Prefab Builder Pluspuu Makes New and Improved Log Cabins Starting at $175K
The Finnish company’s models come as a kit of parts made from engineered lumber that stack together like a 3D puzzle.
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A decade ago, Markku Miettinen identified a problem with the classic log cabin. It kept out the cold, which was a must in his native Finland, but the elements warped the wood, fast. Miettinen founded prefab company Pluspuu to fill gaps in homebuilding in literal and figurative ways. His company’s column-and-beam structures are made from non-setting logs that fit together like a 3D puzzle, mitigating moisture with a natural seam.
There are currently a dozen different prefab options in the Pluspuu collection, which range in size from small cottages primarily meant for occasional recreation to multilevel escapes to live in year-round. We spoke with Miettinen to hear about how Pluspuu is continuing to build on its original idea.
Nauvo, one of Pluspuu’s newest models, comes with a roof deck.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
What’s the idea behind Pluspuu?
Pluspuu houses are mainly built as leisure homes for customers who value design and quality. We mainly build our own models in Finland, which are modified according to the needs of the customer and the plot the prefab will inhabit. Our top seller is the Iniö series.
This prefab also has a wraparound deck with a shaded dining area.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
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What does your base model cost and what does that pricing include?
The Iniö 100, part of a series, starts at approximately $175,000 in North America. Assembly, construction, and finishing costs vary widely based on the homeowner’s design choices and geography.
The sustainable wood used in the construction process is on full display inside.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
What qualities make your prefab stand apart from the rest?
Pluspuu understands how to create bespoke prefabricated homes for a discerning owner. We use sustainably harvested wood in our kits to ensure peace of mind around a high quality, reliable product.
Customers can choose features and finishes, like year-round temperature control or stone countertops.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
Where is the prefab currently available?
Our homes are currently available in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Is your design currently pre-permitted in any U.S. municipalities?
We custom-engineer our construction drawings based on the code requirements at the local, state, and county level.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a connection with the outdoors.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
Are there plans to expand to different parts of the world?
We are currently focused on fulfilling demand from North America and Europe, but we will be scaling operations to meet as many markets as we can.
The Nauvo model is capable of containing a full kitchen with room for a pantry. Construction typically takes about a year or less to complete.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
How long can a client expect the process to take after they put down a deposit?
The timeline for the building process depends on the size, design complexity, and level of customization. We can work as fast or as slow as the homeowner would like. So, if the homeowner has every decision in place, then we can complete a project within six months. The average duration of a project, from start to finish, ranges between six months to a year.
The Korppoo model is also a newer offering. It has double-height ceilings and a two-level deck.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
What aspects of an install do you manage?
We provide turnkey construction services in Finland. For the rest of Europe and North America, we have started to establish local dealer and representative relations in many high-demand places, in order to provide that same turnkey service. For now, we manage the scope in partnership with the homeowner and a network of local general contractors.
Korppoo’s open-concept living space makes it easy to host larger groups.
Courtesy of Pluspuu
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