Our Streamlined Process

​Unity’s Streamlined process is a design system. It is the focus of our “proven process”, allowing us to optimize time and costs when working with clients. In the Streamlined process, we combine standard components and layouts in predetermined arrangements to generate a design that is standard and also fits your needs and your site. The advantages of this path include: 

• Better value
• Shorter time frame 
• Simplified decision-making 
• Greater predictability of cost, schedule and design 

Thanks to the efficiency and value afforded by this path, it’s the one that’s most closely aligned with Unity’s core mission of lowering the cost of high performance homes. 

Once you’ve gathered basic information about your site, your budget and your project goals, you’ll be ready to embark with us on the simple process of configuring your home. 

Pick Your Platform
Understand Your Site
Choose Your Components
Configure Your House

Unity offers two single story design platforms –the Xyla and the Zum and two 2- story platforms – the Tradd and Värm. Visit the “Our Designs” page to learn more about the design platforms.

Once you‘ve decided on a platform, we’ll work with you to determine site location and the appropriate orientation for approaches and entrances, based on your site plan.

The two general options for entrances are “eave side” (on the long side of the house) and “gable end” (on the short side of the house).

With the entrance location established, we’ll then focus on the standard components that will fulfill your program needs. In addition to the core volume of your chosen platform, the options for components include: 

• First floor bedroom suites 
• Connectors (including entries and “mudroom” spaces that may connect to a garage) 
• Garages 
• Covered porches 
• Decks 
• Screened porches 

This “decision tree” diagram outlines key decisions that are made as the design is being configured. 

Here are some examples of how the form of the house changes based on the components used.

After identifying the main entrance and choosing your desired components, it’s time to pick the component floor plans that are best suited to your needs and lifestyle. While the floor plan options are limited in our Streamlined system, we’ve worked hard to ensure that the plans are as efficient, functional and attractive as possible. Most Unity clients find that, with the ability to mix, match, and connect in different ways, the system allows for tremendous flexibility and creativity while allowing versatility and creativity.

The preliminary design that results from this Streamlined process forms the basis of the Preconstruction Services Agreement under which the design, specifications and cost estimates will be finalized.  

RECENT WEBINAR describing Unity’s Streamlined Design Path:

CASE STUDIES The following case studies describe the Streamlined design process as it might apply to two common scenarios that we see often here at Unity.