Prefab Homes Give Conventional Homes a Run for their Money
Image: Sorrento Beach House
Prefab
Home.
Prefab Homes that Give Conventional Homes a Run For their Money.
Article by Domain, Words by Brodie Norris
Prefabricated (or ‘prefab’) homes have had a bad reputation in the past. But don’t feel bad – they earned it.
For many years, prefab homes were a beacon. A shoddy beacon. You could easily spot their deteriorating timber cladding, box-like form and ‘living areas’ that made even a shoebox, in comparison, feel spacious and accommodating.
But times have changed. One-dimensional has replaced five. Global warming is the new El Niño. And prefab homes are giving conventional homes a run for their money. Literally. High-quality prefab homes are now cheaper (and faster) to construct than conventional housing. And aesthetically speaking? Well, I’ll let the following do the talking…
This stylish prefabricated two-bedroom home in Sorrento was custom-designed by Arkular, an architect team that specialises in designing and constructing sustainable modular prefab homes.
This home’s rich timber cladding is a far cry from the aluminium sandwich panel that graced the exteriors of last generation’s prefabs. Cleverly-designed recesses allow sliding glass doors to disappear – transforming an enclosed deck into a seamless indoor/outdoor space.
Large floor-to-ceiling openings, which were previously unimaginable in prefab construction, are another feature putting today’s prefabs on par with conventional homes.
Inside, the modern decor and built-in furniture embody the quality of any architecturally designed home. The joinery in this home is a testament to the high-quality assurance standards associated with its in-factory construction.
“There are numerous advantages with prefab, but the most telling are controlled environment construction and timing of completion,” says Christine McCorkell of Arkular.
There are really no compromises in this modern breed of prefab. Look around to see if you can spot where the prefabricated modules are joined (hint: you can’t).
To read the full article by Domain, click here.
