Energy Efficient Folding Homes by Blu Homes

Blu Homes makes these impressive folding homes inside a giant building.  They say that by ordering your home from them, you will save significant time and money compared to a stick-building on site.  The time savings stem from the fact that the homes are built indoors and are therefor not subject to problems and delays caused by unpredictable weather.   Blu Homes aren't cheap, but they appear to be very high quality.

Blu Homes least expensive model, "The Origin", starts at $130,000.  Two are shown here.  They come in studio, one, and two bedroom variations, with dimensions of 18'x24', 18'x36', and 18'x48' respectively.

Once the home arrives to your site, it is craned onto the foundation you had built for it.  Then it is unfolded, set-up, and ready for occupancy within days.  These may be folding homes, but they are sturdy and intended for permanent habitation.  

Folding Homes by Habitaflex

I'm posting two videos and some informative images about folding homes made by Habitaflex (habitaflex.com) today.  The way they operate seems pretty well thought out.  Bathrooms and kitchens are included, along with cabinets, countertops, and fixtures such as toilet, sinks, shower, and range hood.  Even phone and cable jacks are included, but some models at least don't appear to be intended for permanent habitation.  The larger heavier ones look like they may be suitable as permanent homes.   If you scroll down far enough, you'll find interior and exterior photos, and a floor plan too. The model in the photos is 768 square feet with three bedrooms.

Habitaflex Video Link (YouTube)

Homes Made From Shipping Containers

Many people are turning their attention toward shipping containers, cargo containers, or ISBUs (Inter-modal Steel Building Units) as they look for ways to create affordable housing.  Shipping container house plans or floor plans are readily available on the internet.  Standard shipping container sizes are roughly 8'-0" wide by either 20' or 40' long.  They come in standard height which provides about 7'-6" of interior height, or "high cube" containers which provide about 8'-6" of interior height.  As I see it, shipping containers have four primary virtues... 

A nice modern house, made from old shipping containers.