Canadian company NOMAD Homes has produced a new concept micro-home that measures just 100 sq ft (9.2 sq m), ships as a flat-pack, can operate off-grid, and is said to be easy-to-build. The firm has turned to Indiegogo to raise funds for manufacturing, and eventually intends to sell the base version of the home for under US$25,000.
The micro-dwelling shoe-horns a living area, kitchen, bathroom, and upstairs sleeping area into its small physical footprint, and is offered in three versions, with included features depending on price.
The base model sports kitchen cabinets, shelving, plenty of storage space, laminate flooring, lighting, and prewired electrical outlets. Shelling out more cash brings additions like a solar power system, grey water treatment and rainwater collection, while a wooden deck can also be added to offer some additional outdoor space.
Construction materials include metal structural insulated panels and galvanized metal siding, with baseboards and trim made from MDF. The company promises that the NOMAD Micro Home will be termite-, moisture-, and fire-resistant, and cites disaster relief, student accommodation, and low-income housing as potential uses for the unit.
The NOMAD Micro Home is currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign. Should all go well, the proposed starting price for the base model is CAD$25,000 (or around US$24,000).
Of course, it can be a long, rocky road before crowd-funded concepts evolve from computer renders into hard reality, but it's an interesting project that we'll be keeping an eye on.
If you're so inclined, the video below features the obligatory pitch.
Source: NOMAD Micro Homes via Indiegogo
There is just one fly in the ointment. How is this house heated? Because if it's not, it's just an upscale tent, nothing more. And if it's electrically heated, then it's hardly off-grid; the power bill will be as big as the house is small, what with the thin walls, big windows, and large surface/volume ratio.
Geeze, are they using titanium siding and platinum sink? I could build and sell a basic house like that for under $10k and still make a profit while charging for the assembly. I love these little concept homes, but pricing is still so un(ahem)real. Sign me -- NoCondo NoMBA NoBMW.
Just one more thing to make me even happier. How about a handrail? Seriously, you are in bed, the tummy flu strikes, you have to go down these risers that are quite high on treads that are unequally shaped. Give me something to grab!
It's a pet peeve, I know. The building code - it's been saving us from ourselves for quite some time, now!