Convenient, modular, stylish and futuristic, pre-fab houses are a great option for those whose lives are ever evolving, be it by globetrotting from job to job or due to a fast-growing family. Depending on which identity best reflects who you are, two companies have managed to stand out above others in what looks very much like a giant Lego game. LivingHome, is a US based company that offers a variety of pre-fab houses that can de adapted to suit exactly what you are looking for. The other, LoftCube, is a German company that aims to introduce a new way of life for jet-setters.
Though based on the same concept, they offer two very different modes of living. While one calculates your daily energy consumption and the best ways to reduce it, the other boasts being lightweight enough to be carried around from city to city by nothing short of a helicopter. Just as one targets the responsible citizen with an awareness of the environment, the other seduces the eternal bachelor with its efficient use of space and sleek styling.
Take the showy 39 square meter version of the LoftCube. With all four walls, and, if you so desire, the roof, made of glass, you could find yourself with 360 degrees of light in your own home, creating the ideal place to work, relax and, most importantly, be the envy of all your friends. If 39 square meters is a bit too small, an expansive 55 square meter option exists, and, if that isn’t roomy enough for all your friends (or ego), there is always the possibility of linking two, three, or ten together. As long as you have ground space, the options are endless.
The small size, however, is one of the main advantages of the LoftCube and is ideal for rooftops. Easily packed and light enough to be carried by air or crane, you can take your LoftCube with you wherever you go. As Werner Aisslinger, the architect of these homes, explains, “[You can] feel at home even when you are a long way from home.” Sort of like your pre-packed carry-on suitcase.
LivingHomes, on the other hand, offers you much bigger living spaces, though not nearly as mobile. Ranging in size from 95 square meters to about 290 square meters, LivingHomes are more adaptable and aim at being as environmentally- friendly as possible. Your house comes with a sustainability scorecard that includes such energy-harnessing items as your total water savings per year – about 367,000 litres or enough to fill two swimming pools. “Our mission is to create homes and communities that inspire people, foster family and community interaction, and make modern life easier, healthier and more comfortable. All in ways that compliment and enhance the municipalities and environments in which we work,” says Steve Glenn, ceo of LivingHomes.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two companies, though, is in the price. LoftCube’s 39 square meter loft runs at 140,000 USD, without a bathroom or a kitchen. If you feel those two are a necessity, simply add 30,000 USD. For about 55,000 USD more, you can have the 55 square meter option.
The basic version of the LivingHomes houses, which come with bathroom and kitchen as standard, are better value for money, at about 220,000 USD for the 95 square meter option. The price quickly skyrockets as you indulge in some of the numerous special options available for your house, starting with the indispensable Stainless Steel Backlash (300 USD), the strangely fitting Sealed Concrete flooring (12,600 USD), the stylish Bosch Kitchen Aid package (2,100 USD), the decorative fireplace (8,000 USD), and the cost-and energy-efficient rainwater harvesting system (30,000 USD). As you build your little dream house, and extend it to include more bedrooms and bathrooms, the price significantly changes, easily topping 1.5 million USD for the five-bedroom, two-story option.
Despite the differences, these are not your typical made-in-China plastic boxes – or a life-size version of Barbie’s Malibu beach house – though at times it may seem like they are just a big toy for grown-ups. These high-quality pre-fab living spaces cater to your needs while bringing a touch of style and uniqueness. In the end, maybe living in a very nice box is not so bad after all.
Contacts
LoftCube GmbH
Munchen, Germany
Tel + 49 89 242 18 111
HYPERLINK "http://www.loftcube.net" www.loftcube.net
LivingHomes
Santa Monica, USA
Tel +1 310 581 8500
HYPERLINK "http://www.livinghomes.net" www.livinghomes.net
