A prefabricated system

Each living unit is a prefabricated system that includes a load bearing frame made of welded rectangular, hollow steel profiles. These frames also are a part of the facade, enabling easy expansion of units. The floor system is a prefabricated subassembly made of interconnected 1.5 – 2.0 mm steel channels. The floor system uses rock wool for fire resistance, ground rubber tire material for acoustics and an anhydrite screed for floor surface.

Fifty-percent of the unit’s facades are glazed panels or sliding doors, depending on the project requirements. Closed wall panels complete the facades and are made of steel sandwich material, which comes with a selection of light weight cladding for architectural flexibility. Steel sandwich material or other light weight material also can be used for room partitions. The bathroom/toilet combination comes complete with duct work and piping, and the roof is PVC or rubber-based foil over thermal insulation to avoid potential water build up.

Most of the materials used in Kick Start’s components are manufactured of recycled materials themselves (i.e., car tires, anhydrite, and steel). Optimized manufacturing methods and design engineering further reduce overall raw material use, as well as material lost in scrap and offal during part production. These factors can significantly reduce the systems environmental impact during its manufacture.

Beyond manufacturing, energy consumption during the dwelling’s useful life has been minimized because of its light construction, high quality insulation and air tightness. Hot water supply comes from a system that uses the warm ventilated air (accumulated from occupant body heat), passive solar energy and the heating system. Glazed facades and proper planning of the dwelling’s orientation on the site provide a passive solar heat supply that creates a positive heat balance for the house. A heat pump provides back up on grey days or cold winter nights. Natural ventilation cools the dwelling in the summer.

At the end of its lifetime, the system can be disassembled and all components 100% recycled or 100% reused.

Kick Start building process

1. In areas with good load carrying capabilities, concrete slabs are poured or positioned under columns. Then the steel substructure is mounted like a table, creating the parking space. In bad soil, piles are driven providing the lower structure at the same time.
2. The Kick Start system begins here. Prewelded frames are positioned.
3. The floor system and façade panels are inserted and the stairwells positioned, providing stability at the same time. Bathroom units are introduced and fixed and installations connected to the central provision.
4. Flooring is added on top, creating astable work floor for the next storey.
5. Storey after storey is then added. All components are dry assembled with bolts and screws. Quality testing is done in the factory.
6. The Kick Start dwelling is ready for use.