This modern micro home has been created by Cocoon9, an American company based in New York that specializes in the design and manufacture of prefab dwellings. The micro home pictured is part of a series of “plug and play” homes, all of which feature a small building footprint.
There are three models available: the Cocoon Cabin (a one bedroom home), Cocoon Studio and Cocoon Lite 20. Both the Studio and Lite 20 feature an open plan interior, with the smallest model measuring just 161 square feet (15 square meters). The units are made with a lightweight steel frame and can be clad with wood, stone or cortens steel.
Each model takes advantage of natural light with large patio doors and windows. Custom furniture and built-in appliances allow the homes to maintain their sense of space. There’s also a kitchenette included, as well as a Murphy bed.
Like the exterior, the interior can be finished in a variety of materials, including bamboo and white lacquer. In terms of size, the Lite 20 is 2.4-by-6 meters, while the Cabin and Studio both measure 3.6-by-12 meters. That’s 161 square feet (15 square meters) and 484 square feet (45 square meters) of living space, respectively.
The company states their use isn’t just limited to housing, but could also be used as “a guest cottage, pool house, home office, artist or yoga studio, or as a second home in a city or rural setting.” You also have the option of installing an exterior spiral staircase to take advantage of the roof as a space for entertaining or gardening.
The prices for the Lite 20 start at $75,000 (£52,000), while the larger Cabin and Studio start at $225,000 (£158,100). Note that buyers will also be responsible for the creation of the foundation, electrical and water utility connections, shipping, and crane rental costs.
For more prefabricated houses check out the Alpod, a modern modular home by Aluhouse. Or, Vimob, a 35 square meter prefab home from Columbia. See all prefab homes.
Via Dezeen
Photos: Cocoon9
Not exactly cheap are they? Why so expensive?
attractive.
They are not cheap because of the currency exchange and the difference in wages between the USA, Canada and England.
If they sold for $52,000 US it would be about average cost for an equipped micro home FACTORY built. If built in Canada then $70,000 Cdn. would be the average price.
Every country is different. That’s why the Free ‘er’ Trade Acts are in place… It levels the playing field when setting prices for export/import of goods. Otherwise cars, or any goods coming from Mexico would be say, half the price… But the USA would not be able to sell anything to Mexico because the average person in Mexico would not be able to afford them. So we raise some prices and lower others… hoping everything comes out sort-of even.
That is why the government is trying to get a Trading Agreement with Europe.
Sorry Peggy, your argument doesn’t make sense at all. If you lower prices selling to another country and that price is lower than your costs you go bankrupt. The free trade agreements don’t have any effect on that. All the free trade agreements do is reduce (sometimes) tariffs on goods to other countries.
@Simon – why so expensive? Possibly greed. Possibly designed for export to European countries where housing costs are much higher, as are wages. Then again, possibly the fitouts for these factory builts have higher costs due to materials specifically for them. My feeling is leaning towards the first one.
At around a quarter of a million US dollars, if one factors in site preparation and services, it’s a bit of a stretch to think of these boxes as . I share Paul’s view on the price, and it’s not the higher cost of components.
Michael
On posting, my comment above lost what I put between brackets, namely Humble Homes
Michael
Paul
You are right. I did not make myself clear. I assumed no one would sell an article lower than production cost for the reason you stated, bankrupcy. Manufacturers move to Mexico and China where the cost to mfg. is cheaper. Thus, bigger profits. Or mfg. can lower costs which in turn reduces the price..
Second, in the selling price, the Trade Agreements reduce or eliminate tariff costs. In doing so, the retail buyer can purchase at a lower cost. I just didn’t use the correct terminology. Yes, many companies are greedy. but their mission is to “increase shareholder value”. The higher the stock market price and the greater the profit… the better it is for people who buy shares in their 401k, investment account or RRSP … they are able to get a better return.
But currency exchange makes a huge difference. Florida, Arizona and stores along the border are suffering because the Canadian dollar is worth 30 cents less per US dollar than previous winters. US prices are being slashed. Europe is cheaper because the Euro is worth less than previous. Cruises have empty spaces because most are priced in US dollars, and thus cost residents of other counties more to buy a ticket.
Yes, this micro home and others may seem expensive, but it costs a lot to start up a company before you can start to manufacture. Design and prototypes are lengthy and costly. Overhead and marketing are not cheap. Quality of actual building materials and built in/furniture/appliances vary dramatically. These costs are recouped through the selling price. Someone has to re-pay the loan which enabled all these up front activities and costs to happen. That’s usually why when a company gets multiple sales agreements and an established production line, prices start going down.
So, to answer the question… who knows how many variables went into setting the price for these micro houses… But generally they are not just picked out of the air but based on specific criteria, including the amount of profit desired and the amount of debt which needs to be re-paid.
These designer “cocoons” are turn-key; one adds only furnishings while having the contractor do the site work. After all, each one is “a work of livable art”. More to the point, one of the principals is in investment finance, and also a founder of Tory Burch, the ladies fashion label. A high price tag is “de rigueur”.
Are any of you aware Ellen is part owner in Cacoon9
Interested in information please.thank you!!