One of the coolest debuts at the dwell on Design Conferences and Exhibition in Los Angeles last month (June 7-8) is hopefully going to set future trends for economical, eco-friendly housing. HOM Escape in Style is a line of home design products created by top-notch designers, who reimagined the concept of manufactured houses and the accompanying furnishings, lighting, textiles and accessories.

The HOM designers wanted to usher a connection with nature in a way that was cost-effective, low-impact on the environment and stylish. It is difficult to call these residences “pre-fab” because there is such an incredible focus on the craft and materials used.

Furthermore, these residences are not just slapped together from sub-standard materials in a factory in China, but rather carefully built and transported by expert teams in North America (thus eliminating the extensive carbon footprint transportation cost across the ocean).

There are three different models:
1,000 square foot, 2 bedroom/2 bathroom
2,000 square foot, 3 or 4 bedroom/3 bathroom
3,600 square foot, 4, 5 or 6 bedroom/4 bathroom

Lead time is only 3 to 4 months from time of purchase, and you can purchase one for the reasonable price of $200/square foot (depending on options). Additionally, the factory process means equals a more environmentally conscious end product than traditional construction, and also limits the waste, material and labor requirements of traditionally built houses.

The concept of living lightly on the land, with style, and close to nature, is further emphasized by the additional accessories and custom finishes, including furniture lighting, textiles and accessories made from natural, non-toxic and sustainably-derived materials.

Designed to sit lightly in the environment the homes incorporating a foundation system that doesn’t affect the natural terrain, and offers homeowners flexibility to move the HOM to another site.

At this point you may guess that I am incredibly enthusiastic about this type of housing option for the market, simply because I have seen way too many ugly, sad and depressing tract homes sprawling across the cities, towns and suburbs of our country.

It is time that designers of affordable homes begin to take responsibility for crafting more sustainable residences that tread lightly on the land while offering a connection to the outdoors. Living in a comfortable, good looking home shouldn’t just be reserved for the privileged, it is a right for all.

–Kate Bailey

Technorati Tags: HOM, Dwell on Design Conference 2008, best prefab, affordable housing, well-designed prefab homes, affordable sustainable homes, new HUD housing

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