Small Prefab Homes - Prefab Cabins, Sheds, Studios

Small Prefab Home for Mars

MARS Cave has an internal system of recycling and reuse of energy, minimizing the environmental impact and becoming a small prefab home for Mars with zero waste.

About OPEN Architecture

There are many theories and motives that make researchers invest resources in life alternatives off planet Earth. And Mars is the main destination. Thinking about this possibility of the future, OPEN Architecture has developed a capsule to live on Mars. Entitled MARS Case, the housing prototype presents a vision of an ideal home to survive the adverse conditions of the neighboring planet.

Combining technology, product design and architecture, the small prefab home for Mars will be able to recycle heat and condensation, and from that, generate power for each internal technological device, which in turn will power the internal system again. In short: all water, air and energy will be fully reused by the system, minimizing resource consumption.

"Imagine that mankind is forced to adapt on Mars, our neighboring planet, where we can not rely on natural resources, as we are accustomed to do here on Earth, where we have no chance but to reduce our lifestyles, and only carry the minimum. Recycling will be the only way to survive", comment the architects on the initial idea of the project.

As in most common science fiction, the small prefab home for Mars has a minimalist design and full integration inside it - both in the sense of home appliances working connected to mobile devices and in the internal spatial dynamics. And despite its compact size (2.40 x 2.40 x 2.00 meters), it has everything an excess-free life needs. A disruptive project, but consistent with the global thinking we have today.

The MARS Case was designed in partnership with the Xiaomi technology brand and presented at China House Vision 2018, near the Beijing National Stadium.

Architects Kagan Taylor and Justin Rice from the Los Angeles Knowhow Shop studio designed and built a prefab micro office in line with contemporary work relationships. In addition to having a compact size - about 14 m² in area - the structure made with material used in boat building works on wheels, so it can be easily transported to other places as needed.

Dubbed the "Lighthouse", the compact office has a large door and skylights that allow plenty of natural light to enter. "We were surprised by the difference in perceived space from the outside to the inside," say the architects, referring to the cozy inner area, with work benches and book shelves.

The pair studied widely different disciplines to arrive at the best result, giving rise to a new form of architecture. So the professionals bet on materials used in the construction of boats, technology of solar ceilings of automobiles and structural insulation panels fabricated and bevelled together with the hardware of the film industry.

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Cover brings cross-disciplinary expertise from architecture, design, software engineering, automotive manufacturing, computational physics, and professional engineering services to design and build high quality prefab studios providing a remarkably enjoyable experience in all stages of design process and many years after completion.
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Prior to Cover, the team helped design and build homes with prices from $120 million for a luxury modern mansion to modest minimalist prefab studios. Over and over the team saw clients be frustrated at the low speed of designing and building progress, cost uncertainties and overruns, and people be disappointed with the unsatisfactory quality they got often at the price of homes they could afford.

These problems in design and construction process are linked and thus nearly impossible to untangle when using traditional on-site construction method, especially if client wants something modern, unique and smart-designed. Most of the time, because of the unpredictability, people end up spending more than they can afford.

Everybody deserves a better results and experience.

So, Cover has reinvented the entire architecture, design, construction, permit, services and even building materials and methods from the ground up.

What homeowners get is a stunning modern space that they will love and especially love being in, with a smart design and modern building process that homeowners will take pride in being a part of.

Cover can add prefab studio in Los Angeles, California, in homeowner's backyard. For many possible uses such as a hobby workshop, home office, in-law suite or guest bedroom, adding a prefab studio is ideal because it can provide a private, quiet space. The prefab process allows to add detached living space without disrupting usual life inside existing home – unlike a few weeks traditional design process and several month on-site construction process accompanying noise and bustle. And because prefab studios are built in a remote factory, assembly process on customer's land takes only two days.

Across California the process of permitting a detached prefab “accessory structure” which are prefab studios, is much faster than a new home, addition, or renovation. Cover will take care of all approval process for customers. The permitting typically can take 2 or 4 months. Once the company receive approval for starting building from the local zoning department, the factory can manufacture new prefab studio and install the structure within 3 month.

Since each of the prefab studios designed specifically for individual needs and unique site, the cost varies depending on the property and design.

Most of the prefab studios cost $300-400 per square foot, all inclusive.

There are all kinds of prefab spaces for any residential use: home offices, in-law suites, reading rooms, guest rooms, pool houses, granny flats, party rooms, kid play zones, painting studios, and hobby shops.

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Thoughtful and clean design has been a top priority at prefab architecture of Studio Shed from day one. Award-winning modern prefab shed designs have ignited a modern re-thinking of what a prefab backyard studio or office can be. Attention to every smallest details and elements creates a prefab shed or backyard studio that clients are proud to look at, and in harmony with surroundings integrates seamlessly in any backyard.

Prefab design philosophy of the Studio Shed does not stop at nice first impression and good looks. The Summit Series and Signature Series prefab sheds, backyard studios and backyard offices are designed with performance and efficiency in mind. Unlike traditional on-site built backyard sheds, Studio Shed uses the highest quality building materials available to design and create quality spaces that perform to high residential standards and needs, and meet the most stringent and demanding building codes throughout the United States. A Studio Shed is a beautiful extension of existing home, thoughtfully and professionally designed to maximize available space and provide any required functionality, and feeling of of comfort.

Engineered lumber, LSL integrated headers, ZipSystem wall panels, high-efficiency glass, concrete-based siding, and clean aluminum trim create a prefab sheds, backyard studios or backyard offices that are both visually striking, impressive and will look just as good many years down the road as it did the first day it was installed.

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A very special little place, all your own—MUJI Hut.

Who hasn’t dreamt of living somewhere they really want to be? The tools to make that dream a reality are now available. It’s not as dramatic as owning a house or a vacation home, but it’s not as basic as going on a trip.

Put it in the mountains, near the ocean, or in a garden, and it immediately blends in with the surroundings, inviting you to a whole new life.

Small but spacious

The interior is compact at 9m2, but the porch and the high shed roof create a space large enough for 3–4 people to relax in. The large window at the entrance was originally made to be a shop’s sliding door. Light and wind visit through another smaller window.

Traditional craftwork

All of the wood used for the hut is from Japan. The outer walls are given enhanced antiseptic properties and durability by applying burned hardwood cladding. This is borrowed from the traditional art of Japanese shipbuilding, where builders burn cedar wood to increase its strength and add an oil stain finish. The inner wall surfaces are left untreated so you can design the interior any way you like.

Simple design makes everything easy

The MUJI Hut has a raft foundation, which is the type used in ordinary homes. It provides strength and guards against ground moisture. The mortar floor surface is left as is. Even in dirt-prone environments, the floor can be used freely like an earthen floor. Since the floor surface is nice and smooth, cleaning is easy, and flooring or rugs can be laid anywhere to suit your taste.

Specifications

Size

Interior layout 9.1 m²
Porch 3.1 m²

Structure

Timber framing construction

Foundation

Reinforced concrete construction with raft foundation (with damp-proof sheeting; no under-floor ventilation)

Materials

Frame: Structural lumber, laminated structural timber (coniferous wood for both);

Outer walls: Burnt cedar (oil stain finish);

Inner walls: Structural plywood (core), Japanese cypress veneer (surface);

Floor: Mortar finish;

Roof: Structural plywood (foundation), asphalt roofing (foundation), galvalume (surface);

Sliding door and small window: Aluminium sash (single-layer glass);

Insulation material: Polystyrene foam (attic only)

Price

¥ 3,000,000 (incl. consumption tax)

* Includes costs of materials needed for construction, and operating costs of the construction contractor.

* Additional legal expenses will be required for the application for construction approval, etc.

* Other costs may be incurred depending on climate conditions, etc., at the construction site.

Warranty

The warranty covers the building frame for five years and the rest of the hut for one year. You can rest assured that your MUJI Hut will last a long time.

Two Story Prefab Cabins by Cabin Fever

A small prefab, The Maxwell Prefab Cabin, can be used as an additional room, a studio, a place for relaxing at the poolside or lakeside. Maybe because of a Japanese influence to this cabin, it has sturdy but exquisite design.

A unique META Floor SystemT is a base structure of the Maxwell Prefab Cabin. The construction consists from the durable southern yellow pine paneling, insulated PGT windows, 3 pre-assembled wall sections, a curving roof line, exposed beams interior and a pine roof deck.

A 16 feet X 20 feet cabin is the most popular size of Maxwell Prefab Cabin. It will cost $32 500. But if you want a bit smaller cabin, there is a 12 feet X 16 feet mid-size cabin. Its price lower and it is only $19 500.

The Method Cabin is a prefab, modular home, which has 3 sustainable models with configurations and sizes to client’s taste.

Method Homes have sustainable construction and design, so the construction waste is reduced to about 10% of used materials. For example, site-built construction has 30% of waste.

Though building in a short space of time, the prefab cabin’s quality is very high. And these cabins are built in a clean and controlled environment factory.

After making of the prefab cabin in a factory, it already has 90% of all plumbing, insulation, electrical, sheetrock, heating, tile, cabinets, painting, counter tops, sinks, toilets and trim; all parts of construction can be delivered by truck and can be craned on the site.

Installing of this modular prefab cabin will take one more day. And you will be a lucky owner of gorgeous prefab home after about 3 months.

Model 1 comes with a 3 bedroom, 5 module prefab home; model 2 offers a 1 Bedroom, 3 module home; and model 3 has 1 bedroom, 1 module prefabricated home.

An amazing Joshua Tree Prefab Cabin is created by Italian architects Hangar Prefab. The mountain retreat home is perfect for spending time with family or friends. Such prefab is transportable; it can be constructed in the beautiful highlands of alpine or even on a bare rock. So, the location can be easily changed.

The exterior combination of titanium, steel, zinc roof, metal coating and the natural wooden slats interior looks balanced and makes dwelling warmer and more spacious. Through the windows you can enjoy the extremely picturesque scenery.

This prefab home at 34 square meters can house 3-4 people. It has a kitchen, living room, a corridor that leads to a twin bedroom, one double bedroom, a shared shower.

Architectural project was designed for Pircher Oberland, leader company in wood prefab.

This amazing lake house is ideal for people, who love boating. The beautiful prefabricated boathouse was created by Andersson Wise Architects. It is situated on Lake Austin. From the main residence there is a cable-stay suspension bridge 200 feet long, which crosses a deep ravine. The bridge is rather convenient and does not spoil the picturesque scenery.

At the upper level of this getaway on the shore of the lake has a two-story prefab wood and steel structure. It also has a rowing scull, jet ski slip, covered boat slip, outdoor shower with a screened and open space outdoor room on the second floor. The room is facing the water and it is open-air, because of the convertible screens.

Design: Andersson Wise Architects
Location: Lake Austin, Texas
Year: 2008

Cedar Garden Cabins and Pool Houses by CabanaVillage

CabanaVillage created prefab cabins, which are customizable. Constructed with Canexel maintenance-free or cedar siding, these prefabs have also cedar doors, trim and windows. Such prefab cabins have standard 2×4 SPF framing and 1/2″ plywood roof sheathing.

These cabins are pretty compact 12 x 12 and 8 x 12 enclosed space. The total area is less than 100 square feet. Optional extra height and 10 / 12 roof pitches make the house more spacious, there is a sleeping loft. With the help of a double opening triangular window there is good ventilation. For increasing the room in the loft there is the front dormer and the back shed dormer.

There is the front door made of steel and it has a double-glazed window and internal security bars, a refrigerator-like door seal, so it is perfect for cold climate.

A small prefab holiday home has beautiful sea view and is located near Onemana Beach. The dwelling is clad in plywood and vertical timber battens and completed in Resene’s Lumbersider paint in Foam.

Creative and talented architecture students helped a family from New Zealand to make their dream about their own house come true.

Andrew and Shiree Morrison took a vacation for over decade every summer, they spent their time in Onemana, a town on the shore of North Island in New Zealand. Usually the stay in a small trailer, they always dream to build their own house on the sloping plot of land, but the budget set limits and they could not realize desired plan. Then the old family friend, builder John Cocks, marketed ingenious idea for solving the difficulties they confronted. He suggested collaborating with architecture students for building the dream house, because the Morrisons could afford it.

Dave Strachan from Auckland’s Unitec Institute of Technology leads Studio 19, a program, which helps students to work in a real-world architectural project through every step. It is one year long and it helps students to grow in experience from client brief to full-scale building. This program is not first for Strachan; he also modeled Studio 804, a program in the University of Kansas, and Rural Studio at Auburn University, the program that he greatly admires. Dave said it was a Kiwi version of that. Four teams took part in this program and took orders from four clients. Their task was to form a plan, to adapt design, to file all needed permits, to build the house on-campus and then to deliver it to the point of destination. The students already had their own prefab factories for 12 months.

The Morrison family wanted something compact and not very expensive, but with unique design, the house that differs from other houses in this area. Andrew said all of houses in their neighborhood are similar, they are with a standard-pitch roof, the same joinery, the same cladding, windows in the same place. They wanted to be distinctive, but not to the point where it stuck out like a sore thumb.

The house at 807 square feet is a delicate matter. Strachan, the Morrison and Cocks worked hard in every detail to make the design of house special and convenient for life at the seaside. Hidden storage beneath the sofa in living room can be used as beds for the guests. The floor of the house is level about 270 square feet with outdoor decks for a seamless transition between indoors and out. There is a shower at the deck; it is very convenient especially for family after beach walks and for Andrew, as he likes to surf, and that reduces tracking sand in the house. Fresh air permeates every room with the help of louvered windows, which are placed above the interior doors. Picturesque scenery is seen from the corner of the living room – a great engineering work.

At the beginning of creating project the Morrisons were indifferent to prefab, they neither for nor against it. And they were skeptical about the design. But after the family saw the result of the architects’ work their opinion changed, because the prefab was built quickly and just about $112 per square foot. After the building was finished everybody was satisfied of the delightful done work that can get an A+.

Design: Dave Strachan, Unitec Institute of Technology
Area: 807 square feet (75 sq m)
Year: 2013
Location: New Zealand

The modular garden studious are very popular nowadays among young enthusiastic people, who want to work productive and with pleasure. Such studious have been known for almost 15 years. Nowadays, the original Ecospace studious are the example of modern architecture, the interconnection between our home and nature.
The Ecospace studious have some advantages as the extension for the house. Firstly, in the construction of such studio the modern methods and equipment are used. Also it has a fixed price and doesn`t depend on any changes on the market. The typical Ecospace studio is easy to setup – it takes only five days to create the entire construction from the blocks and screens. And, finally, you have no need to ask for some specific exempt to install the extension.

The Ecospace home extensions are innovative and creative, they are the new wave in understanding of home and working place in principle. Such modular studious are eco-friendly, and professionals use the organic materials and eco-oriented equipment in the construction of the extension. In this case the house itself works on making comfortability and creative atmosphere, because all the materials are low-maintenance and high-effective.

The kinds of modular studious vary from the ordinary workplace to garden library or even gym. And you can choose some stated configurations for the studio to create the living space for the purpose that you need. And enjoying of your new surroundings depends on the right configuration. The using of organic materials and up-to-date tools in designing and then constructing the Ecospace will help you to achieve the very goals, that you wanted to have working in this space.

As it was already mentioned, the modular studio can be built only in five days. The speed of its creation made studio one of the most popular extensions to the house for hard-working people. Its cost is fixed so you have no need to think more about tax, commission or else payments. Finally, the Ecospace home extension uphold all the standards of modern house-building to make it organic and cozy for people to live and to have a rest in.

Various materials and shapes can be used for interior and exterior to create space the most suitable for individual needs. Cabin can be made with a mezzanine space and a sloping roof. It is a perfect place to keep in touch with creative thoughts and productive work.

The gardens studious provide you different sizes, styles and colors to choose. It is the perfect solution for relax, and what is more important – for doing job, professional and productive. Such studious can be called «contemporary garden offices».

Because of different wants and needs, there are many types of studious that will be suitable for CEO of a company and for artist as well. So there is a balance between utility and creativity materialized in the house – Ecospace modular home.

Small prefab unit Ecocube was created to extend the living space of a house outdoors, especially in the garden. This cozy building can serve as an office for you to work in. Just imagine, how calm and comfortable it will be to work or to have fun with friends and gather together with your family in such a house.

The installation of this construction is easy. You should choose the right place in a garden or yard, which is more suitable for you, and estimate the entire area for it, so that it may have enough space for the construction. One of the advantages of the Ecocube is that you can place some planter boxes or even make a planted green roof to make your modular prefab home extension more eco-friendly.

The Ecocube design for living and work was firstly shown in BBC`s Homefront. The designer Diarmuid Gavid presented the great solution for people, who want to work and have a rest in a natural place.

The windows in the prefab home office are also designed to improve and modernize the basic living space. They are high-effective to save the warmth inside, and created with the help of the double-glazing technology. The material of the frame is Scandinavian pine, or we know it under the name «redwood». It looks simple and gourgeous at the same time.

Design: Ecospace
Area: up to 38 sq m

Through the large sliding glass door the sunlight fills the space of the living area. In the kitchen and sleeping loft the windows are smaller. Pine, which is known for its soundness and rigidity, became the main material of the exterior. One of the major advantages of this kind of wood clad, it needs a little upkeep if properly processed.

Exceptionally cozy and compact prefab cabin in Norway is amazing in its new view on luxury.

Recently large vacation houses have become popular and usual in this Nothern European country, while the previous generations were opted to build the small and rather simple homes. It seems like people follow the slogan “Bigger and better”. But is it the truth? Marianne Borge, Oslo-based architect, was immediately inspired by the offered work to create the project of small house in 2004. The architect’s client wanted a cabin more than just a second house.

The size of the property and the budget were limited. And the requirements of the client were similar to the description of the large vacation home. He wanted an open fireplace in the living room, kitchen, separate bedroom, shower and toilet. That was a difficult task for Marianne and her team to fit into a small house, about 35 square meters, all those requests. So, they led to unusual and unconventional decisions. For example, the shower area is placed closely to nature, because the shower is outside of the cabin. Borge is amazed at the result of their work, especially at the cabin’s connection with surrounding.

A small cabin was placed without harm to the nature and just fitted into it, while larger structures could dominate the landscape. Such cabin is also can be placed in the midst of the outdoors as a sculptural element, which was made by people. This was a starting point for Borge’s future work with small-scale building. Since then, 10 years ago, Marianne became a creator of a capsule collection, which changes the belief about the importance of size. There is the option to bulid the cabin themselves just using the architectural drawings that is offered by Borge. But the clients soon will be able to buy the cabin as a pre-fabricated building, which was manufactured from Norwagian locally sourced materials.

Because of cabin’s size, there are six sleeping places in the main cabin, and wooden structure, and area 35 square meters, it was named Woody35. House consists of living room, the dining room and the bathroom. All of these are combined in a veneer-clad interior and every detail looks simple, but beautiful, that you cannot help admiring. For instance, in the living room area there is the built-in metal steps that lead up to a sleeping loft above the open fireplace. If you want to enlarge the living space there is situated a 15 square meter building, which combines with the main house perfectly and in various ways.

Amazing Woody homes became popular all around Norway. The creators of Woody35 have a plan to build a small cabin village to the west of the country in the beautiful landscape. But, the main architect likes small-scale structures more; Borge even compares the buying of such cabin with the doll’s house.

Design: Marianne Borge
Area: 35 square meters
Location: Norway
Year: 2013

To the north of Joshua Tree National Park the Blue Sky prefab prototype home is situated in the wilderness scenery. The home found its place among pine trees, juniper trees and picturesque surrounding. The house is constructed above six steel columns, for the times when a seasonal stream can run.

The owner, the architects and the engineers hit the mark, when they used a special steel frame. This clever idea help this amazing home to soar, like an eagle, above the desert landscape. Thus, they add to the weighty metal construction the lightness of the cloud. One of the owners and the main visionaries, David McAdam, did not know what kind of house design he wanted to build at 2.5 acres area not far away from Palm Springs in California, but he definitely knew about the material of the dwelling, it should not be wood. He already saw how other houses have been damaged in harsh weather conditions in desert. So, David knew a wood building is a frail structure for severely hot climate; it can be spoiled and destroyed. And what material did he decide to choose?

At first, Mc Adam thought about concrete construction, but he immediately realized the idea was not brilliant. Then, he remembered about steel mining cabins, which he observed some time ago in the Mojave Desert. But the price of such project was not acceptable. Later David invited his friend, who had equestrian facilities. And McAdam was surprised about how smart and really quickly the steel parts can be combined to form different structures, as barns or shelters. David spoke to Barret Hilzer, one of the heads of FCP, the organization that build for his friend, and McAdam decided to use the same framing system for building his own house, which will satisfy his wish to create a delightful home.

As for the technical characteristics of the steel framing system that fascinated David, it consists of the point-loaded, moment-resisting, bidirectional frame. And the steel is produced by California’s ASC Profiles in Sacramento. The creators protected their work from all weather and seismic changes, so there is won’t be any unexpected rust and deformation of the framing system. Also there are no huge outlines using the structural steel system, than using the residential construction. Such steel system is convenient and it is not required a lot of money and time for transportation. Steel constructions are made by manufacturer and delivered to the destination.

David McAdam was bewitched by the potential of framing system, especially after building his superb house at 1,000 square feet. The company 02 Architecture and residential builder Solterra Development made impossible with the help of Helzer’s system. One of the old and good colleagues of Adam, Robert Brada, was also contracted. Later, David became a founder of Blue Sky Homes, the company that makes dreams true. McAdam continues his successful work and builds new masterpieces, using incredible framing systems.

The kitchen, the dining room and a living area are the one large room, which occupies half of the house. Moreover, the living area is enlarges by the sliding glass doors, which opens 340-square-foot cantilevered deck. McAdam wonders about how eyes are fastened unwittingly on the majestic rocky surroundings, when he sits in the main area.

The thermal properties of the steel were for the creators of the Blue Sky house a real huge problem, as the desert has insufferable hot climate and sometimes even it can grow cold in the night. To solve the problem of conductive properties of steel is not easy task. But after many exhausting investigations they coped with task and found the reasonable solution, steel studs insulated with expanded polystyrene foam. Accelerated Building Technologies is a company from Pennsylvania, created a special channel system through the insulation that forces cold and hot temperatures to follow a micro-zigzag path along steel pieces embedded in the insulation. And that effect on the temperatures in the house.

After everything was solved, to build the Blue Sky home was a real pleasure, because every part of it matches each other and work is going on without any problems and undue hurry. The house has mold resistance and fireproofing. Amazing house is completely pollution-free, as used materials can be recycled and 70 percent of it is already reused materials.

As a matter of fact, the most details of Blue Sky home construction can be put in the recycling bin. Many parts of the house are made from recycled materials, such as steel frame, the kitchen’s and bathroom’s Vetrazzo countertops. A graywaters go to the yard with desert plants. There is also the solar powered hydronic heating system, which provides hot water and heating. All of these make this off-the-grid home so cozy, that the idea to leave this marvelous house won’t come for a long time.

But the main advantage nevertheless is that the building system of such prefabricated construction is totally ecologically friendly. Though other houses, like stick-build, produce a lot of construction waste, the Blue Sky homes, as all traditional prefabs, can be called the friendliest to environment. Every part of houses’ construction manufactured at a factory and delivered to the place of the building, so everything is used, nothing is left after this technology. Specialty of this prefab building is that long and heavy preparations are not necessary. And it does not effect on the environment, without any harm to the land, it adjusts to the local topography. The most disruptive in the building of the houses is the scrapping a housing pad, but the Blue Sky home is situated in the desert, so the influence of this harming factor is limited. If you use the Blue Sky building system you do not have to worry about the impact on the nature, especially in regions with fragile ecosystems.

The owner and creator of the Blue Sky Homes, David McAdam, called his firm’s building system “hybrid prefabs”. These prefabs produced in a factory, but assembled at the site. The first Blue Sky home was built in eight weeks and they spent $325 per square foot. But in the future the team is planning to reduce building time to only six weeks and cost to $265 per square foot. Blue Sky prefabs belong to the middle price dwellings. Also McAdam named his masterpiece “the Prius of prefabs” and told about that people are apt to spend a little more money for the better engineered and more eco-friendly houses.

To live in that desert environment is exciting and McAdam and his partner, Scott Smith, agreed with this. It is difficult to oppose the temptation to go on hikes and enjoy the silence of the majestic surroundings. And if you tired there is always a possibility to relax in the cowboy hot tube, which is made from steel and filled with water warmed by the sun. When the day is over the spirit of the Mojave Desert fills the Blue Sky home and the owners see beautiful dreams.

Design: o2 Architecture
Area: 1,000 square feet (93 square meters)
Year: 2010
Location: California
Photos: Misha Gravenor

For modernization California State Park cabins architecture students from California State Polytechnic University were invited. The Parks Forward Commission wanted young architects to dream up new camping places all around California, where people can stay overnight. The result of student’s work was shown at summer’s state fairs. An outcome of challenge was judge by commission, an independent initiative, the task of which is to solve the operational, financial, and cultural challenges at California State Parks.

The head of the design challenge, Juintow Lin, associate professor of architecture at Cal Poly, told the students to make their works easy for transportation and building, but at the same time safe and appropriate. The structures should be prefabricated, can be relocated with ease, construction technologies and materials for cabin should be simple. The cabins also should be low maintenance, fire resistant, and ADA compliant. Lin is sure the Wedge, the design of a slope-roofed wood building, is a modern take on a traditional cabin. He also told that the cabins should not have a long building time, and the result was impressive - only four days are needed to build that modern and cozy prefab cabin. Lin mentioned it can be used various materials for building.

A lot of State Parks, like McArthur-Burney Falls, Bothe-Napa, Samuel P. Taylor, Mount Tamalpais, Cuyamaca Rancho, Crystal Cove and Anza-Borrego, has already placed the Wedge cabins for visitors. The prototype from the State Fair also will be provided in park for enjoyment of the visitors. The cabins are placed in different locations in the parks, and they are situated in groups of 10 to 15.

Kanga Room Systems is a premier manufacturer and designer of high quality and revolutionary, prefabricated wood home kits for stand-alone outdoor units and rooms, accessory structures used for business, ranch, home and industrial sites in Canada and United States. Kanga features a variety of prefab cabins, add-on rooms, studios, storages, sheds, children's playrooms and playhouses. You can order delivery and assembly, and also Kanga units available as build-it-yourself prefabricated kits.

Kanga Room Systems feature modern architectural design, innovative systematic engineering of components, and advanced full testing by best professional contractors.

Kanga has three main product lines: Cabins, Studios and Sheds.

Cabins

The Kanga Cabins are designed to be shipped and placed in the country or in various areas where there will be no required building inspections by a local authority.

Studios

The Kanga Permitted Studios and Dwellings are buildings built in a various locations (generally inside a City Limits) that usually will require an on site inspection of the structure by a local building authority.

The Kanga Studio is the most diverse and popular model. The unit sizes (from 8' x 10' to 14' x 20') allow the Kanga Studio can be anything starting shedquarter or one room backyard office to an autonomous independent suite complete with kitchen and bathroom. The Kanga Prefab Studio is frequently utilized by freelancers, musicians, artists, jewelry-makers or anyone who works from home through Internet and it delivers plenty of necessary extra space to house your special projects and hobbies. It is possible to add a bathroom to any prefab studio if the size is 12' x 14' and bigger.

Sheds

Features included in the Basic Shed are 2x4 Construction on 16”centers, 7/16 OSB Sheathing and Roof Decking, Pine Trim Boards, 8” Hardie Lap Siding, 4.5” Galvalume Flashing, EPDM Roof Covering, 4x4 Pine Transom Window Frame (w/ plexiglass), 1’ Side and Front Overhangs, Hardie Soffit Board, Steel EZ Brackets on 3.5‘Shed Door (mimics siding), Smooth Hardie “decorative corner”, Heavy Duty Shed Latch, Installation of Shed on stone and skid foundation, Choice of Kanga Shed color schemes for paint.

Modern summer home in the north of Wisconsin built according to prefabricated technology, which made the task to convey all necessary parts of the building across Lake Superior much easier.

Charlie Lazor, the main architect of the prefab cabin on Madeline Island in Wisconsin, chose a wash of black on his first-class work.

Outlying home, named the Weekn’der, situated in the woods of Wisconsin, but stands out of the nature background of its minimal and unique design, containing black and white colors. The house, designed by Charlie Lazor, made up of several prefab modules, supporting a central stick-built home.

Special construction, The Lario Wing, made of steel and glass sheets, which imitates and supplements the outdoor perfect nature. The Weeken’der is an ideal decision for creative minds, there souls of nature and home harmonize in inimitable way.

The Weeken’der architects created masterpiece at only 1,600 square feet. For making living area spacious, millions textures, light changing and shifting volumes with light are used. Primary construction materials are pine wood for walls and corrugated metal for roofing.

Superb design of the house includes stained plywood decorating surfaces. The interior boasts a wood-burning fireplace by Rais, a dining table by Robert Ewert Designs and high ceilings.

There is nothing superfluous, everything on the right place. The minimalist but gorgeous kitchen furnished with zinc countertops and Blu Dot counterstools. Charlie Lazor designed the interior elements around the heart in the Weeken’der.

At entrance you meet heirloom cedar screen with the height about seven feet. Surprising element creates an effect of unexpected expansion of space, but only when this decoration left behind.

Bedroom astonishes at its compact size and nearness to the nature, the part of which you becomes. You are an eyewitness of surrounding perfection every time you wake up or fall asleep. The white walls help the sun to fill the room with its light.

The main architect of amazing summer retreat at Madeline Island, Charlie Lazor, knew that the task to build the Weeken’der on Lake Superior would not be easy, as the location is not the most usual and relatively isolated. The transportation all needed equipment and materials, such as heavy concrete mixer, was more expensive, and team’s expenses were at 20 percent higher. To minimize the ecological footprint the construction was mounted on steel posts. Therefore the Week’nder concept includes ideas of environmental ethos and prefab’s tenacity against the natural elements.

Design: Charlie Lazor
Area: 1,600 square feet
Location: Madeline Island, Wisconsin, USA
Year: 2011
Photos: George Heinrich

Architect Jonas Wagell from Sweden created unique concept of prefabricated cabin at the compact plot of the land, just 160 square feet.

Wagell’s concept is realized in modules, which occupy 160 square feet, called Mini House 2.0. One of the Swedish manufacturers, Sommarnöjen, co-operated with the architect and produced modules in convenient flat package.

The homes include the deck space, where sun will not bother a residents under the shad. The construction provides everything necessary for life, including electricity and efficient insulation. And you can buy such a pleasure for about $29,000.

Small houses are produced in different layouts, which can be modified and combined to the customers’ taste. Such modules conclude living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

The cabins have a concrete foundation. The huge advantage of these tiny houses is a time of installing, it takes only two days.

Despite the size, Mini House 2.0 is absolutely comfortable and safe, even if the weather is rocky.

Design: Jonas Wagell
Manufacture: Sommarnöjen
Area: 160 square feet (15 sqm)
Price: $29,000
Year: 2008
Build-up time: 1-2 days/2 pers
Preparations: foundation e.g. concrete slabs

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Ecocapsule is an off-the-grid portable home designed by Nice Architects and offering an unmatched dwelling experience. With its flexibility, worldwide portability and immense off-the-grid life span it is suitable for a wide range of applications and purposes: from a tourist lodge or an independent research station to a humanitarian-action unit or an emergency housing.

Ecocapsule is a low-energy prefab home packed into a compact and efficient form. It merges a off-the-grid capabilities, compact volume and close to maximum energy efficient shape with the luxuries of a hot meal, running water and a warm bed.

Even though very small in size, each unit comfortably houses two adults. The efficient spatial layout design allows you to enjoy familiar convenience of usual homehold facilities in off-the-grid conditions. Hot shower, built-in kitchenette and toilet are luxuries of a hotel room that are now available for using in wilderness also.

Plenty of storage space can fit all your travel, research or sport equipment. Despite its small size each Ecocapsule unit is fitted with all basic and essential features necessary for a prolonged and comfortable stay without a need to re-supply or recharge.

Power

Ecocapsule off-the-grid portable home is powered by an array of solar cells complemented with a built-in wind turbine. High-capacity battery (9744Wh) and dual power system ensures that unit will have enough power during periods of reduced wind or solar activity. The surface of an Ecocapsule unit is covered with high-efficiency solar cells with 2.6 sqm of area (600W) and a retractable pole holding a wind turbine (750W) is further attached to the unit. This creates a system with possibility to harvest an energy that can support comfortable conditions almost year-round in many off-the-grid locations.

Water

External spherical shape is designed with optimization for the collection of dew and rainwater. Moreover, water from any sources can be cleaned and utilized by built-in water filters.

Dimensions, weigh and shipping

Sizes of Ecocapsule (HxLxW 2.55×4.45×2.25m/4.5m with extended pole) allow it to be shipped into a standard shipping container. No precautions or special preparations are necessary to transport the cabin worldwide. It can be towed, airlifted, shipped or even pulled by a pack animal. Weigh of the off-the-grid portable home is 1500kg.

Design: Nice Architects
Area: 10 sq m

The TomaTech Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kit is here. A virtually indestructible grid of aluminium and stainless steel. So versatile it can be adapted to suit any number of situations and environments. Using patented German technology developed exclusively for TomaTech, the modular building system can be custom designed to suit a wide range of applications.

The revolutionary design is based around a rigid aluminium framework which forms the core structure of the modular building. Each interlocking panel square metre is fastened to adjoining sections by a patented locking system, simple for anyone to assemble and robust to withstand extreme external conditions.

Once the basic four metre floor plan is in place, the interior living or working environment can be created from an extensive selection of ancillary modules. Whether creating a hi-tech office or a poolside cabana, Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kits are limited only by the imagination.

Frank Thoma, founder and conceptualizer of the TomaHouse coined it “a kit house”. “I wanted it to be modern and yet cozy, versatile and affordable at the same time”. The intrinsic point of utilizing natural elements such as wood, stones and natural fibres that are indigenous to Bali resulted in the first model home created: the TomaHouseBaleClassic. Together with Australian-trained architect, Shinta Siregar, they embarked on the first “German-Indonesian” kit house.

Each house can be assembled or taken apart within 48 hours and is completely outfitted with toilets, showers, air-conditioning, lighting and heating systems where a building team is available to setup a house anywhere in the world for a fixed fee.

TomaHouseBaleClassic combines German technology with the charm of Balinese craftsmanship

Electrical systems

The electrical systems of the Prefab Cabin Kit are fully integrated into the structure. The entire system is designed to run from one single external power source, be it generator, wind power or the traditional grid. Solar panels are easy to integrate into the modular roof design, if you need a source of power in even the most remote locations. Solar water heating system is also available as an option.

The Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kit uses its own range of electrical fixtures and fittings. A master control panel controls every electrical item in the building: air conditioners, power and lighting outlets.

Shower and WC systems

In keeping with the Prefab Cabin modular concept, integrated shower and WC units are provided. Each unit uses snap-on fittings for water and waste, which can be connected to public facilities or used as part of an external environmental processing system. External tanks and integrated sewage systems for remote sites can also be supplied.

Roof

The roof shape can be adjusted to different angles using hinge fittings and can be finished in a variety of materials - wood, ceramic, fabric, glass or incorporated solar panels. The roof also can be easily extended on all sides. Rubber joints are integrated into the aluminium profile, so glass or solar panels can be mounted easily and safely.

Color

The Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kit is a masterpiece of precision engineering. The combination of matt aluminium and reflective stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and a variety of coloured finishes are also available.

Versatility

Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kit's versatility is sustained throughout. You can change its purpose anytime; modify, renovate or expand by simply exchanging floor or wall panels. The design and function of a Prefab Cabin can be changed from a Swiss chalet to modern office within a day.

Due to its flexible design and construction, the Prefab Cabin Kit can be used in a variety of ways. From holiday cabin to mobile surgical unit, temporary shelter or military applications, the Multi Purpose Cabin Kit is a reliable and solid structure that can be adapted to the requirements of any situation.

Structure

The core structure of the Prefab Cabin is made of aerospace grade aluminium rated to EN12020, the highest European standard. Using the latest aluminium extrusion technology, the cross section of the interlocking bars is designed to withstand enormous pressure and the bars are linked with stainless steel connectors machined to precision tolerances. German precision engineering assures the Multi Purpose Cabin Kit fulfills its promise both in terms of function and design. Parts fit together smoothly. Click-in fasteners allow to change anything easily in structure in one day without nails or screws.

Mobility

The Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin is constructed of lightweight materials and is supplied on four standard pallets, making it easy to ship and to deliver to remote areas, even by air. Construction can take two people as little as four hours using the special tools provided. All aspects of the construction are designed to be simple and foolproof, removing the need for skilled labour. But the versatility and mobility of the Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kit doesn't end there. Thinking of moving house? With an MPC you just pack-up and relocate. The entire structure can be taken apart and repacked for shipping in just one hour.

Extreme weather

The Multi Purpose Cabin Kit has been designed to withstand severe storms and minor earthquakes and the roof has been tested in Germany to a graded snow weight of level 3 (150 kg/m2). Even the smallest connector in the Prefab Cabin Kit will withstand forces of 1,000 Nm. The profile specifications, angular tolerances and bending strengths are observed using the best German precision engineering to meet the highest industrial standards. For more extreme weather conditions, such as hurricane areas and at high altitudes with heavy snowfall, additional structural enhancement kits are available.

Durability

The durability of the Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin frame ensures it will last for future generations. With stainless steel connectors and aluminium sections treated to withstand environmental degradation. The rugged nature of Prefab Cabin means it can boldly go where no house has gone before. The Multi Purpose Cabin can be built on any terrain, even sand and water, and requires only one metre of foundation depth to achieve optimum stability. Depending on ground terrain, three types of foundation piling are available and the Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kit can also be sited on sloping ground, with a maximum elevation of two metres between foundation poles. Point Cement foundations 1 m deep and 50 cm wide support the steel tubes that are inside the four aluminium posts. The TomaTech patented screw-in foundations can be installed in minutes in almost any terrain

Extensibility

The Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin Kit is designed around a 4 x 4 grid measuring 4.7 metres by 4.7 metres and supported on four foundation poles, which extend as structural pillars to a height of three metres above floor level. Wall, door and window panels are added between the structural pillars to create a flexible configuration. Units can also be extended at any time, adding terraces, rooms or connections to additional units.

The Multi Purpose Prefab Cabin is designed to adapt and expand to suit its owner's requirements. Two or more standard floor units can be connected with ease, creating larger and more complex structures. At any time the basic floor unit can be extended by one metre on all sides without additional support. Supported decking and roof extensions are also possible.

Design: TOMAHOUSE.PT BaliClavis
Area: 22 sq m

Collection of Best Small Prefab Homes and Prefab Cabins