Haus.me’s Tiny $90K Prefab Can Be Installed in an Hour—and Even Comes With Cutlery
Welcome to Prefab Profiles, an ongoing series of interviews with people transforming how we build houses. From prefab tiny houses and modular cabin kits to entire homes ready to ship, their projects represent some of the best ideas in the industry. Do you know a prefab brand that should be on our radar? Get in touch!
Max Gerbut started Haus.me in 2017 with one goal in mind. "I set out to create Haus.me as a new construction concept that can change the entire housing and construction industry," says Gerbut, who, before becoming an entrepreneur, was a physicist and industrial designer. "We are building premium, energy-efficient accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to revolutionize the way people live."
Since building a 3D-printed, off-grid home as its first model, Haus.me has expanded their offerings to include both larger and smaller prefabs. We asked Max to tell us about his company’s latest design, the microHaus: a 120-square-foot ADU that can be upgraded to suit off-grid sites.
Like Haus.me’s large mOne and mTwo models, the structure of the microHaus is made from recycled polymers. The premium version of the home switches out the synthetic material for others, like carbon fiber and stainless steel that better protect the home against extreme weather.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve realized to date?
One of the first microHaus models that we shipped was to a client in Portland, Oregon. They use it as an ADU and Airbnb rental. The client was so impressed by the functionality of the microHaus and the feedback he received from his guests that he became an investor in the company. Many clients use the microHaus as a guesthouse or ADU and we are currently exploring the possibility of using it for hospitality and hotels.
Equipped with everything from appliances and furniture to glassware and cutlery, the microHaus can be installed and ready to use in under an hour once it arrives on site.
The bed remains stationary in the Lite model. In the Pro and Premium models, it conceals a table and benches that can be used by folding the mattress up against the window.
What does your base model cost and what does that pricing include?
Our base model is the microHaus. It is 120 square feet and starts at $89,990. It comes fully assembled and equipped with everything needed to live, including high-end appliances, HVAC, and built-in furniture down to wine glasses, towels, and utensils. All of our models include high-end European furniture and fixtures, ceramic floors, natural wood and stone elements, window curtains, and washable soft textile wall panels.
What qualities make your prefab stand apart from the rest?
The microHaus uses recyclable materials and up to 80 percent less energy and water than traditional buildings. It was recently received an award for its high mobility and energy efficiency. It is also fully "plug and play" and can be installed in less than an hour.
The higher-end versions of the microHaus feature storage with sliding trays. This is replaced with open cabinetry in the Lite model.
The toilet and open shower are combined into a wet room with teak flooring.
Curtains slide up from the floor to help block sunlight or enhance privacy. The upholstery on the bed and wall panels lining the nook is washable.
Where does Haus.me ship?
Our production facility is in Southern California and we can ship anywhere in the world.
Is your design currently pre-permitted in any U.S. municipalities?
Yes, it is pre-permitted for most U.S. municipalities.
Are there plans to expand to different parts of the world?
After moving from Ukraine due to the war, we just opened our first assembly plant in Southern California, where we are assembling and shipping our Haus.me models, starting with the microHaus. We ship all over the U.S. and the world. While we plan to expand our fabrication, we are focusing on North America first.
The wood-like flooring is made from ceramic tile, which comes with electric heating in the Pro and Premium models.
The kitchenette in the higher-end models comes with a sink, microwave, and refrigerator. The Lite model reserves this corner of the unit for a dedicated workspace.
How long can a client expect the process to take after they put down a deposit?
Three to four months, depending on the unit.
What aspects of an install do you manage?
The microHaus is unique in that it requires no permits, foundation, or any pipes. It essentially hooks up as easily as an RV. We manage the entire process and the installation process takes less than an hour.
What aspects of the design can a client customize?
Our mOne and mTwo models are fully customizable. Customers can choose the color themes, layout, shading system, battery, and plumbing options. The units can also be made to run partially or fully "off-grid."
Each of the microHaus models come with interior and exterior LEDs that respond to motion and ambient lighting.
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