Cellophane House demonstrates a holistic approach to off-site fabrication. It is first and foremost a matrix for holding materials together to create an inhabitable enclosure. An aluminum frame provides the structure and the means to attach factory made elements together. It is designed to preserve all energy embodied in the house materials through rapid disassembly and recovery of all components for reassembly, helping to offset the millions of tons of construction and demolition debris generated each year.
The house is enclosed with a lightweight, energy-gathering building envelope made of recyclable plastic film with photovoltaic panels adhered to its surface. PVs harvest energy from the sun and heat is captured in a cavity between layers and either held or released; minimizing the energy required for heating and cooling. The south facade features glazing with integrated photovoltaic cells, promising further energy independence.