Perhaps we can’t credit Warren Buffet specifically for the good news, but Clayton Homes, a subsidiary of Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, announced earlier this month that they will be rolling out a line of LEED Platinum rated prefab houses. These new prefabs, titled “i-houses,” appear to offer the best in affordability and sustainability. The base, 1 bed 1 bath, 723 sq. foot model starts around a reasonable $75,000, and moves up to a 4 bed/2bath, 1643 sq. foot model with sundeck and Energy Star appliances model for only around $135,000.
Core2 Flex2 LayoutD. A spacious 4 bed/2 bath.
For that price, Clayton Homes throws in a bevy of green features like a tankless water heater, dual flush toilets, low-flow faucets, low –e windows, high-efficiency heat pumps, and rainwater catchment. The truly dedicated can also upgrade to Energy Star appliances, bamboo flooring, and energy saving solar panels.
In terms of design, the i-house is aptly named. It shares the same passion for compact design and sleek, modern lines of other i-products that will not be named. The floorplans are open, simple, and clean, and the classic lines of the interior rival the finest of Ikea models. Although the house will arrive on the back of a truck, it remains spacious and modern.
However, despite all these great features, it still seems a risky endeavour. With the housing market struggling, sustainable housing still taking root, and prefab housing unproven in the U.S., Clayton Homes is putting a lot of faith in America’s dedication to down-sizing and greening. It will be interesting to see if Americans are willing to grab hold of this and other great, but perhaps foreign, solutions for sustainable living.
