SubscribeSign In
Collection by Luke Hopping

Cutting-Edge New Prefabs

From the world's first carbon-positive prefab to hurricane-proof homes, there have been some exciting breakthroughs in modular housing recently. This primer ought to catch you up on the latest.

View 8 Photos
Though modest in price and size, Cubbico's modular homes are among the most durable on the market. The Dutch firm designs weather-resilient prefabs that can withstand Category 5 hurricanes, earthquakes, and up to ten-feet of snow.
Though modest in price and size, Cubbico's modular homes are among the most durable on the market. The Dutch firm designs weather-resilient prefabs that can withstand Category 5 hurricanes, earthquakes, and up to ten-feet of snow.
The result, which will be available commercially in early 2015, is a teardrop-shaped caravan that can be towed behind a vehicle or parked in a backyard.
The result, which will be available commercially in early 2015, is a teardrop-shaped caravan that can be towed behind a vehicle or parked in a backyard.
Architect Shigeru Ban has designed temporary shelters for disaster-stricken areas such as Japan, Turkey, New Zealand, India, and the Phillipines.
Architect Shigeru Ban has designed temporary shelters for disaster-stricken areas such as Japan, Turkey, New Zealand, India, and the Phillipines.
The modular construction is visible in the exterior, where individual units jut out to create a stepped facade that celebrates the construction process while still relating to the scale and texture of the surrounding architecture.
The modular construction is visible in the exterior, where individual units jut out to create a stepped facade that celebrates the construction process while still relating to the scale and texture of the surrounding architecture.
The modest, 322-square-foot interior opens up into the environment.
The modest, 322-square-foot interior opens up into the environment.
The homes are built on a concrete foundation and are typically constructed in only two days.
The homes are built on a concrete foundation and are typically constructed in only two days.
Heating for the unit is provided by a Spartherm fireplace, with electric heating integrated into the magnesite floor. Walls are insulated with fire-tested wool felt under plywood panels.
Heating for the unit is provided by a Spartherm fireplace, with electric heating integrated into the magnesite floor. Walls are insulated with fire-tested wool felt under plywood panels.