly.
It overcomes the limitations of using
large, heavy, specially-crafted lumber
– the limitations which compelled the
invention of stud framing –  through the
use of a light weight, low cost recyclable
material (aluminum) and precision-
engineered, mass-produced modular
components.
The MHS prefabrication system and
aluminum construction in general
guarantee important energy efficiencies.
The first group of benefits concerns the
weight of the aluminum building system:
MHS aluminum framing weight is 1/12
that of steel framing and 1/24 of
concrete building. This eliminates the
need for heavy equipment at the site,
since one worker can carry a 12-foot
MHS framing member. Compare this
with placement of one steel I-beam at
the job site. The weight of concrete
Kithaus office/studio, Modular Housing System
used in an MHS foundation is almost
one half that required for a steel or
concrete structure.
Less weight during transport of building
components means less use of energy
and lower shipping costs. Flat pack
shipping of the components provides
substantially greater efficiency than
transport of modular boxes; it is easier,
faster, more flexible and less expensive
while storage is easier and less
expensive as well.