Blu Homes launches 16 new prefab home designs, including new tiny homes

As a dynamic force in the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/prefab/">prefabricated green building industry</a>, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/blu-homes/">Blu Homes</a> has consistently been pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency and design for many years. That's why we're excited to announce that the California based prefab home manufacturer is unveiling a bunch of new house designs in a wider variety of sizes and at dramatically lower price points than ever before. Inhabitat visited their historic 250,000 square-foot factory in Vallejo, Northern California to get the scoop. Read on for the exclusive details.

Inhabitat has been covering <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/blu-homes/">Blu Homes</a> ever since it was a newcomer on the prefab scene in 2008. We’ve watched their designs develop and evolve, as they moved operations from the East Coast to the West coast, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/breaking-news-blu-homes-acquires-michelle-kaufman-prefab-designs/">acquired green prefab architect Michelle Kaufmann's designs</a> and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/blu-homes-acquires-modular-home-builder-modern-cabana/"> tiny home builder Modern Cabana</a>, and established themselves as the prefab home industry leader behind the now iconic <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/breezehouse/">Breezehouse</a>.

The reasons for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/history-of-prefabricated-housing/">building homes inside a factory</a> are many: climate-controlled factories allow for a much higher level of precision in manufacturing, than a rotating crew working outside over many weeks to cut and attach 2X4s through a wide variety of weather (including rain that warps wood and joints). Factories that are set up with an assembly-line allow for standardization and systemization of materials and labor, creating cost efficiencies and faster time to finished product. For homeowners concerned about energy-efficiency, you need a tightly sealed, well-crafted house in order to lower monthly energy bills and meet Net Zero or Passive House requirements. This type of super-insulated, super-sealed building is far easier to manufacture inside of a factory, where highly insulative <a href="http://inhabitat.com/infographic-the-benefits-of-structural-insulated-panels/">SIPs</a> (<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/structural-insulated-panels/">structural insulation panels</a>) are easy to create in a standardized form. For all of these reasons, prefab building is becoming an increasingly popular way to get a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/could-this-venture-backed-zero-energy-house-revolutionize-the-home-building-industry/">Net Zero Energy home</a>, a green home or a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/6-tiny-homes-under-50000-you-can-buy-right-now/">tiny home</a>. And many customers are interested in a prefab home simply because it is a great way to get their home built faster, better and for a lower price point.

Blu Homes prefab houses are constructed at this 275,000 square feet building on Mare island.

An interior view of Blu Homes factory in Vallejo, CA. During WW2 this historic old building was used to manufacture submarines. Much of Mare Island was abandoned and in disrepair - including this old factory - until Blu Homes rehabilitated it to turn into their home-producing factory. This historic space contains several unique features which are still used today, such as cranes from 1939.

All sixteen Blu Homes leave their Mare Island, Vallejo factory <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?s=leed+silver">LEED Silver</a> certifiable and solar power ready, with the option of being set up to achieve net zero energy status- a wise move since <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/experts/meg-waltner/new-california-building-efficiency-standards-set-stage-zero-net-energy-homes">California is mandating all new homes to be net zero energy by 2020</a>. ypically their <a href="http://inhabitat.com/?s=prefab">prefab</a> homes take twenty-four weeks to complete, which is roughly half the time it takes to complete a conventional custom home.

The Cabana (640 sq. ft) and Cabana Mini (400 sq. ft.) provide the smallest footprints of Blu Home's new designs. These studio-style structures offer flexibility for home expansion and can even function independently as tiny homes.

The larger Cabana Plus (840 sq. ft) is available in 1 or two bedroom configurations making it the ideal choice for a bachelor pad or granny flat.

At ~640 sq. ft., the Lotus Mini is the same size as the Cabana Plus, though it boasts a more luxurious take on the “tiny home” with options to customize storage from California Closets and features like wine fridges for the perfect wine country accessory dwelling unity. Those desiring more privacy might be drawn to the full sized ~1,600 sq. ft. Lotus with more space between its 2 bedrooms and shared spaces and folding glass walls that allow for indoor/outdoor living.

The two-story 2,000 sq. ft. Modern Farmhouse draws inspiration from California’s rich farming history and blends a classic gabled look with modern, California inspired design. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, an office nook, and a high ceilinged open living plan, the Farmhouse is perfect for families, particularly those who appreciate ample storage space.

The Farmhouse Mini is a smaller 1,600 sq. ft. version of the Modern Farmhouse with the option of 2 or 3 bedrooms, but still features an open living plan and the signature attic loftspace Like all versions of the Farmhouse, the Mini also offers the option of folding window walls to invite the outdoors in.

The Farmhouse Plus, at 3,200 sq. ft. is a larger version of the Farmhouse with 4 and 5 bedroom configurations, 4 baths, and both a large office space and workspace. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without its "signature Farmhouse loftspace."

The single story 2,600 sq. ft. Aire embraces openness with a double-sized Breezespace and spacious kitchen and dining area while a private bedroom wing and dedicated office nook provide the necessary space to recharge and recollect.

The two-story, 2,400 sq. ft. Solaire Home makes copious use of natural light, and is designed for urban living with roof decks, 3 bedrooms, an office, and an open living plan.

Abundant glass and a canted roofline (ideal for solar) is sure to make the Solaire home stand out in any neighborhood.

The Breezehouse, originally designed by Michelle Kaufmann in 2005 and acquired by Blu Homes in 2009 is an icon of modern residential design. Featuring an open floor plan of 3400 sq. ft. and 4 bedrooms, with copious windows and expanding glass doors, the Breezehouse is designed for indoor/outdoor living.

In this photograph of a living room in the center of Breezehouse, you can see how spacious and "breezy" the floorplan feels, with the high ceilings and clerestory windows.

A photograph of the interior dining table room in a Breezhouse, with ample natural light and visual connections to outdoor space.

The Breezehouse Mini is a smaller version of the iconic modern prefab Breezehouse, at 2,000 sq. ft. and 3 bedrooms.

The Breeze Plus Home, at 4,300 sq. ft., is exactly what it sounds like - a super-sized version of the iconic green prefab home, the Breezehouse. For those who need more space, the Breeze Plus Home is the largest version of the Breezehouse yet, and includes a dedicated media room / library, spacious master bedroom, and huge corner kitchen.

The Sidebreeze is basically a 2-story Breezhouse compressed into a smaller footprint for urban infill lots. At 3450 sq ft, it has 4 bedrooms, a roof deck, and a generous open "Breezespace".

The Sidebreeze Max is gigantic - for large families or families who want to live large. At 5950 sq ft, this supersized abode provides all the perks of the Sidebreeze, with the addition of a whole extra wing. The potential for seven bedrooms or extra office space make the Sidebreeze Max Blu’s biggest home yet.

As a dynamic force in the prefabricated green building industry, Blu Homes has consistently been pushing the boundaries of prefab home design for many years. That's why we're excited to announce that the California-based prefab home manufacturer is unveiling a bunch of new house designs in a wider variety of sizes including some new tiny homes and a charming prefab farmhouse. Inhabitat visited their historic 250,000 square-foot factory in Vallejo, Northern California to get the scoop....<br><br><a href='https://inhabitat.com/blu-homes-launches-16-new-affordable-prefab-home-designs-including-new-tiny-homes/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

Blu Homes' mission is "to provide home buyers and institutions worldwide with green buildings that are beautifully designed, high quality, healthy, and economical."

The tiniest member of the Inhabitat team (Fehren) helps us check out the new design. He explores the very inviting kids bedroom in Blu Homes' model show home Breezehouse in Vallejo, CA.