Modern Portable Prefab From ÁBATON

Prefab portable homes are on the up, and this modern prefab home, from the Spanish architecture firm, ÁBATON, is proof of why they’re increasing in popularity. Called  the ÁPH80, it features a minimalist exterior that’s effortlessly beautiful due to it’s simple form.

The material used to create that seamless grey-tiled exterior is actually wood fibre cement board. “What?! Cement board roofing?” Yup. That’s what I thought too, but ÁBATON actually got back to me on that one after I left a comment on the TreeHugger article:

“Cement board works extremely well for outdoors. We have been using it for years in many of our projects and it consists of wood mixed with cement so the house could last at least, 50 years.”

I guess I’m relatively ignorant as to the use of cement board as a roofing system – you learn something new every day. That aside, the home is 290 square feet and contains a small bedroom, living area, kitchenette and bathroom. When it’s not in use it can be sealed up to provide an extra degree of security.

From the architects:

“The use of wood throughout the building not only adds calmness and balance but it is also hypo-allergenic  The sourced wood comes from regulated forests (will regrow to provide a wide range of other benefits such as further carbon storage, oxygen generation and forest habitat).”

The ÁPH80 is similar to a variety of small prefab structures, like the L41 by architect Michael Katz and artist Janet Corne. It also reminds me of this small Finnish backyard cottage.

Whether or not the home lasts 50+ years is going to depend on the local climate. Here in Ireland, where we have 49 days of sunshine a year and an average yearly rainfall of 1000-2000 mm, it might not fair so well. Overall, I like the homes design – particularly the exterior (despite my woes) and for 32,000 euros it’s a bargain.

Via Treehugger