#modulararchitecture

🎄💾🗓️ Day 11: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar - The SEL 840A🎄💾🗓️

Systems Engineering Laboratories (SEL) introduced the SEL 840A in 1965. This is a deep cut folks, buckle in. It was designed as a high-performance, 24-bit general-purpose digital computer, particularly well-suited for scientific and industrial real-time applications.

Notable for using silicon monolithic integrated circuits and a modular architecture. Supported advanced computation with features like concurrent floating-point arithmetic via an optional Extended Arithmetic Unit (EAU), which allowed independent arithmetic processing in single or double precision. With a core memory cycle time of 1.75 microseconds and a capacity of up to 32,768 directly addressable words, the SEL 840A had impressive computational speed and versatility for its time.

Its instruction set covered arithmetic operations, branching, and program control. The computer had fairly robust I/O capabilities, supporting up to 128 input/output units and optional block transfer control for high-speed data movement. SEL 840A had real-time applications, such as data acquisition, industrial automation, and control systems, with features like multi-level priority interrupts and a real-time clock with millisecond resolution.

Software support included a FORTRAN IV compiler, mnemonic assembler, and a library of scientific subroutines, making it accessible for scientific and engineering use. The operator’s console provided immediate access to registers, control functions, and user interaction! Designed to be maintained, its modular design had serviceability you do often not see today, with swing-out circuit pages and accessible test points.

And here's a personal… personal computer history from Adafruit team member, Dan…

== The first computer I used was an SEL-840A, PDF:

I learned Fortran on it in eight grade, in 1970. It was at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where my parents worked, and was used to take data from cyclotron experiments and perform calculations. I later patched the Fortran compiler on it to take single-quoted strings, like 'HELLO', in Fortran FORMAT statements, instead of having to use Hollerith counts, like 5HHELLO.

In 1971-1972, in high school, I used a PDP-10 (model KA10) timesharing system, run by BOCES LIRICS on Long Island, NY, while we were there for one year on an exchange.

This is the front panel of the actual computer I used. I worked at the computer center in the summer. I know the fellow in the picture: he was an older high school student at the time.

The first "personal" computers I used were Xerox Alto, Xerox Dorado, Xerox Dandelion (Xerox Star 8010), Apple Lisa, and Apple Mac, and an original IBM PC. Later I used DEC VAXstations.

Container restaurants are revolutionizing the culinary landscape, blending sustainable architecture with efficient, high-impact design. These modular structures offer an unparalleled level of flexibility for restaurateurs looking to establish a unique brand presence in diverse locations. By repurposing industrial steel units, businesses can achieve a sleek, modern aesthetic while significantly reducing construction timelines and costs. This innovative approach to commercial space creates an inviting, trendy atmosphere that resonates with eco-conscious diners.

Beyond their visual appeal, container restaurants provide a robust solution for mobile or pop-up dining concepts. The structural integrity of shipping containers allows for creative multi-level layouts, rooftop terraces, and expansive glass facades that bridge the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor accessibility. As urban spaces become more premium, utilizing modular, small-footprint designs enables food entrepreneurs to maximize efficiency and operational throughput. Embrace the next wave of hospitality architecture and transform how your community experiences dining.

Core Keywords

Container Restaurant Design

Modular Commercial Architecture

Sustainable Dining Spaces

Shipping Container Cafe

Modern Restaurant Concepts

Lead the 2026 "Modular Hospitality" movement with Bait Al Maha’s specialized container restaurant solutions. As Dubai’s urban landscape shifts toward high-mobility, eco-conscious commercial spaces, container architecture has emerged as the definitive choice for pop-up cafes, street-food hubs, and luxury outdoor eateries. Our 2026 designs transform industrial shipping containers into high-end culinary destinations, featuring thermal-efficient insulation, customized glass facades, and integrated MEP systems engineered specifically for the extreme Middle Eastern climate.

Bait Al Maha provides a "Turnkey Concept-to-Kitchen" service, allowing entrepreneurs to launch a fully branded restaurant in a fraction of the time required for traditional construction. Our 2026 container models focus on "Vertical Optimization" and "Indoor-Outdoor Flow," utilizing retractable walls and rooftop seating to maximize customer capacity on a compact footprint. Whether you are launching a minimalist coffee kiosk or a multi-unit industrial dining hall, Bait Al Maha delivers the fire-rated, structural precision and high-tech aesthetics required for 2026’s most innovative commercial projects in the UAE.

Key Points:

Rapid Deployment: Go from design approval to site launch in weeks, bypassing the lengthy timelines of traditional builds.

Extreme Thermal Protection: Specialized 2026 insulation and HVAC integration optimized for Dubai's high-temperature environment.

Bespoke Architectural Finishes: Premium cladding, LED atmospheric lighting, and customized flooring to match elite branding.

Sustainable & Circular: Utilizing repurposed steel structures to meet 2026 global ESG mandates and eco-friendly building standards.

Scalable Modular Systems: Flexible designs that allow for easy expansion, relocation, or multi-story configurations.

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Lead the 2026 "Modular Gastronomy" trend with Bait Al Maha’s bespoke container restaurant solutions in Dubai. As the UAE’s culinary landscape shifts toward agile, eco-conscious infrastructure, our upcycled shipping container conversions provide a high-impact, low-footprint alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar builds. Engineered to withstand the extreme Gulf climate, these units feature advanced thermal insulation and integrated HVAC systems, allowing for a rapid, "plug-and-play" launch of your luxury cafe, pop-up bistro, or flagship restaurant.

Bait Al Maha combines industrial structural integrity with high-end interior aesthetics, offering custom floor plans that include professional-grade kitchens, rooftop dining decks, and panoramic glass folding doors. Whether you are activating a beachfront plot or a desert destination, our 2026 modular designs offer an 80% reduction in construction time. Experience a scalable hospitality asset that balances 2026 sustainability standards with the sophisticated, architectural style that defines the modern Dubai dining scene.

Key Points:

Rapid deployment: Restaurant-ready modules delivered and installed in weeks, not months.

Climate-shield technology: High-performance insulation and energy-efficient cooling for UAE heat.

Customizable layouts: Modular designs including industrial kitchens, bars, and rooftop lounges.

Sustainable construction: Upcycled materials that align with 2026 green building mandates.

Mobility and scalability: Easily relocatable structures for seasonal venues or expanding franchises.

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Site and House Design

The Prefab Changeover House is a small red structure resting on a series of sprayed concrete columns, surrounded by forests in Barcelona. This location presents a unique architectural challenge, as it combines the surrounding natural environment with the industrial character of the house, allowing for an exploration of the relationship between the building and its context.

Architectural Challenge

The project faced the challenge of restoring an old, dilapidated wooden house built on nine columns and left to deteriorate in the mountains. Such a situation pushed the architects to rethink strategies for preserving the existing structure rather than opting for complete demolition and rebuilding, with a focus on material sustainability and design flexibility.

Innovative Solutions

The Spanish studio TEST proposed three alternative strategies to address the challenge, providing multiple options for the new owner. After evaluating the choices, a prefabricated modular system placed atop the existing foundations was selected. This approach not only enabled reuse but also enhanced flexibility inside and outside the house, allowing spaces to adapt to the evolving needs of the occupants.

A side view of the closed prefabricated structure, where a single, small window panel is illuminated from within, highlighting the deep red exterior finish. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

The dramatic, monochromatic interior space, utilizing the same deep red hue on walls, floors, and structural elements to create a cohesive and immersive atmosphere. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

Design and Structural Efficiency

Despite its compact size, the modern house stands out for its high structural efficiency, covering an area of 60 square meters. The house consists of eight balloon-frame units, each measuring 3×3×3 meters, ensuring a consistent and harmonious design.

The units are strategically stacked atop reinforced sprayed concrete columns, minimizing environmental impact on the terrain and allowing the house to rest on nature without harming the surrounding ecosystem. These columns are also equipped with mechanical connectors, facilitating assembly and providing the possibility of future modifications to the house structure if needed.

Integration with the Natural Environment

The architectural team paid special attention to cladding the units with finely textured wood. This choice not only adds aesthetic value but also helps the house blend seamlessly with its surroundings despite its striking red color. The wood acts as a bridge between architectural boldness and the tranquility of the forest, enabling the house to harmonize with the natural landscape.

Through this approach, the house becomes more than just a small structure, it transforms into a harmonious architectural element that enhances the serene environment around it.

The Prefab Changeover House as seen from a distance, showing its seamless yet striking integration into the dense, natural woodland setting. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

Detailed look at the striking, textured foundation pillars that elevate the prefabricated structure, minimizing site impact and enhancing the sense of lightness. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

Interior Design and Minimalist Style

The interior design of the house reflects a minimalist aesthetic, enhanced with subtle industrial touches that give the space a distinctive character. The design emphasizes flexibility, avoiding rigid programming to provide a versatile living environment. By omitting fixed elements, the space becomes adaptable to changing needs and configurations, accommodating the dynamic lifestyles of its occupants over time.

Connection with Nature and Privacy

The architects also integrated an exterior wooden shell encasing the expansive glazing, granting the house the ability to almost fully open up to its surroundings. This design offers stunning views of the surrounding trees and allows nature to merge with the interior from every angle.

When the occupants desire privacy or a cozy retreat, the house can be fully enclosed, creating an intimate and secluded living space. This dual capability ensures a seamless transition between openness to nature and privacy when needed, enhancing the living experience and making it more flexible and responsive to its environment.

The compact, efficient vertical circulation is framed by the large, operational facade panels that pivot open, instantly transforming the interior volume. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

The prefabricated unit subtly nestled into the wooded landscape, framed by surrounding trees along the slope leading up to the site. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

The modular facade panels beginning to open, revealing the internal two-story glass window system and a glimpse of the dwelling's interior. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

The Prefab Changeover House in its 'open mode,' with the entire front facade folded back to expose the two-story glazed wall and connect the interior seamlessly with nature. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

An interior perspective highlighting the open corner, where the foldable facade panels allow for unobstructed views and cross-ventilation. (Image © ArchUp Content Partner)

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Prefab Changeover House can be considered a valuable architectural experiment for studying the adaptation between infrastructure and the natural environment. On the positive side, the project demonstrates how a small house can achieve flexibility in interior use and openness to nature, providing a model for designing adaptable spaces that meet the diverse needs of occupants over time. It also highlights the potential of integrating natural materials, such as wood, into a modular design, enhancing harmony between the building and its natural surroundings.

However, the project raises some reservations related to size limitations and reliance on predefined modular units. Despite its efficiency, the design does not offer fully flexible solutions for all types of use and may face challenges when attempting to expand the space or modify the structure to accommodate different future requirements. Additionally, the extensive openness to nature can present challenges regarding privacy and comfort under varying climatic conditions, requiring careful consideration when applying this concept to other projects.

Overall, the project serves as a practical reference for exploring the balance between flexibility and environment, while emphasizing the need to assess design constraints before expansion or replication in other contexts. It stands as a rich source of insight and inspiration in contemporary architecture.

A New Architectural Vision at Sinpo Amusement Parks

Within China’s Sinpo Amusement Parks, a new architectural trend is emerging, challenging conventional notions of modular construction. The Treepod – Forest Nests project, designed by the Doarchiwow team, exemplifies this transformation, turning prefab structures into artistic forms that harmonize seamlessly with their surroundings.

Design in Harmony with Nature

Unlike the traditional treehouses we knew in our childhood, each dwelling rises from the ground as a meticulously sculpted entity. The steel framework of the buildings is wrapped in layers of timber cladding and weather-resistant steel, complemented by aluminum and glass.

The real ingenuity lies in how these materials interact, producing structures that feel less industrial and more attuned to nature. You might envision them as massive suspended cocoons or intricately woven nests, but they are certainly not conventional modular buildings, the project’s primary objective.

Project Development Journey

Doarchiwow, a subsidiary of DO Architects specializing in high-quality prefabricated systems, began working on this concept in 2021. After four years of research and development, the project was completed in 2025, spanning two sites in Rizhou, Shandong Province, and Wuhan, Hubei Province, covering a total area of 441.92 square meters.

A Unique Interior Experience

Once a visitor enters the dwelling, the experience of the space changes noticeably. Smart home systems and digital networks handle the technical aspects, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the treetops, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature. The interior curves harmonize with the organic lines found outside, creating a visual continuity that flows seamlessly from indoors to outdoors.

Space and Flexibility

Despite the unit’s small footprint, the interior surprises with its spaciousness and flexibility. The design team focused on addressing a fundamental challenge: how to produce units collectively while maintaining the feeling that each is custom-designed for its occupant. The modular envelope enables efficient construction, while the interior spaces feel tailored to individual needs. In this way, each unit functions as an independent tranquil spot, yet remains part of a larger integrated network.

Environmental Sustainability

The project’s philosophy goes beyond merely adopting visible green building practices. Led by Tang Jiajia, Wang Wenrui, and Jiang Hong, the design team implemented a three-dimensional environmental strategy, including:

- Passive design to reduce energy consumption. - Active environmental technologies to enhance efficiency. - Construction methods that respond precisely to local climatic conditions.

This approach helps minimize ground impact, reduce material waste, and limit the need for intensive on-site labor. Moreover, each unit operates as an independent ecosystem capable of adapting to environmental conditions and varying weather patterns, thereby promoting the long-term sustainability of the project.

Flexibility and Environmental Adaptation

Adaptability plays a crucial role in this architectural model, as it can theoretically be applied in any environment: from urban green spaces to protected natural areas, coastlines, and even mountain forests. The fluid shapes of the units prevent them from appearing out of place, a rarity in conventional prefabricated buildings. While most modular structures tend to announce themselves loudly, these units settle quietly, reflecting their harmony with the surrounding nature.

Prefab Construction: Balancing Efficiency and Beauty

The Treepod – Forest Nests project demonstrates that prefabricated construction does not require compromising design or environmental commitment. The Doarchiwow team successfully combines efficiency with aesthetics, allowing these structures to be erected quickly without disturbing the site or creating an unattractive appearance.

A Forward-Looking Trend for Sustainable Resorts

Designers focus on boutique resorts, luxury camps, and rural tourism markets, reflecting their ambition to rethink both vacation space design and traditional construction methods simultaneously. The project proves that sustainability can coexist with visual appeal, offering a compelling model for developing sustainable resorts. The question remains how widely this model will spread in the future, but it undoubtedly represents a significant step toward redefining prefabricated construction in an environmentally flexible way.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Treepod – Forest Nests project can be viewed as an attempt to rethink the relationship between prefabricated construction and the surrounding natural environment. On the positive side, the project offers a flexible model for residential units, enabling a diverse living experience that responds to its environment while incorporating sustainability and ecological adaptability, reflecting an awareness of modern building practices.

However, several reservations remain when evaluating the project from a practical architectural perspective. Despite the fluidity and visual appeal of the units, reliance on the modular envelope may pose challenges in terms of functional integration on a larger scale, particularly when applied across multiple sites or locations with complex geography. The focus on organic form and interior experience may also overshadow economic considerations and the ability to maintain efficient mass production. Furthermore, the project raises questions about long-term scalability and maintenance, especially given the variety of materials used and the need to align with differing climatic standards.

Nevertheless, practitioners in the architectural field can benefit from this model as a reference for developing projects that prioritize environmental adaptation and design flexibility, while learning from the practical challenges encountered to apply it more sustainably and efficiently in diverse settings. The project thus provides a platform for architectural experimentation, with the potential to enhance the integration of form, function, and sustainability when adopted in larger or more complex developments.

https://archup.net/modular-sustainable-cabins-in-nature/ Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

Don’t miss the chance to explore more from Architecture in fields like Buildings and Design on the ArchUp website.

The Evolution of Architecture with Changing Lifestyles

As our work patterns and daily lives evolve, so too do the ways we interact with architecture. In modern cities, rapid urban expansion and the decline of the nuclear family concept give rise to new challenges in residential space design. Innovative Solutions to the Housing Crisis In response to these challenges, the concept of modular construction has emerged as a flexible model that adapts to contemporary housing needs. A prominent example is the PolyBloc project, developed by Cutwork Studio in Paris. This project relies on a prefabricated construction system implemented through industrial production, enabling the creation of housing more efficiently and faster compared to traditional building methods. Modular Construction: Advantages and Impacts Modular construction offers significant flexibility in both design and implementation, and it can adapt to diverse urban environments and residential requirements. Furthermore, this approach helps address the growing housing crisis by providing faster and more sustainable solutions to accommodate densely populated cities.

The Shift Towards Shared Spaces and Mobile Lifestyles

Observing the inevitable global trend towards shared spaces and mobile lifestyles, the designers behind the PolyBloc project began envisioning innovative solutions for urban architecture. This initiative reflects the need to create spaces that can adapt to fast-changing modern lifestyles. From PolyRoom to PolyBloc The project initially began as PolyRoom, a prefabricated unit consisting of a single room measuring 21 square meters (226 square feet). This unit stood out for its flexibility and multi-use potential, suitable for individual living, a small office, or a relaxation area. As the studio evolved and the project expanded, PolyBloc emerged as a larger and more integrated version, offering flexible housing solutions to meet the needs of diverse urban communities.

The Value of Repetition and Modular Flexibility

Cutwork Studio emphasized the importance of repetition and modular flexibility in developing PolyBloc, viewing each PolyRoom unit as a core that can be replicated and adapted to fit various contexts, whether in urban or rural environments. Smart Multi-Purpose Design Since the unit’s goal is adaptability and flexibility, each PolyRoom is equipped with multifunctional hidden furniture. This design allows for efficient use of space while meeting the evolving needs of residents, whether for living, working, or relaxation.

The Multi-Purpose Central Room

PolyRoom was designed as a central room without a predetermined purpose, inspired by Japanese design principles such as washitsu and the tatami room. These concepts aim to reconfigure spaces in ways that meet diverse resident needs while maintaining flow and comfort. Smart Furniture to Enhance Flexibility In line with this design, each unit comes equipped with multifunctional furniture, including foldable beds, collapsible storage cabinets, and telescopic rod systems that can transform partitions and doors to create additional floor space. This approach reflects the project’s focus on flexibility and efficient space utilization, enabling residents to use the room in various ways according to their daily needs.

Promoting Cohabitation and Sustainability

To enhance the appeal of each unit for cohabitation and multi-use, PolyRoom comes equipped with green roofs and surfaces, supported by automated irrigation systems that adapt to the unique biodiversity of each city. This design allows for the integration of nature into the urban environment, while promoting sustainability and improving residents’ quality of life. Modular Construction: Stackable Units Like LEGO Leveraging the flexibility and versatility of modular construction, PolyBloc consists of units stacked atop one another in a manner reminiscent of LEGO blocks. This approach enables the creation of expandable and easily adjustable residential spaces, providing a practical solution to modern urban challenges.

Rapid Production and Urban Expansion

PolyRoom units can be produced in large quantities by Cutwork Studio and stacked to form complete residential complexes in different cities, at speeds surpassing what traditional construction methods allow. This approach provides a practical solution to rapid urban expansion and growing housing demands. Forward-Thinking Design The project goes beyond merely constructing buildings, as Cutwork focuses on creating the systems necessary to build these spaces. The studio explains: “It’s not only about building objects and spaces; it’s about crafting the systems to build —systems that help address future challenges.” This emphasis reflects forward-thinking and strategic planning in modern architecture, with careful consideration for flexibility and sustainability.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight