You Only Need an Allen Key to Build This $10K House

[Image Source: People's Architecture Office]

Previously POA had created the Plugin Tower. A larger home made using the same method of prefabricated panels. Each panel already contains the necessary plumbing, wiring, and insulation. This building too was designed to fasten together with the tool made famous by Swedish furniture chain Ikea, the humble Allen key.  

The house only 300 square feet. But that is still a lot bigger than many of Beijing's high rise apartments. The design carefully carves as much space out as possible, utilizing a double-height living area and a spacious kitchen to create a sense of living area. Adding a rooftop deck also increases the space, proving a spot to take in the sunlight. As there is no local sewerage system in the area, the house is fitted with a composting toilet and shower system.  

[Image Source: People's Architecture Office]

Prefabricated housing is a great architectural solution to high building costs. By building the main structure off site, building material waste is minimized and the cost of employing builders is also reduced. Costs can be further be reduced if there is a large amount of houses being fabricated. If the panels or parts can be built en masse, the costs and time will shrink as well.

[Image Source: People's Architecture Office]

Much of the world's social housing has been built from prefabricated designs. While critics of the methodology say the outcome all looks the same, contemporary prefab designs look anything but.

In an era where homeownership is a distant dream for most, small prefab houses might be the best answer. Choosing to own a small prefabricated house means you know the exact cost of the house before you start and the modular design can work well on small parcels of land.  

Sources: Inhabitat, People'sArchitectureOffice