M-vironments M-House
Michael Jantzen

Photo courtesy Michael Jantzen

Relocatable M-vironments are made of a wide variety of manipulatable components that can be connected in many different ways to a matrix of modular support frames. The frames can be assembled and disassembled in different ways to accommodate a wide range of changing needs.

The M-House, made from the M-vironment system, consists of a series of rectangular panels that are attached with hinges to an open space frame grid of seven interlocking cubes.

Photo courtesy Michael Jantzen

Photo courtesy Michael Jantzen
The panels are hinged to the cubes in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation. The hinges allow the panels to fold into, or out of the cube frames to perform various functions. Some of the panels are insulated and contain windows and doors. These panels can completely enclose spaces that are heated and cooled.

Photo courtesy Michael Jantzen
Other not-insulated panels fold in or out over and around open platforms to shade the sun, deflect the rain, or block the wind. Some of these unfold from the face of the cubes to become places to sit, places to sleep, places to work, or places to eat. Most of the slotted panels are oriented over and around these open platforms.

Photo courtesy Michael Jantzen

Photo courtesy Michael Jantzen

Photo courtesy Michael Jantzen
All of the M-House components are interchangeable, and can be increased or decreased in numbers and size. The panels can be made in a curved configuration and from many different types of materials. The existing M-house panels are assembled with a steel structural frame that supports thin sheets of a concrete composite. All of the exposed surfaces of the structure are painted.

The platforms and the cube frames, are supported by adjustable legs which are attached to load bearing foot pads. In many cases the support frames do not require a foundation, and they can be adjusted to accommodate terrain variations.

Drawing courtesy Michael Jantzen

Drawing courtesy Michael Jantzen

Drawing courtesy Michael Jantzen

Drawing courtesy Michael Jantzen  
This M-House was designed to function as a single private vacation retreat, or in multiple numbers and configurations, as a complete stand alone high tech resort complex. The house can be designed to be self sufficient, powered by alternative energy sources such as the sun and the wind.

The M-vironments were developed to accommodate a wide range of markets. With different sizes, shapes, materials, and panel types, the system can be used for exhibit structures, pavilions, play environments for kids, retail spaces, office modules, and many other commercial applications.

The structure can be assembled or disassembled by a crew of four in one week.
Jantzen built this one-bedroom cottage entirely by himself.