This concept just popped up on Springwise. The house comes pre-fab in kit form and can be assembled without special tools.
http://www.solardecathlon.ugent.be/en/
It is a bit industrial looking to me but I have always liked the concept of pre-fab. Not to put framers out of work but it just seems to make more sense than building from a pile of sticks and stones left on the site. And it doesn't have to be ugly. Take a look at the book, Prefabulous, for example. An architect friend in Holland does not understand our archaic system of home construction at all. He send CAD drawings to a factory and beautiful prefab components are delivered to the job site ready to assemble with super insulation and all the plumbing and electrical in place. Since its cheaper, clients spend more money on interiors and tradesman to do finishing work.
http://www.solardecathlon.ugent.be/en/
It is a bit industrial looking to me but I have always liked the concept of pre-fab. Not to put framers out of work but it just seems to make more sense than building from a pile of sticks and stones left on the site. And it doesn't have to be ugly. Take a look at the book, Prefabulous, for example. An architect friend in Holland does not understand our archaic system of home construction at all. He send CAD drawings to a factory and beautiful prefab components are delivered to the job site ready to assemble with super insulation and all the plumbing and electrical in place. Since its cheaper, clients spend more money on interiors and tradesman to do finishing work.