Full home unfolds in 1 hour, kitchen and bathroom included [video]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W2YDxVi02I

by ad8e • 5 years ago

7 2 5 years ago

ad8e• 5 years ago

I know nothing about prefab houses, so this video was an interesting introduction to their engineering considerations. After all, building construction is fueled by low-skill labor, isolated into regional marketplaces with low information, and the home buyer cannot determine the expertise of the builder. That theoretically makes it a lemon market. From a naive standpoint, centralizing production to centralize reputation makes sense.

On the other hand, trailer homes also centralized reputation into a few major companies, and nevertheless had severe issues with VOCs and formaldehyde. These trailers were unlivable, so reputation mechanisms didn't manage to raise quality.

There's no underground foundation. I was shocked when they stacked buildings, although there are no stairs to get to the second floor. It's questionable whether a good foundation also serves as a good second story floor (weight? sound? flexure?) but I guess being modular can be worth it. It looks like a saner version of the shipping container home, which is popular in imagination and unpopular in reality.

The attempted niche of this particular company is its price, which is half of comparable prefab homes. It's very low-end. The windows have no shades and no meshes. Sunshine will glare during the day, with no privacy. Open plan, kitchen in living room. Roof seems at risk of leaking. Unclear what the material quality is like (VOCs, heat and sound insulation, appliances). They haven't shown any of the hookups (water, electrical, sewer, internet). No gas. Isn't yet available for purchase.

ksaj• 5 years ago

Apparently the hinging is similar to that used in the automotive industry. When engaged, the water proofing is literally squished to a solid connection.

Your critique suggests you think of it as a camping shelter, but it doesn't seem to be intended for that use. Trailer homes, which serve more of a similar function, don't typically come with built-in curtains. It clearly is inspired by camper equipment, as are a lot of trailer homes, though.

Insulation was my thought, too. It might be okay. An acquaintance of mine has a 700 sq foot yurt and it is cozy even mid-winter. Even so, it probably still leaks a lot of heat, which could be expensive in winter. It's probably similar to the experience with trailer homes, but more so because of the size.

Full home unfolds in 1 hour, kitchen and bathroom included [video]

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