Aster by Knickerbocker Group

Simplicity, Sustainability, and the Space Between
Aster 800 sq. ft. | Prefab Pod by Knickerbocker Group

For two empty nesters ready to simplify without sacrifice, downsizing was more than shedding square footage—it was about aligning their home with their values. Their 175-year-old farmhouse, though full of history, no longer fit their vision of an efficient, low-impact future.

They found their answer in the Aster, an 800-square-foot prefabricated home designed and built by Knickerbocker Group’s Prefab Pod Division. Set along a peaceful bay in Midcoast Maine, the home embodies the art of intentional, small-space living.

A Home That Reflects Purpose
With a strong sense of purpose, the homeowners sought a home that was:
• Efficient – The all-electric home features dense-pack wood fiber insulation, triple-glazed windows, and high-performance heat pumps, offering year-round comfort with minimal energy use.
• Low-impact – Built using volumetric construction at Knickerbocker Group’s nearby manufacturing facility, the process minimized onsite waste and reduced construction time to just 12 weeks.
• Thoughtfully designed – A south-facing orientation maximizes passive solar gain; a screened-in porch and daylight basement extend the home’s livable space, inside and out.

Warmth, Character, and Craft
Inside, every square foot serves a purpose. Clever built-ins reduce clutter, while vintage furniture and artwork—curated by the homeowner, a lifelong supporter of Maine artists and purveyor of vintage fashion—bring soul to the space. “It’s small, but it lives so big,” she shares.

Choosing a Prefab Pod was a leap of faith, but one that paid off. With sustainability, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to place, the result is a home that feels like a return to what matters most.