AbleNook: Rapidly Deployable Modular Dwelling

[Shankapotomus]

http://www.ablenook.com/

AbleNook is a rapidly deployable portable structure comprised of interlocking components which can be assembled by unskilled laborers in a short period of time (without tools!). These components are shipped flat-packed in order to maximize the number of families who are helped in disaster areas, while reducing transportation costs and waste.
SPECIFICATIONS (SINGLE MODULE PROTOTYPE VERSION):
Length: 20'-0"
Height: 13'-0" (Variable depending on Terrain)
Ceiling Height: 10'
Flat packable to fit in approximately a 4'W X 8'L X 6'H cube

Kickstarter campaign: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/940901690/ablenook-rapidly-deployable-modular-dwelling-0?ref=card

[Curmudgeoness]

1. Where do you go to the bathroom?

Why am I skeptical that this can be put together, with plumbing, by unskilled labor?

I was thinking this would be great until my mind started working too hard.

[Shankapotomus]

2. I think it's intended as just general shelter

in an emergency. I posted this for the off-griders, who would know what to do with this, provided the eventual price point turns out to be a reasonable one. I would basically use this as a stylish off-grid hut in conjunction with solar panels for electric, an outhouse and hand transported water from nearby sources.

Since it's intended first as an emergency shelter, I'm hoping the cost will be kept low, unlike many modular designs. I posted this because I hope it will prove a successful and frugal exception, but as you, I have my doubts too.

[SeanVerdecia]

3. We have posted the prices

Thank you for posting this. It's ironic that we didn't set out to design something stylish. We felt that designer's egos were mucking up the functional potential of modular dwellings. The way it looks is based off of necessity/logic.

The rear mechanical deck has enough room to accept a comfortably sized bathroom module. It's simply a matter of hooking a hose and sewer drain/septic tank to the prefitted panels. Also you should know that the small size you see is not what is intended for disaster relief. We couldn't build a larger unit because we had only a small amount of grant money to use, along with throwing in our own paychecks, eating ramen noodles to this day...I think we spent about $17k, which is amazing for a first try.

Let me know if you have any questions. I like to make sure this idea is mostly bullet proof.

Best,
Sean
[e-mail]

[Shankapotomus]

4. You're welcome

It's a good cause with dual potential in both emergency and green movement applications. Intended or not, I think minimal footprint housing was in desperate need of modern design and you've achieved that spectacularly.

I looked under "pricing" on your site but it still says "Price: TBD."

[Kali]

5. bottom of the kickstarter page

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/940901690/ablenook-rapidly-deployable-modular-dwelling-0?ref=card

FAQ WHAT DOES IT COST?

In response to many questions we've received about private purchasing, we wanted to give everyone a quick breakdown. Pricing is an ongoing process which takes into account many cross-disciplinary industries which are constantly in flux as the design improves!

Currently the projected cost of the AbleNook is as followed:

Prototype 1x: 8'x20'x13'h (64SF Interior, 160SF Total Flooring Surface Area, 10' ceilings) w/ porch, loft, wood floors and rear mechanical/module deck starting at $16,000.

Prototype 3x: 8'x36'x13'h (192SF Interior, 10' ceilings) w/ porch, loft, wood floors and rear mechanical/module deck starting at $35,000.

more at link

[Kali]

6. really cool