Monocoque Cabin by Markos Design Workshop (MDW) is a sustainably prefabricated structure adjacent to historic West Midlands woodland along the Shropshire Union Canal, UK. Inspired by the timber monocoque construction of the de Havilland Mosquito aircraft wing and traditional boat-building techniques, architect Peter Markos designed a cabin with an organic, structurally stiff form with an exposed timber interior, offering warmth and comfort. The design employs advanced CNC technology to seamlessly integrate modern precision with traditional craftsmanship, producing a durable yet visually striking structure capable of withstanding environmental factors such as wind loads while maintaining its lightweight integrity. Collaborating with structural engineers Price & Myers and digital manufacturing company BlokBuild, MDW utilizes their timber system expertise to fabricate the Monocoque Cabin, with main ribs made from layered plywood with birch exteriors and spruce cores, forming stiff rings skinned with thin plywood layers to support the undulating curves. The floor, composed of torsionally stiff Oriented Strand Board (OSB) insulated cassettes, merges with the ribs and plywood sheets to create the monocoque structure.

The Monocoque Cabin exemplifies contemporary living spaces that emphasize sustainability by blending traditional and modern techniques, thus minimizing environmental impact while harmonizing with its natural surroundings. Designed for mobility, the cabin can be disassembled and relocated in a matter of days, leaving no permanent impact on the environment. This project by the UK-based Markos Design Workshop showcases the potential of combining modern prefabrication with traditional timber construction methods, highlighting innovative and practical approaches to sustainable architecture. The use of advanced digital manufacturing alongside traditional craftsmanship results in a highly efficient, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing dwelling. The Monocoque Cabin not only reflects a commitment to sustainability but also demonstrates how thoughtful design and engineering can create harmonious, adaptable living spaces that resonate with their natural settings.

Raising a house in a day isn’t just wishful thinking. With the Koda Tiny Prefab it is reality! The innovative design of the product brought forward by Estonian design company Kodasema will allow dismantling or reassembly in just 7 hours! The 25 square-meters base of the Koda makes it suitable for a small plot. If you have a level footing, connection points for water, sewage and electricity you are good to go. Don’t be fooled by the delicate look of the home, because the shell is well-insulated even though it seems thin at firs. Also, the windows are quadruple glazed to insure all the comfort inside. Check out the house plans, watch the video with the construction and good luck with your own building process!

“Much of our quality of life depends on both our home and its location meeting our needs. When choosing where to live however, we may take risks on both fronts. It can be difficult to make major changes to a conventional home as inconvenient and extensive repairs are often involved, or even full demolition and reconstruction.
Moreover, houses and apartments can’t be moved – but KODA can. KODA is free-standing, not fixed to the ground, and its design and structure allow it to be assembled and disassembled many times over. Dismantling and preparation for transport can therefore take as little as four to seven hours – even less if you simply want it to face a different direction. All of this gives you more freedom to make changes to suit your needs.”

If you are planning to buy a house, you should also pay attention to prefab houses. Many people argue that prefab houses are impersonal and it’s hard to find one that reflects their personal style. But there are no general truths and prefab homes can often surprise you in unexpected ways. This stunning house, called M2 is a prefab structure and its inside is a real treasure. The 1240 square feet interior is comprised of 2 bedrooms and 1 and a half bathrooms, completed by a kitchen, diner and living space. Method Homes designed this house in order to fit everyone’s needs and the best thing about prefab structures is that you can buy a smaller house and later add extra space to it. So if you think 1240 square feet are too much for you, choose a smaller version and expand it later if needed. In the case of M2, the bedrooms and the living area are separated by an glass covered bridge, thus giving the impression of two connected homes. The interior is also beautifully decorated in a very simplistic, but elegant way.