Pre-Fab Revolution

All the talk these days about environmentally friendly, green choices, sustainability, etc. has sparked a bit of a revolution in the pre-fabricated housing market. Pre-fab homes come in specific size multiples helping to reduce building waste and many of their builders focus on using sustainable building materials such as cork and bamboo lending to their greenness. Traditional ideas of pre-fab housing spark admittedly politically incorrect notions of trailer trash living in double wides. But in the time since those stereotypes were established the industry has grown up considerably resulting in a wide range of manufactured homes that look nothing like a Kid Rock video.

Some of the most exciting developments in pre-fab housing has been the introduction of many new and varied modern takes on the construction method. Pre-fab can lend itself well to the modern home by exploiting the typical boxy frame using them to configure endless possibilities. There have been all sorts of modern pre-fab designs making splashes in main-stream media and home shoes from miniature rustic-modern cabins to full-fledged suburban family homes.

Right here in British Columbia, inHabit modern dwellings, a North Vancouver company has just sprouted building reasonably priced modern bungalows starting at just over $10,000 for a 10' by 10' secure Gear Garage and only $12,500 for the Studio 1.0 which includes double glass doors, one opening window, ceder siding, and 4' by 10' covered deck. Other models are available depending on your needs and budget.

Some other pre-fab favourites include: weeHouse, glide house, and small house. A great source for more info and even more manufactures can be found at fabprefab.com.



On a slightly related note... Modern Cabin by Michelle Kodis looks like a great book showcasing some of the most unique modern cabins gracing some of those great getaway locations in the world.