Once upon a time, prefab homes were more known for their practicality than they were for their looks. Not so anymore.
Consider this mod little number by Dutch prefab company Cubicco. With its sleek lines, high ceilings, and indoor-outdoor appeal, the 685-square-foot home is designed to turn heads and stand up to the ugliest of storms.
Located in Homestead, Florida—an area that was devastated 25 years ago by Hurricane Andrew—the model home is an example of what the future of storm-strong building might look like.
Prefabricated, or modular, homes are defined by the way they’re built—piece by piece in a warehouse, as opposed to directly on site (they’re later assembled at their destination). In addition to their storm-proof muscle, they’re often attractive for buyers because they come much cheaper and can be constructed in less time than a traditional site-built home (making them prime and frequent candidates for post-hurricane relief housing).
Cubicco’s homes are built of laminated wood, rubber, and cork with impact-resistant doors and windows. As a package, they’re rated to withstand 180 MPH winds (well over the 157 MPH wind speed that classifies a Category 5 hurricane).
That storm worthiness was recently tested during Hurricanes Irma and Maria, when several Cubicco structures were pummeled in the Caribbean and Florida and came through completely unscathed.
