Tetra-One (540 SF):

24’x24’ (Footprint)

At the scale of an Accessory Dwelling Unit, the Polyhaus Tetra-One prototype is the first complete structural-diaphragm built entirely out of Mass-Timber, in San Diego, California. Polyhaus’ Tetra-One includes the following spaces: a living room, kitchen, bonus area and a sleeping loft, spread across a 440 SF ground floor and a 100 SF mezzanine. The Tetra-One Prototype received CalHFA’s ADU Grant administered by The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), a State Housing Finance Agency.

Sustainable, Climate-Change and Wild-Fire Resilient: Polyhaus models use sustainable, highly resistant materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to achieve climate resiliency. The use of digitally fabricated Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) panels reduces the carbon footprint and respects ecosystems while maximizing structural efficiency and wildfire resiliency.

Made entirely out of Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) panels, we are thrilled about Polyhaus’s environmental sustainability. With Douglas Fir, sourced from restoration projects in the Colville National Forest, led by our partners Vaagen Timbers in WA, we are proud to offer a housing solution that builds a direct link between the health of our National Forests and our housing production in California.

In addition, the Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) panels offer a high degree of wildfire-resilience given that they are robotically fabricated and leave no airgaps that would otherwise feed the fire, as it happens in conventional study construction. According to the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction, and the Non-profit WoodWorks.org, the nominal char rate for CLT panels is 1.5 inches per hour. With CLT panel thicknesses ranging between 4.5 - 7.5 inches, this wall assembly effectively increases fire-resiliency three to five times that of conventional wood construction. The Cross-Laminated-Timber (CLT) panels are in turn wrapped by high-performing Insulated Metal Panels that offer their own unique fire resistance. Finally, the aerodynamic form that results from the model’s uniquely patented shape also minimizes areas vulnerable to wildfire propagation. Polyhaus’ unique wildfire resilience has garnered national and international attention!