Welcome to ProtoHaus

The ProtoHaus is a tiny dwelling of 150 square feet. In the interest of exploring the boundaries that define art objects, non-art objects, and social issues related to home ownership, ProtoHaus will challenge viewer, artist and artwork. Contemporary artists such as Andrea Zittel, Shinique Smith, Tyree Guyton, and groups such as Futurefarmers, and N55 are similarly dealing with issues of consumerism, social equality, the intersection of art and design, and the limits of artistic definition. In the history of art these are not new themes; the Russian Constructivists, the Bauhaus, and the Wiener Werkstätte all dealt with these issues. William Morris argued that art should meet the needs of society and that there should be no distinction between form and function. Even Michelangelo and Da Vinci acted not only as visual artists but also as scientists, writers, inventors and architects. These artists contributed to their communities by producing inspirational works of art as well as through military defense and technological advancement.

ProtoHaus is a timber frame or “stick built” house that will be constructed over the summer of 2009. Emphasis will be placed on sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics. It will be fabricated primarily from recycled and reclaimed materials. The building process will be overseen and assisted by S. C. Holley Construction. It will be transportable. The house will be built on a trailer bed rated to withstand 14,000 pounds though the final structure should not exceed 9,000 pounds. Separate fresh, grey, and black water systems will be integrated into the design allowing for remote removal and disposal of waste. A solar and wind system will power the house allowing it to be off grid. There will be a series of collaborative workshops at Alfred University which will include students, faculty and different departments to accompany the project. The house will be open to visitors on particular dates throughout the school year as a mode of sharing the experiment with the Alfred community.

Thank you for taking the time to review and consider this project. We look forward to your future interest and support.