Collection by Diana Budds

Historical Prefab Projects

We showcase a timeline of nine prefab architecture projects from the 20th century. To see how contemporary designers are using the building technique, pick up a copy of our annual prefab issue on newsstands.

Buckminster Fuller, Dymaxion House, 1945–1946.
Buckminster Fuller, Dymaxion House, 1945–1946.
Jean Prouve, Maison Tropicale, 1950s.
Jean Prouve, Maison Tropicale, 1950s.
Carl Koch, Techbuilt House, 1953.
Carl Koch, Techbuilt House, 1953.
Located on New York’s Fire Island, the 1,425-square-foot Lambert House features an open floor plan that embraces ocean views.
Located on New York’s Fire Island, the 1,425-square-foot Lambert House features an open floor plan that embraces ocean views.
Construction took place from 1964 to 1967. The original project was adapted from Safdie’s graduate thesis at Montreal’s McGill University.
Construction took place from 1964 to 1967. The original project was adapted from Safdie’s graduate thesis at Montreal’s McGill University.
Matti Suuronen, Futuro House, 1968.
Matti Suuronen, Futuro House, 1968.
Kisho Kurokawa, Nakagin Capsule Tower, 1972.
Kisho Kurokawa, Nakagin Capsule Tower, 1972.
“I hope that the design will stimulate architects to break away from strictly cubic structures,” Hecker wrote 

in a 1980 manifesto. Photo by Zvi Hecker.
“I hope that the design will stimulate architects to break away from strictly cubic structures,” Hecker wrote in a 1980 manifesto. Photo by Zvi Hecker.