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It’s no secret that here at Field Mag, we have an affinity for mid-century modern design, so the California-based prefab company kitHAUS caught our eye quickly. With designs inspired by the work of LA architects Richard Neutra and Charles and Ray Eames, kitHAUS prefab cabins are stylish and contemporary, although probably more suited for a backyard art studio than roughing it deep in the wilderness.
Founded in 2005 in Southern California, kitHAUS is a tried and true prefab studio. Their portfolio consists of modules K3 through K9, each gradually increasing in size and amenities.
Generally, all kitHAUS cabins can be set up on or off-grid, do not require a foundation, are delivered flat-pack, built with sustainable, durable materials, and assembled using the company’s patented locking system, which bolts pieces together conveniently.
Additions like canopies, decks, louvers, and lofts can be added to all models, while kitchens and bathrooms can be added to model K4 and up. Options for interior finishes include white shiplap horizontal siding or finished/unfinished birch with maple hardwood or plywood flooring.
On the outside, the signature wooden louvers of the kitHAUS can be combined with corrugated metal or hardwood siding for a sleek look that's more weather resistant.
Structurally insulated floors, walls, and ceilings, and high quality dual glazed windows and doors help regulate temperature in a kitHAUS, and sustainable options like solar power can be added to establish some renewable energy.
Perhaps because the company has been around for some time now, kitHAUS is impressively upfront with their pricing, details, and terms. Their most popular model, the 117-square-foot K3, starts at just $28k, while the K7, K8 and K9 series, which include both a bathroom and kitchen, start at $87k. All add-ons, like the options mentioned above, come at an additional costs. kitHAUS requires 50% down payment and 50% at time of delivery, which takes about 6-14 weeks.
With 15 years of experience in the prefab game, one may safely assume kitHAUS to be a reliable player in an increasingly congested prefab cabin space—when you're investing heavily, experience and reliability should not be overlooked. Yes, the cabins appear to be best suited for a backyard art studio or swanky living room extension, but that won't stop us from day dreaming of dropping one at the end of a long gravel driveway before a sweeping view of the forest floor. After all, there's nothing in the brand's literature that suggests it wouldn't work... now we just need find an extra hundred Gs.
Published 06-28-2021
