Plug and Play

Taking prefab homes to the next convenient level

by Dr. Avi Friedman

With the housing affordability crisis reaching small towns and large urban areas, it seems that outof-the-box thinking and action is required. One potential solution is ‘plug-and-play’ dwellings. These are prefabricated, modular units that can be installed rapidly and made ready for immediate homeowner use.

In principle, with modern shipping techniques, plug-and-play dwellings can be transported or even relocated anywhere. Unlike prefabricated houses that require some on-site assembly and are typically permanent, plug-and-play homes require no assembly upon delivery. They simply need to be connected to utilities once placed on site.

Their low cost makes them an exciting new housing option for a variety of homeowners—from students to small families—and offers a potentially new market for builders.

Apart from the affordability factor, sustainable technology and high-quality materials help make this new dwelling type a more widely accepted living choice for millennials as well.

The design of the units is determined by their need to be easily transported without causing external or internal damage. During transit, weight becomes a crucial factor that permeates through to many other design decisions. Units, of course, must be heavy enough to sustain maximum wind drag when erected.

One country facing an affordable rental housing shortage and where such residential ideas are welcomed is the Netherlands. In that country, the number of single people in their mid- 20s to mid-30s is expected to grow several fold by 2050. The demographic is plagued by the fact that they earn too much money to live in social housing but not enough to afford a rental unit.

Heijman ONE was designed for this clientele and built near Amsterdam by MoodBuilders to meet demands for quality affordable rental housing. The builders of the 484 sq. ft. unit even offer customized interiors to those who want them and are willing to pay.

The unit can be placed permanently or temporarily in empty areas as an infill project. Each unit is two storeys with all the necessary utilities. From an urban point of view, it’s a solution to derelict sites since installation can occur within a day and the unit can be removed when the land is ready to be developed. This makes the temporary placement of the reusable home, which has a lifespan of 25-30 years, a sustainable option, as demolition is avoided.

The home includes a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and spacious living room, as well as a front door that leads out to a patio. Although it has been hooked up to all utilities, Heijman ONE also had photovoltaic panels integrated into the roof to generate its own energy. The home is also highly energy efficient thanks to the quality woodframe envelope, recycled wood facade and all-electric system.

To address the individual needs of the occupants, each house design varies slightly to help provide a sense of individuality.

The ground floor module links to the asymmetrical roof module, which itself creates a diverse roofscape. In addition, the two-storey home has a ceiling height of 19.3 feet that lets in ample natural light. The bedroom is situated in the mezzanine to accommodate a double bed.

The average length of a lease is five years, depending on the landowner and municipal regulations.

The Heijman ONE project serves as a prime example of how empty and neglected urban areas can become more attractive to developers, while providing support for aspiring young adults—with homes that are more sustainable.