weeHouse - The Beginning of the Ikea-azation, Yuppification of Pre-fab? Isn't it just a Trendy Trailer?

Well, I'm back from Berkeley/SF and visit to the Dwell Conference, having witnessed the glory that is the weeHouse in person.

I'm impressed with the finish and build quality. While I don't necessarily see it as as a financially accessible solution to address affordable housing, Alchemy has expanded upon the basic concept with weeHouse Communities (weeCommunities) targeted at developers and included weeStudio modules ranging from 340-490 sf per unit. Since the deployments to date are individual homes, we'll have to see how that product offering develops.

Planning a weeHouse project requires having a lot/land available for their team to survey in preparation for siting the house, and a contractor for the permiting and site preparation/installation. The modules are designed and inspected to comply with Minnesota and Wisconsin building codes and the International Residential Code (IRC), so you'll definitely want to review code requirements for the state/province where your site is located. Quoted fabrication time is estimated at up to 24 weeks, but can vary by location.

Currently advertised modules (there appear to be smaller studio modules available) are priced between $130k (1-story, 950 sf)-280k (3-story, 2240 sf). Typically $125-175 sf or a nominal 1000 sf. house.

Estimated cost breakdown for a 950 sf., two-level house using weeHouse modules:

Land: $variable with location
Transport: $variable with location
Architect/Survey Fees: $variable
Contractor: $variable
Site prep/Utilities: $15-20k+, variable with location
Physical Structure: $140k (Intersection 1 plan, 950 sf, two stacked modules, appliances not included)
Finish/Appliances/Landscape: $15k (estimated)

Basic facts to-date:

* The weeHouse at Dwell on Design 2007 was number 15 (was in transit to San Diego for installation)
* There are approx. 15 other weeHouses somewhere in process ... some still at contract phase, but most heading into a first or second design drawing phase; we also do a variety of other architectural work here, so have a few projects including remodels, additions, new residences happening as well
* A larger weeHouse (well, a not-so-weeHouse) was just installed in Minneapolis
* The Bond weeHouse is in-progress currently, and that is coming in at approx. 2150 square feet ... a not-so-wee!

Having now seen one up close and in person (see more pics in my photo gallery), I'm more *into* the concept. I don't think I'd try siting one in Cali just due to the land costs, but the unit I saw at Dwell was very nice, and very solid, complete.

More info available at alchemyarch.com

More pics in my Gallery - people.tribe.net/boxeswithknobs/photos
(PM me for more interior pics)