In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of alternative housing. This trend is not just because it’s considered “hip” to downsize and live as a digital nomad, but rather due to the housing crisis. Mobile homes, which were once seen as a temporary solution until achieving the dream of a picket-fence house, have gained new appeal for their ability to address multiple urgent issues.
Tiny houses, van and bus conversions, RVs repurposed for permanent residency, and prefabricated houses all share a common promise of a brighter and more affordable future. Prefab houses, in particular, stand out for their ability to bridge the gap between mobile homes and traditional brick-and-mortar units, while still maintaining a certain level of mobility. Although it’s a small degree of mobility, you can still pack up everything and move to a different location if necessary, including the house itself.
Reho Homes, a relatively young startup that entered the prefab business in 2019, claims to have constructed the first foldable prefab house in Canada. While it’s difficult to verify the accuracy of this statement, it is certainly worth a closer examination. Reho Homes had to temporarily halt operations when the international health crisis occurred, but they have since resumed work and successfully delivered the first units of their modular Lotus.
The foldable prefab house by Reho Homes is not only modular, sustainable, efficient, and convenient, but it also boasts high-quality craftsmanship. Furthermore, it is more affordable compared to a typical house, although it should not be mistaken for being “cheap.” In summary, it is the ideal “mobile but permanent” home, as described by the builder.
Reho Homes refers to their creation as the Lotus, and it is available in three different configurations depending on the number of occupants and desired amenities. The Lotus Mini is the smallest model, designed for 1-2 residents, offering basic creature comforts within 530 square feet/49.2 square meters of living space. The Lotus Extra adds an additional 100 square feet/9.2 square meters of space and includes a second bedroom. Lastly, the Lotus Rancher combines two units to create a 1,050 square feet/97.5 square meters space, complete with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a full kitchen, making it suitable for an entire family.
What sets the Lotus apart from other prefab homes is its unique design that allows it to fold flat during transportation. It can be reduced to one-third of its original size, resulting in a compact and space-efficient package. As CEO and founder Rohan Kulkarni explains in the following video interview, this folding capability ensures that they do not ship out unnecessary air, thus contributing to the product’s sustainability. Additionally, this design allows for the transportation of an entire home, even a large unit, in a single shipment, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.
Due to its foldable nature, the Lotus can be delivered using various methods, including flatbed trailers, barges, trains, or even planes. However, it is important to note that for the time being, Reho Homes is only able to make local deliveries in British Columbia, Canada. If you are not located in this region, unfortunately, you will have to explore other options.
A Lotus residence, regardless of its dimensions and finishes, is manufactured in a factory within approximately six weeks and assembled for occupancy in just one day. The setup process takes around four hours, although additional time is required for weatherproofing and connecting the home to the grid.
Each unit utilizes dimensional lumber for the internal framework, structurally insulated panels (SIPs) for insulation, and drywall for the interior. These homes are specifically designed to be habitable throughout the year, even in the extreme cold of Canada. The incorporation of engineered hinges allows for the folding in and out of the substantial walls, and the homes are adaptable to various types of foundations.
Despite being referred to as a “mobile” home, the Lotus necessitates either owning or renting land, which is not a requirement for other types of mobile houses mentioned earlier. On the positive side, it can also function as an additional dwelling unit (ADU), a vacation home, or emergency housing in areas affected by fires or floods.
The Lotus is also characterized as “modern, sustainable, and efficient,” and can be delivered as either a shell/kit or a fully furnished unit. Prices vary accordingly, depending on the chosen model.
For instance, the basic specification of the Lotus Mini, which includes weatherproofing and plumbing but excludes interior finishes and appliances, starts at CAD127,500 (equivalent to US$94,400 at the current exchange rate). A fully furnished unit of the Mini is priced at CAD200,000 (US$148,000), while the larger model, the Rancher, begins at CAD235,000 (US$174,000) as a bare structure.
The potential of a collapsible house that can be packed up and transported on a trailer in a worst-case scenario should compensate for its price tag.
According to the Source autoevolution.com