Our Top 5 Sustainable Prefabs in 2019

Think Swiss knife with Cocoon9's prefabs: The furniture, appliances, and storage areas open up and fold away into walls, floors, and ceilings to maximize space. As for sustainability, the models incorporate such sustainable materials as F.S.C. certified bamboo and insulated glass with thermally broken aluminum frames. (The term "thermally broken" refers to the window's construction: The aluminum frame window is fabricated with a barrier in between the inside and outside window frames, which prevents the thermal energy loss.) All of the models are also equipped to accommodate solar panels and roof gardens.

2. Deltec: Renew Collection 

Deltec has been designing and constructing prefabs across the U.S. since the late 1960s. Currently, the Asheville, NC, company is being recognized for its energy-efficient prefab models. It's also a certified B Corporation. Deltec’s new Renew Collection is getting a lot of buzz. The models are prefabricated, panelized homes with a passive solar layout that can be net-zero ready. Homebuyers receive energy modeling based on the weather in the homeowner's region, and the company will customize the construction based on-site, climate, and homeowner needs. The Renew prefabs are certified as Zero Energy Ready, Indoor airPLUS, and as ENERGY STAR homes.

For this company, "Energy efficiency and sustainability are at the heart of our design philosophy," according to the website. Stillwater Dwellings' fabrication system utilizes prefabricated panels produced from high-quality, manufactured timber. The company says the timber "is superior to solid, sawn timber from which traditional homes are built." In this way, the construction process doesn't rely on wood from old-growth forests and uses 50 percent fewer materials compared to traditional building methods.

The prefabs are also highly insulated and tightly sealed to reduce energy costs and environmental impacts. Exterior walls are rated at R28 and roofs at R50. Low-VOC paint is used throughout the homes, and kitchen and bathroom countertops are made from recycled glass and porcelain. The homes also come ready to accommodate photovoltaics and electric car chargers.

4. P.A.T.H. by Starck with Riko

Also across the pond, French architect Philippe Starck, in collaboration with the Slovenian building company Riko, has innovated a Prefabricated Accessible Technological Homes (P.A.T.H.). A P.A.T.H. prefab uses an FSC certified wood-frame exterior; the interior walls are filled with cellulose thermal insulation around floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors. The all-wood shell allows clients to maximize energy efficiency and insulation. The framing thickness and insulation can be adapted to fit even the most stringent Passive House standards.