The homes are also ENERGY STAR compliant. Models range from a traditional four-square style to modern takes on the classic mid-century ranch, chalet, one-level universal living, the farmhouse, and Craftsman style.

Dvele recently announced DveleIQ, its five-step, smart-home approach to prefab. In a press release, Dvele pointed out that smart thermostats and integrated systems like Alexa or Google Assistant are Level 3: DveleIQ is Level 5. Matt Howland, the president of Dvele, said that they wanted to help push the industry forward. To do that, they built the first fully integrated, intelligent, software-defined home that complements their self-powered home product. The system includes 300 data feeds (via sensors) that measure VOCs, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other particulates and toxins that are immediately reduced through fresh-air delivery. 

Shelter Dynamics 

This California company innovated the Flex House, a small footprint, energy-efficient, factory-built smart house that’s cost-effective, healthy, sustainable, and delightful to inhabit. Designed by modular housing pioneer Jim Gregory, the Flex House includes:

• A 2.5 kW solar array (with optional upgrades, battery backup, and full off-the-grid capability)
• All-LED lighting with smart home automation control
• A mini-split heat pump HVAC system
• Double-glazed windows, and 
• R-40 insulation in the floor and ceiling and R-30 insulation in the walls. 

Urbaneer 

Inspired by homes they enjoyed in Europe, the founders of Urbaneer designed three modular home models (with more to come). All three allow homeowners to live large in 300 to 1,800 square feet—due, in part, to innovative convertible spaces. The Huron has a hidden wall-bed system. The Grand is a one-bedroom, two-level home with a movable-track wall system that easily converts rooms from one use to another. The Tioga started it all with its European-inspired design and the patented room-transforming innovations for which Urbaneer is now known. 

Pacific Homes

What's your style? Whether mountain modern, alpine cottage, ranch, coastal contemporary, Pacific Homes works with homeowners to design their home from one of Pacific's plans or with customization. Based in British Columbia, Canada, but available all over North America, the company uses its own Pacific SmartWall® System. The wall assembly is up to 128% more energy-efficient than traditional construction. It provides high and effective R-values for floors, ceilings, and walls. The system also reduces noise and increases air quality. We're especially enamored with an off-grid home built by one of the employees in Cowichan Valley, BC, an energy-efficient cottage on Vancouver Island. 

Linwood Homes 

Within Linwood Homes' eight model collections (which include ranch-style, post-and-beam, and modern homes, as well as cottages and cabins), are a wide variety of designs. Using prefabricated materials and paying close attention to site characteristics, the Canadian company also customizes its models to meet homeowner wishes.

Honomobo 

Honomobo's prefab shipping-container homes are factory-built using rigid steel. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, minimalist style that integrates indoor and outdoor living. The H Series ranges from a plug-and-play home office or studio to a four-bedroom, three-bath, 1920-square-foot home comprised of 6 x 40' shipping containers and large glass walls. The California company also can outfit the homes with solar arrays to make them net-positive. 

Kodasema

The Koda is a free-standing compact house designed to be installed and uninstalled in various locations and for an array of functions. Kodasema, based in Estonia, created the timber-frame, factory constructed houses to leave a small footprint in terms of transport pollution, worker safety, construction waste, and urban noise. The homes are delivered with a trailer in one piece. Installation takes less than a day. From the micro-loft to the Koda Float (a micro-house on pontoons) to the popular Koda Concrete (constructed with CLT), the offerings are small, beautiful, and sustainable. 

Bensonwood 

A certified Passive House builder, Bensonwood takes sustainable prefab to a new level with its PHlexible Passive House wall system. The New Hampshire company utilizes its scalable, panelized building enclosure system combined with proper site orientation, square footage, and size and types of windows to achieve Passive House standards. In collaboration with LakelFlato and KieranTimberlake, Bensonwood has also created OpenHome with three models. Built to Passive House standards and without toxic interior finishes, the three models are also customizable. 

Ecocor 

The Maine company Ecocor offers prefabricated, architect-designed homes built to meet Passive House standards. The company sources materials locally. Natural wood is prioritized, but engineered materials are used when they serve a specific function. Heating and cooling, indoor air quality, and moisture are controlled by the Ecocor Passiv Wall, which includes 8 inches of continuous insulation installed in the factory and in the field for no thermal bridging. The Solsken models range from ADUs to four-bedroom homes.