What began as a modern prefab home turned into the modular Hi-Hat House in Colorado by FLOWER that required the modules to be built on-site.

In the picturesque foothills of Boulder, Colorado, the Hi-Hat House stands as an example of adaptive architecture and design ingenuity. Designed by architecture firm FLOWER, this cozy home for empty nesters is a blend of modular design principles and traditional building techniques. Originally conceived as a home to be assembled from pre-fabricated units, Hi-Hat House underwent a significant transformation during its construction journey. While the design was tailored for factory production and transportation on standard truck beds, the team ultimately decided to build the house modules on site. This strategic pivot, driven by prohibitive costs associated with shipping and craning the units, allowed the project to retain its modular design integrity without compromising on cost-efficiency.
Hi-Hat House comprises six distinct ‘modules’ anchored on a site-built foundation and garage. The upper-level units encompass the heart of the home: the kitchen, dining, and living areas, along with the primary suite, mudroom, and formal entry. The lower-level modules feature a family room, mechanical spaces, guest bedrooms, and a shared bathroom.

Safety is also a paramount consideration, given the home?s location in a wildfire-prone area. Noncombustible exterior cladding, decks, and roofing materials provide an additional lay...