PREFAB COMPACT HOME PART 4

WWW.PREFABCOMPACTHOME.COM

This page just continues with a portion of the previous front or home page so that hopefully the website will load quicker especially for those people on a "dial-up" connection. I'd like to keep about 25 to 26 listings per page . . .

Click here to go to Part 1, 2, 3 or 5

HELIOTROPE ARCHITECTS This architectural firm can design a small home or cabin for you. They are based in Seattle, Washington and have a nice website which includes some nice pictures of their creations. Picture on the right is of their 1050 SF "Doe Bay" cabin.

“Heliotrope designs smart, contemporary works of architecture that transcend style and trend. Process driven and rigorously attentive to detail, we strive for clear, elegant solutions rooted in a thorough understanding of the social, cultural and physical qualities unique to each project. Powered by fruitful collaborations with clients, consultants and colleagues, the work reflects a passion for people and the various, complex places they inhabit. A winner of five prestigious AIA design awards, Heliotrope is focused on work in the residential, commercial and public sectors. In our studio, the design process is fueled by directed but adventurous creative thinking. We provide a haven for the type of creative thought that leads to inspiring design. Our studio is a place for learning and growth, where each designer is a generalist, capable and excited to tackle all aspects of a project.”

Heliotrope Architects • 5140 Ballard Avenue NW Suite B • Seattle, WA 98107 • Phone: (206) 297-0442 • Fax: (206) 297-0493 •

info@heliotropearchitects.com

ZOOK CABINS Quite possibly this prefab cabin business makes a very good point: It is much better and more efficient to buy a factory ready-made cabin than build one from scratch or buy a "Cabin Kit" which can turn into quite a bit of work in itself despite the appearance of ease of set-up. They have on their website a video showing how quickly a factory made cabin can be set-up on your property. Picture on the right is of their "Adirondack Prefab Cabin".

“Fully Assembled Cabins offer a better, cheaper alternative to log home kits, they give you the freedom to customize your cabin, and are shipped to you after they are built in our shop saving you lots of time and money! Let's face it, today's world you're far to busy to take a couple of weeks to assemble a cabin kit, and why would you want to? Our fully assembled cabins are very competitively priced with the kit packages you can purchase, and often times priced even better. Many times you don't have the extra 3-4 sets of hands necessary to assemble portions of the kit. If your building site isn't precisely level, the precut lumber doesn't fit, or if you place one piece wrong you fight everything the rest of the way, and sometimes a piece will be cut wrong at the factory, a mistake that wasn't even yours. Couple that with the fact that very few people have ever assembled a kit, and have yet to face the frustrations of doing it themselves or finding someone to do it for them and one would continue to wonder "why would I put myself through this!" I'm sure you have assembled things with missing pieces, and had things that just would not go together, and the box always reads easy assembly, but really, is there anything more frustrating?”

Zook Cabins • 5075 Lower Valley RD Route 372 • Atglen, PA 19310 • Phone: (610) 593-4556 •

info@zookcabins.com

CEDARSHED INDUSTRIES I especially like their small cabin model called "Haida", a 8ft. x 12ft. mini-cabin. Picture on the right is of their "Haida" model.

“FORGET YOUR SAW because the Cedarshed Haida cabin kit comes completely panelized in a do-it-yourself kit and requires no cutting. Simply attach the panels together with the screws provided and move in. The Haida will offer you a terrific and affordable way to experience outdoor living and will make a perfect starter cabin, small studio, private retreat, office, or poolside cabana. Since 1980, Cedarshed has grown to be one of the largest specialty cedar product manufacturers in the World. We offer top quality products — gazebo kits, sheds and, outdoor furniture, all made from high quality aromatic and environmentally friendly Western Red Cedar.”

Cedarshed Industries Inc. • 9770 - 199A Street • Langley, BC • Canada V1M 2X7 • Phone: 604-881-2855
Fax: 604-881-0273 • Toll Free: 1-800-830-8033 • Email: sales@cedarshed.com

GREEN CABIN KITS Picture on the right is of their "Urban Green House". A sip or "structural insulated panel" prefab built cabin.

“Copeland Casati founded Green Modern Kits in 2006, Green Cottage Kits in 2008, and now, Green Cabin Kits. Although a modern enthusiast, she grew up (and her parents still reside) in a home built in 1801. A Virginia native, she appreciates old farmhouses, cabins, Victorian brownstones, high modern design and... little cabins in the woods (saw a rabbit hoppin' by, knockin' at my door...). Because energy efficient great design IS timeless. Here, cabins can be modern! Or traditional! A passion for environmentally-friendly, affordable housing and concern over our earth propelled her to gather green building architects to help other people achieve home ownership with green building beautiful design; to invest in homes they can not just afford, but of which to be passionate, for all their life stages.”

Green Cabin Kits • Phone: 804-515-7886 • Contact Form

GENERATION DESIGN STUDIO This is a design firm based in Portland Oregon (maybe). They do not have much to say on their website, no address or phone number. You know, this type of situation is probably a custom designed and built tiny house (Not a track home!). If you like the design you can probably pay them the proper geetas (money) and they will build one for you. Hopefully.

“A new cooperative of designers with extensive experience in retail, office and residential design.”

Email: contact@generationdesignstudio.com

HABITAFLEX I think you will really like this well designed and ingenious housing product. It's a folding, transportable, multi-purpose prefab small cabin or home. This product is shippable all over the world with offices in the US and Canada.

“Habitaflex, a subsidiary of Maisons Laprise Inc manufacturer of energy efficient prefabricated homes since 1989, is proud to present a new home concept unique in the world: A folding and transportable home! New looks, dimensions, colors and options are available to satisfy a wide range of applications. An entirely factory-built and practical solution to temporary and permanent accommodation, this home can be unfolded, transported and relocated. Its rapid and easy installation can get this home up and running in a few hours only! Thanks to its clever opening mechanism, Habitaflex deploys virtually effortlessly and, in no time, reveals a complete and comfortable home comprising: A kitchen, living room, bathroom as well as 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. Its plumbing and heating systems are fully integrated in the wall cavities so you can be operational and stay in your new home the very same day of your installation! Habitaflex is factory-built with techniques and components meticulously chosen making this home more economical than homes built-on-site whilst minimizing the occurrence of overbudget expenses often associated with building accommodation in hard-to-access sites and in remote areas. And Habitaflex can be refolded and shifted to another site in case of unforeseen situations or simply due to relocation. Habitaflex has been designed with security and compactness in mind to meet the shipping containers' dimensions and facilitate its transportation. Whether you are dealing with a hard-to-access site or a far-away area, transportation can be achieved by land, air or sea to bring homes where the are most needed.”

Latulippe Construction • 151 North Main Street • East Longmeadow, Maine 01028 USA
Phone: (413) 525-5035 •

yvon@latulippeconstruction.com

SHELTER-KIT I remember this company from a long time ago. I was particularly interested in their little cabin called "Unit One".

“Shelter-Kit has been designing and producing kit buildings for assembly by owners with no prior building experience since 1970. Our product line includes our Green Home Kit , the Unit One cabins, the modular, expandable Lofthouse, the Barn/Garage kit and our 1 1/2 or 2-story Barn-House kit. We will work with you on designing your building, we will help you obtain a building permit, we will arrange shipping anywhere, and we will be available to answer your questions before, during, and after construction. We consider every order to be a special, custom order and we will work with you accordingly. Our cabin, home, barn and garage kits include all the materials to build a complete, weather tight shell, including the frame, siding, sheathing, hardware, roofing and sub floors. Our kits are precut and predrilled, making them easy to assemble, in 3 to 15 days for most models. All materials are selected for quality and ease of assembly and fit, with the weight of each piece limited to what two individuals can handle. All of the terms in the instructions are easily understandable by amateurs. Each building comes with a detailed Construction Manual. The manual includes drawings and step-by-step instructions, specifically created for each customer's kit. Each of our kits can be customized to meet your individual requirements. We offer many options for building size, windows and doors, stairs, dormers, ceiling heights, cathedral ceilings, etc. We will be glad to work with you to meet your specific requirements. We ship our kits to all 50 states, Canada and internationally. Canadian sales are duty free. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your project.”

Shelter-Kit • 22 Mill Street • Tilton, NH 03276 • Phone: (603) 286-7611 • Fax: (603) 286-2839

shelterkit@gmail.com

CUSATO COTTAGES Very nice website with examples of their small house with plans available from Lowe's. I thought these were finished homes like maybe manufactured mobile homes they delivered to your site. But no - it is this: Purchase your Lowe's Katrina Cottage Materials Package, arrange your delivery schedule and start construction.

"Cusato Cottages, LLC was founded by Marianne Cusato to provide designs for dignified affordable housing, both on the Gulf Coast and throughout the United States. Design makes a difference. MARIANNE CUSATO is an expert in the field of architectural design. Her work focuses on the elements of good design in homes and communities, and how design impacts the quality of our lives and the sustainability of the earth's resources. Ranked the No. 4 most influential person in the home building industry in Builder Magazine's annual "Power on 50" list, Cusato and her design principles are changing the landscape of the housing industry. In 2006, the Smithsonian Institute's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum honored Cusato with the first annual "People's Design Award". Cusato leads a team of designers that have partnered with Lowe's in a licensing agreement to sell the plans and material packages for the Lowe's Katrina Cottage Series. She is the author of two books, "Get Your House Right, Architectural Elements to Use and Avoid", with Ben Pentreath, Richard Sammons and Leon Krier and "The Value of Design: And its Impact on our Lives and Communities" with James Hardie Building Products. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Cusato is a degree in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and is currently based in New York's Greenwich Village. All plans for the Lowe's Cottages cost $700 and are available online at Lowes.com. Lowe's Katrina Cottages are permanent, site built homes. You will need a contractor to build your Lowe's Katrina Cottage. They are not prefab homes. For help locating a contractor in your area visit www.nahb.com or www.notsobighouse.com. Prices to build the cottages can roughly be estimated at +/-$110 a square foot. This price will vary depending on region and the materials you select. You will need to work with your local contractor to determine the exact price to build a cottage in your area."

Marianne Cusato • Cusato Cottages LLC • 302A W12th Street Suite 260 • New York, NY 10014 USA •

info@cusatocottages.com

THE 99K HOUSE This is my favorite design for a small cabin. This is also the website for the 99K House competition which was held in Houston, Texas.

Five finalists were selected from 182 entrants proposing a sustainable, affordable house that addresses the needs of a low-income family in the Gulf Coast region. The five finalists will each receive a $5,000 award and the competition will move forward to Stage II and the registration is closed.

To purchase the 99K House Book please contact:
AIA Houston • 315 Capitol, Suite 120 • Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713-520-0155 • Fax: 713-520-5134 • www.aiahouston.org

Rice Design Alliance • Rice University, MS 51 • 6100 Main Street • Houston, TX 77005
T. 713-348-4876 F. 713-348-5924 • info@the99khouse.com • www.rda.rice.edu

PERFECT CABINS This UK business sells what appear to be very beautiful well made small miniture cabins and cottages. Actually, they have quite a large inventory of small dwellings or cabins. Many pictures of all their different models.

"Perfect Cabins is a small family business specializing in garden buildings and hard landscaping. Please browse the website for more information or use the contact form on the Contact Details page."

Perfect Cabins • Unit 4 Orchard Business Park • Newbury road Kingsclere NEWBURY Berks RG20 4SY • Phone: 0845 017 08 54 • Mobile: 07931 363227 • Showroom: 01635 299707 • sales@perfectcabins.co.uk

CLAYTON IHOUSE This is a beautiful new concept. Unique layout great for added privacy or isolation from noise.

"The i-house offers affordable luxury in a green, energy efficient package. The i-house is now available for those who are committed to modern living. If you wish to begin the process of acquiring the i-house and become a Charter 100 owner please register using this page. Your personal i-house building specialist, who will listen to your needs, communicate developments and assist you in delivering your efficient and environmentally responsible home, will contact you. Take the first step to living responsibly for the next generation - sign up today."

Our headquarters are in Maryville, Tennessee • Toll Free: 1-800-822-0633

MONTANA MOBILE CABINS These cabins are different in my opinion. A unique look, that's what they have. They deliver their finished product, first 50 miles included in the price.

"Our mobile cabin business began as we wanted to fill a niche for people who owned small acreage and wanted a rustic getaway on their property. It has grown into a dedicated team of professionals, creating superior quality cabins that fit a variety of needs and lifestyles. Our goal is to create a home away from home that will be enjoyed for generations. We create "one of a kind" cabins, made with hand peeled logs, full front porches, rustic wood ceilings and exposed finished wood floors. Our extensive background in design, handcrafting and finishing assures that every detail of every cabin we build is the highest quality. Montana Mobile Cabins provides you with a complete log cabin. Each cabin we build is uniquely designed for each customer, with the customer actually becoming part of the design process. Don't be taken in by the low price of some log cabin kits. Judge, compare, see for yourself by reading the chart below."

Future Address & Phone

GYPSY WAGON These units are custom built for you in Lafayette, Colorado.

"This gypsy wagon, like the sheepherder wagons of the American west, has been crafted to take you back in time and give you the experience of a bygone era. The wagon can be used as a portable guest house, a special work space or a romantic retreat. You could even rent it out for extra income to the rapidly growing group of people who are looking for "Adventure Lodging". Professionally built, this gypsy wagon is a one-of-a-kind handcrafted piece. The gypsy wagon has been built on a new trailer chassis that has dual axles with electric brakes and is licensed for the road. The outside dimensions are: 16 feet long (plus a two foot overhang above the door) by 8 feet wide and it has a clearance of 13 feet. The empty weight is 5900 lbs. In keeping with the turn of the century feel of the exterior, the brake lights have been designed to be removable. The siding is tongue and groove pine and is accented by rich dark red trim. Victorian brackets at the corners of the roof lines highlight the two levels of the wagon. There are six windows plus a ten-pane entry door that flood the interior with natural light and provide great views. Please contact me, Bill Young, at 303-661-0331 or by55555@hotmail.com to arrange a showing. Update limited time sale price: was $23,600... NOW $18,750. Or contact me to arrange construction of your own custom piece."

Gypsy Coach • Lafayette, Colorado (near Boulder) • Phone: (303) 661-0331 •

by55555@hotmail.com

TOPSIDER HOMES This appears to be a quality business based in Clemmons, North Carolina. They have a rather unique design - a kind of octagon stucture, quite beautiful. They sell pedestal homes, stilt homes, guest houses, hurricane proof homes, and post & beam homes. Their prefab homes can also be installed on a conventional foundation. Also, you can buy a home as small as maybe 475 sq.ft. "High quality custom-designed prefabricated post & beam panelized homes, shipped worldwide since 1968. Protect your family and your investment with a Topsider Home."

"Topsider Homes have withstood many of the most devastating hurricanes, including direct hits from Andrew in the Bahamas and Florida, Hugo in the USVI, and Ivan, Katrina and Rita along the Gulf Coast. Each Topsider Home is custom designed and engineered to withstand high winds and to meet or exceed building codes in all coastal and hurricane-prone areas. And while no home is totally hurricane proof or storm proof, Topsider's record of storm safety and survival over the decades is extremely impressive. Each Topsider Home is built using large laminated and solid timbers that are bolted together and held in place with massive steel collars and couplings. This construction method or building system is essentially the same approach used in building the incomparably strong and enduring old New England post & beam barns. And, it is the same basic technology thought to be the very first wood construction method."

Topsider Homes • 7050 Idols Road • PO Box 1490 • Clemmons, North Carolina 27012 USA
Toll Free: 800-941-9801 • Phone: 336-766-9300 • Fax: 336-766-1110

THE POD Is this not one of the best designed little structures that you have ever seen? Based in the UK, built and designed by Newfoundland Lodges Ltd. Called the "Continental Camping Hut".

"It does look great, but what is it? Well it's a rather well built, insulated wooden hut that provides basic accommodation much in the way of a tent. They are of a modest size with good headroom, an interior floor area some eight feet wide by nine feet long and a forward projecting porch to provide some shelter if the doors are open. In most cases there will be a raised area of timber decking extending the 'living area' and providing somewhere to sun-bathe, prepare food or when the weather is bad, lose the wet gear before going inside. The POD is designed to be comfortable - the roofing material is designed to cut down the noise of heavy rain. The window and lockable French doors are double glazed to reduce condensation and provide sound insulation. The wood used in the construction is a naturally 'warm' material but to provide extra winter warmth we have installed sheep's wool insulation inside the walls while a special foil layer under the roof helps keep summer temperatures in check. There is a small, high level window in the back wall this not only provide light, but will help keep the living space well ventilated and aid 'through draft' on hot summer days."

Future Address & Phone

MONTANA CABIN EXCHANGE Purveyors of small Cabins and Guest Houses, Portable Businesses, and Mobile Cabins & Sheds. Picture on the right is of their "Bunk House" model. They are unique in that they offer small buildings which can be used for business ventures like maybe an ice cream parlor, rental cottage or espresso/coffee shop. Very nice little units delivered to your site.

“Montana Cabin Exchange is a family owned and operated business located in Bozeman, Montana. None of our cabins are made from kits. All of our cabins are custom built on our site and transported to your site upon completion. Specializing in the custom small building for a specific need or application, Montana Cabin Exchange will help design and develop the ultimate dream cabin or backyard getaway for our customers. Montana Cabin Exchange is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marvin Erickson Construction. Specializing in the custom small building for a specific need or application, Montana Cabin Exchange will help design and develop the ultimate dream cabin or backyard getaway for our customers. Our current models are built up to 11'x24' in size and can be delivered to your site or be equipped with a trailer and axel as an option. An oversized permit will be required for delivery of larger cabins. Building permits and covenant compliance are the responsibility of the customer. We will be happy to provide you with specifications for the purpose of obtaining those permits.”

Montana Cabin Exchange • 7983 Alamosa Lane • Bozeman MT 58718 USA • Phone: (406) 582-9560

info@cabinbuilder.com

YODER BUILDING COMPANY This is a very nice professional website. "The high quality building you can afford." Cheap housing/living for you! - They even have a "Rent-To-Own" program.

"If you're looking for old fashioned quality and uncompromising service, you've come to the right place! Yoder Building Company is committed to building portable, wooden storage buildings of the highest quality at a price everyone can afford. Yoders is founded on traditional values and old fashioned quality. Each one of our portable buildings is individually constructed by professional craftsman to meet the highest standards of quality in the industry. Our storage buildings range in size from 8'x8' to 14'x40', with many different styles, colors, and options available. They are ideal for storage, workshops, garages, offices, hunting cabins, playhouses, and more. From the quality of materials, to the workmanship, to the customer service that Yoders provides, you will find a Yoder building to be second to none. If you think that the best quality means a high price, check out our pricing. We think you will be pleasantly surprised."

Yoder Building Company • 13051 Deerfield Road • Senecaville OH 43780 • Phone: 740-439-5811

SMALLWORKS STUDIOS AND LANEWAY HOUSING This appears to be a very active business. Lots of good pictures on their website highlighting their projects. Picture on the right is called "West Coast Loft" a 500 SF cabin. This is my favorite design. "Evoking the simple style of West Coast Modernism, this model suits Mid-Century modern architecture or bungalow homes throughout Vancouver. Well-suited for a couple, this model boasts a generous lounge area on the upper floor including access to a balcony. An open connection between levels provides ample light from long upper windows into the living spaces throughout the home. This model includes built in bench seating and storage in the dining area, an open galley-style kitchen with an opportunity for bar seating, and several options for floor layouts in the bedroom/living area. Additional options ideal to this flat-roof style include green roofs and solar energy."

“Smallworks specializes in the design and building of small homes and laneway houses. Because this is our primary focus we are able to provide expertise and innovation in the building of your small home. We work closely with our customers in developing the perfect small home for their needs. Our support extends into the following areas: Pre-sale site inspection, Custom design, Permit application, In house millwork, Prefab and flat pack material delivery, On site construction management. Smallworks is operated by one of its original founders, Jake Fry. A group of 18 employees make up its pre-production, millwork shop and building teams. Smallworks has been building small homes and studios in backyards for over 5 years in the Vancouver area. We are located in the Southlands historic celtic shipyard area where we have our production facility, a dedicated millwork shop and a pre production office. Smallworks also has a home renovation division.”

Smallworks Studios and Laneway Housing • 7520 Balaclava ST • Vancouver BC V6N 0A3 Canada
Phone: (604) 264-8837 •

info@smallworks.ca

MODULO There is not much of a description for this modular home. The website is quite something else though. Major flash site; so if you are on dial-up internet service - it might be hard to view this website. I think this design company is based in the Netherlands. Some of the language is european. Also, visit or click on the link called "Design" and after the little thumbnails load at the top of the screen - click on the last one named "Modulo". Just click on the bouncing vertical bars to stop the music located at the lower left bottom of the page.

Future Address & Phone

CABIN KIT HOMES Picture on the right is of their "Sweet Flag" model.

"PHOENIX, AZ (AP)—Finding the right niche in the market can make all the difference in the world, especially in home building and real estate development. With US headquarters in Greer, Arizona, George Wardner and his company have busily carved out a specialty "niche" market . . . Rugged, tastefully designed log and cedar homes and vacation cabins. A new line of cedar cabin designs . . . Called: "Cabin Kits" . . . Are complete exterior shell packages sold and delivered nationwide from their own mill operations and suppliers in British Columbia and across Canada. Cabin Kits are perfect for year around living or as weekend, holiday or vacation hideaways. And because they are easy to build, Cabin Kits are time-efficient and cost-effective for the professional builder or contractor as well as the do-it-yourself marketplace."

Future Address & Phone

RAINIER COTTAGES I placed this item in here because even though it has a canvas covering like a wall or cabin tent, it lacks the portability of a canvas tent. I think these are very beautiful.

"Our new Rainier Cottage is handcrafted with beautiful canvas walls on a durable Douglas Fir Frame that can be set up as a permanent or semi-permanent structure. They are sturdy enough to be left up year-round in most climates. It would be easy to set up a simple cottage, or cozy it up with the modern necessities like electricity, heat and the comforts of home. The beauty of a Rainier Cottage is that it enables you to spend quality time in a natural surrounding at a low price."

Rainier Industries Ltd • 18375 Olympic Avenue South • Tukwila, WA 98188 • Phone: (425) 251-1800 • Toll Free: (800) 869-7162

KATRINA COTTAGES This interesting site features prefabricated homes.

"Katrina Cottages:
A Family of Small-Scale, High-Quality Homes.
KatrinaCottages.com is sponsored by the New Urban Guild Foundation and includes Katrina Cottage plans available from the New Urban Guild's plan collection. It also includes the Guild's perspective on the larger Katrina Cottages movement. This site invites submission of materials from any participant in the movement, because we intend to help and promote everyone producing authentic Katrina Cottages, not just the members of the New Urban Guild."

Future Address & Phone

HELP Helping Every Last Person. Interesting well done website.

“The 8 foot by 12 foot HELP Home is a mix between a small house, a ship's cabin, and a travel trailer. It has a fold-up front porch and is fully equipped with a living space containing a folding dining table and chairs, a sofa that converts to a full-size bed, and a drop-down twin-size bunk bed. A kitchenette with sink, stove, refrigerator, and storage as well as a private bathroom with a pass-thru shower and toilet complete the interior.”

The picture is one of HELP'S own creations.

Email: contact@helpishere.us

THE LOFTCUBE PROJECT "the Loftcube is ready: The Loftcube is now ready and available for purchase".

This appears by the pictures of the unit to be a very modern and neat concept designed primarily for living on flat rooftops of large tall buildings. The living units are placed on top of a selected rooftop by a helicopter. Is someone thinking or what.

Future Address & Phone

TIMBERLAST Actually, these people seem to specialize in garden type structures like hand-sculpted arbors and pergolas. They are located in Rochester, NH.

"Our mission is to utilize the centuries old technique of timber framing to create truly sustainable structures that will provide strong, aesthetically pleasing shelter for generations to come. Our goal is to build "small" in terms of both size and impact. We use locally grown, sustainably harvested timbers and other green products that help conserve our natural resources. We employ traditional handcrafted joinery to create a warm, comfortable environment. If you're looking to reclaim your garage and the quality of what's in your backyard is as important as what's in your home then look no further! We now offer sheds and outbuildings crafted with the same quality of craftsmanship as our pergolas and arbors. We can quote you a finish yourself frame, a complete kit, or anything in between to suit your needs. Contact us for a personalized quote."

FIELD LAB This is something a lot of people don't know. But you can build a low cost small cabin using galvanized sheet metal and 2x4 lumber, insulation and sheetrock. The picture on the right is just such a project located in the West Texas desert.

“I bought my 40 acres of Texas desert in October '07. Then I took a couple of weeks off to visit family in Arizona and plan my new empire. I contemplated several natural building methods but have no experience in this area. The landscape out here is dotted with failed attempts at building this way - folks trying these methods and discovering how difficult and labor intensive they can be. I also wanted to avoid the horrendous metal shade structures that are popping up out here to shade the dreaded double wide trailer. I knew I wanted to get cozy quickly and cheaply (and with some style) so I designed a structure that could be zipped together using my old NYC set building skills. In 8 days and for a cost of about $1600, I built and moved into my little building. On my own, construction was accomplished using simple hand tools and a cordless skill saw and drill charged by my solar panels. It took about 5 months and another $800 to finish all the details. Until the greenhouse building is built, I have subsided mostly on canned food with some occasional store bought fresh meat and vegetables. (did you know there are 5 different flavors of SPAM?) My refrigeration comes from my homemade ice box which relies on an 8 lb. bag of ice every other day. I cook on a propane camping stove for now - but a solar oven is in the works.”

Inspiration for my house was this design by University of Utah Architecture grad students at: DesignBuildBLUFF.

For a complete set of construction photos of my home, check out my sets at flickr. Come back there often as I add new photos monthly.

John Wells • 2500 Mailbox Rd. • Alpine, Texas 79830 USA • Phone: (432) 371-3272 • (512) 807-7581

lifeoffthegrid@yahoo.com •

TOMA HOUSE Prefabricated high-tech buildings. Multipurpose cabins. Portable do-it-yourself chalet. This company sells some very nice small home office buildings, cabins and other types. I cannot tell if they sell in the US or not. Website says they ship and install worldwide. They seem to sell mostly in many other countries. I include this here because it is such a neat concept. Very classy and well done. The website though is difficult for me to view because of so much "flash" presentation. Too bad more use of old fashioned still pictures were not used.

Future Address & Phone

MICHELLE KAUFMAN DESIGNS Home of the "Glidehouse" modular house by Michelle Kaufman Designs.

"Our projects use the highest quality materials, finishes, and advanced technology construction systems. Each building is prefabricated in a controlled environment, then erected on a site-built foundation. This increases quality, generates less waste, and saves time, resulting in homes that are stronger and more level than traditional site-built homes".

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MY ABOD This company is located in West Des Moines, Iowa. It looks as if the Abod building system is being used mostly in South Africa right now. Check out this very simple yet effective housing system. Hopefully this prefab small cabin will be available to the general public. They are based in the US; so that should make accessibility fairly simple.

"Introducing Abod. The Future of Low-cost, High-quality Housing. Since 1966, BSB Design's talented architects and planners have developed innovative design breakthroughs for millions of Americans. And now that vision reaches out to South Africa and beyond. Through its subsidiary, Advanced Design Innovation LLC, BSB Design is leading the fight to provide low cost housing worldwide."

Doug Sharp • Advanced Design Innovation LLC • c/o BSB Design • 6601 Westown Parkway Suite 240
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 USA •

info@myabod.com

SUMMERWOOD They sell different models including some small cabins.

"From garden sheds, gazebos and pool cabanas, to cabins, garages, playhouses and home studios, we offer an endless choice of design solutions to help you get more from your outdoor life. And all with an attention to detail and service you thought was forgotten. Summerwood's flexibility and customization mean prefab prices with original design. Our kits are delivered to your door throughout North America and beyond, in a convenient ready-to assemble format - with delivery included in the price. And for the DIY'ers we offer a wide range of building plans starting at just $49.00."

Future Address & Phone

MODERNIST MODULAR HOMES This is a nice website and the business is located in Palm Springs, California. They work on projects across the entire US. It appears to me to be a modular home building company that specializes in "Steel & Glass" construction. They have a small cabin i like - you can view it by clicking: HERE. They also offer design services if you need them.

“Modernism embodies a free flow of space, not compartmentalized or restricted into function-related rooms. Rather its the seamless transition and abandonment of boundaries both indoors and out. A calming refuge from a hectic world. The perfect backdrop for the shifting patterns of your life. Modular construction provides real bonuses. The main difference is modular surpasses site built construction in both quality and construction time. Time on site is money. While cost is largely dependent on market conditions, modular is increasingly economical and time efficient. We are currently involved with Modernist modular projects from Florida to California. Each project is designed to be "site specific", according to the clients needs, the challenges of the building site and local/state building codes. We've selected well established modular manufacturers in key locations throughout the United States to produce our designs. Every project provides unique challenges.”

Future Address & Phone

CLUSTER-STRUCTURES I am hoping in time that Greg will develop his concept into at least a small cabin or shed. I put him in here because we can check back on him occasionally to see the progress he makes towards a small livable structure. Update: i think he has done just that - check his website for new shelter designs. Actually, right now he has developed many new beautiful designs.

“Gregg Fleishman is an architect, designer, artist and inventor whose work is largely informed by geometry and functionality. A Los Angeles native born in 1947, Fleishman has been a resident of Culver City for forty seven years and is a pioneer and key creative figure of the city. Before occupying this location for the past thirteen years, his studio was located on nearby La Cienega Boulevard, in the recently developed gallery corridor populated by several young and established LA galleries. Largely influenced by his early work experience in the construction industry, Fleishman's mission is to continue developing ways to make building easier.”

Gregg Fleishman • 3850 Main Street • Culver City, CA 90232 • Phone: 310-202-6108

MINIMAL MANSION Here's a different twist on the portable cabin genre. Using the timber frame technique to build a lower cost portable cabin.

Welcome to minimalmansion.com

"This is a site to document the building of a small house loosely based on the designs of Jay Shafer's Tumbleweed Tiny Houses. A little over a year ago I learned about Jay's houses. I thought they were great. Small, efficient, and mobile. Everything a poor non-profit employee was looking for. I loved Jay's designs but didn't have the money to buy the lock and key version. The other issue was that I was getting married soon and didn't think that 117 square feet would be quite enough for two people. So my fiancé and I went about designing our own version. We bought Jay's books and got a 3D house modeling program. After many versions and sizes we decided on 8' x 30'. It will be much larger than Jay's houses on wheels but still small enough to be 'small, efficient, and mobile'. The next step was to find a trailer frame."

EcoHouse Film • Contact Form

Click here to go to Part 1, 2, 3 or 5

FEATURED

NorPine Products 320 SF Model Cabin Called "The Fraser".

	Ode To The Blueberry Colored Prefab Cabin On The Hill .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Click HERE to Email Webmaster
Gary Green • PO Box 1533 • Crescent City CA 95531
Email Contact: messtime@yahoo.com

Website Last Updated: August 21, 2011