Studio owner Joey Williams uses his space to work from home as an Austin-based media director.

The other unit is a conference room with bamboo floors.

With little to no permitting required because of its small size, Sett Studio units can be used for an extra bedroom, a yoga studio, a hydroponics growing area or an office space, like this 96-square-foot one shown here.

Even in a small space—this unit is one of the company’s smallest—there’s plenty of room for a sitting area. In addition to montoread and charred wood, this space has American Clay walls, a soft plaster-like coat that when punctured or cracked, a spritz of water will allow minor flaws to be smoothed clean.

Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for an intimate connection with outdoor spaces.

Sett Studio also does complete interior work. This unit features monotread, which are panels made from milled recycled wood, on the floor, walls and desk. Lately, the company has been using more bamboo.

At left, Dulce Vida owner Richard Sorenson, our generous event alcohol sponsor, toasts to prefab with guests.

For the realty group interior space, eight people comfortably work in the 12-foot-by-14-foot room. There’s a mini slit A/C and heating system, painted sheetrock walls and bamboo floors and desk.

The GoodLife Team crew.

A group of party guests.

As seen from the entrance, the venue grounds glowed thanks to a custom, multicolored installation from David Trubridge and WakaNINE.

The view from near the DJ booth.

At night's end, guests kicked up their heels and danced.

DJ Spooky laying the beats.

Two happy SXSW Eco attendees smile for the camera.

The first guests arrive for the prefab walk through.

Bartender Elisabeth Champagne serves organic margaritas and muddled jalapeno-cucumber cocktails to thirsty guests.

Guests step up to tour two of the prefabs and chat with Sett Studio, Dwell, and GoodLife Team members.

As the doors opened and night fell, the crowd began to grow. Some noshed on vegan local food truck fare while others headed for the prefab walkthrough.

The Sett Studio crew, including designer Kimber Reed and founder Mike Speciale (center right). Wardrobe for Reed and Dwell was provided by sustainable fashion house Allison Parris.

Bright white Flux chairs stand at attention the day of the party.

The rear prefab (completed the day of the event) is perched in front of a large geometric cabana structure which housed the margarita bar.

A behind the scenes moment: Last minute party preparations with Dwellers Nuala Berrells and Sara Ost (center); team members from Sett Studio, GoodLife Team, and WakaNINE make last minute adjustments as the line outside grew around the block.

In addition to charred wood siding—shown here in the cherry stain—Sett Studio can also add decking and landscaping.

The roofline of the Tind house prototype, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune for prefab company Fiskarhedenvillan, has more conventional Swedish gables than the flat-roofed modernism of typical prefab units.

Sliding glass doors and galvanized metal siding are also available

A breezeway or a pine deck, like this one built for Goodlife Realty group in Austin, can connect multiple units.

Most units come with one interior light, one exterior light and two outlets. More can be added.

The charred wood siding, inspired by the Japanese shou-sugi-ban method, comes in various stains, such as cherry (shown here). The blow-torching technique helps with resistance to insects, rot, water, mold and fire.

Blair McCary addresses the crowd at SXSW Eco. Bill Reed and Paula Vaughan are seated.

Sett Studio designer Kimber Reed.

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.

The L-shaped secondary building perches over a craggy escarpment. It offers the best vantage point for taking in the moss-planted roof, forest, and ocean.