Can Prefab be inexpensive? Not anytime soon.

The long publicized LivingHomes (designed by Ray Kappe) was recently completed in Santa Monica. LA Times has an article about it and the future (and present) of prefab houses. In terms of cost, these high profile prefabs are still way above “typical” houses we find in our neighborhood, close to $300/SF (not including land cost and site work). Yes, the quality is higher, with green roof and solar panels, and it can be built much faster but mainstream? Maybe we need to team up with Target to figure out how to make good design affordable for everyone. I heard IKEA is selling houses in Sweden now…