I really like the ideabox, and I think for the price and style it is my favorite that I have found so far.

“It’s like a loft you can take anywhere.”

It’s “Hip & Green.”

Ideabox emphasizes good design, not square footage, and they make it very attractive. With Ideabox, you’re going to get the entire package delivered right to your site. It takes one day to install it, another day to build the deck, and your ready to go. Depending on your site, all you really need to do is set up the water, power, septic, and sewer systems.

The exterior of each ideabox comes with standing seam metal roofing, Galvalume & fiber-cement siding, and low-e windows. Inside, the ceiling, walls, and floors are fully insulated and sealed for maximum efficiency. Interiors include hard surface flooring throughout (bamboo, wood, marmoleum), contemporary cabinets and countertops. Each ideabox is wired for digital entertainment. Appliance packages include ENERGY STAR convection ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers and even a built-in wine cooler.

There are two models in production: the Northwest Modern, a 400sf. 1BR built to RV/Park Model code (around $75k); the Confluence Modern, a 840sf. 2BR built to the Federal HUD Code/site-built modular codes (around $85k). Download a pdf file of Confluence Modern. (Note flyer says 803sf actual 840sf per ideabox)

They even have an off-grid and wireless option. Using Uni-solar panels and solar power system from Solar Summit - panels fit between standing seams on the roof; inverters, charging units and batteries are housed in a special box - and the rest of the house is wireless.

Transported behind a semi (built on a chassis) and brought in one piece to your prepared site.  It can be placed on concrete slab or gravel/pier blocks.  Ideabox includes 100 miles of free delivery, otherwise it is about 5.00/mile (at todays gas prices).

A very attractive and functional modern small home. Based in Salem, Oregon and shipping all over the west. To learn more visit the ideabox site.

Following are a few pictures and a floor plan.

Floor Plan

Kitchen

Living Space

Exterior View

Build Your Own Community

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If your looking for that house for under $20k, look no further than Global Portable Buildings, Inc. of Santa Rosa, California. They make a standard storage container into a very livable structure, which is also very affordable.

Global Portable Buildings, Inc. build the “Ultimate” with its modern finished kitchen, bathroom and extra room (8′ x 40′ model). Their most complete portable building. Standard features include kitchen, bathroom (with shower, toilet, sink), AC electrical system, telephone/internet connection, 2″ rigid insulated finished walls and ceiling, windows, entrance door, finished linoleum/vinyl floor and utility room.

Unlike most of their competition, these are available now and all you need to do is place an order. They can be shipped anywhere around the world. These are not just fancy drawings and renditions of ideas.

According to Sean Taylor Vice President of Sales & Marketing. These can not officially be called homes, but what people do with them is their business. Although aimed at the construction industry, you the buyer will need to verify with your area what permits etc. are required.

Some suggested uses are: hunting cabin, guest cabins, mother-in-law cottages, retreats. These are very affordable with the 8 x 20 starting at $16,500 and the 8 x 40 starting at $23,500. Plus shipping to your destination.

Additional options such as solar are available.

Visit their site for a virtual tour and a movie by CBS news.

Tim Gage of Cavco Park Home & Cabins located in Phoenix, AZ and whose company we mentioned in the Tiny Cottages to Go article written a few weeks ago states that they have received many inquiries from the Tiny House Blog readers and found the blog to be very informational. Tim says that Cavco has been manufacturing park models, cabins and small houses for many years. For the past few years we have ventured into the Green Building applications and materials.

Following is a list of items stating what green building techniques are per Building Green Inc. and the U.S. Green Building Council that are being used in the Green Cavco Cabin models:

Recycled tires and axles, I-beam manufactured from scrap, recycled steel. J M’s formaldehyde free fiberglass insulation, finger jointed 2 X 3’s and 2 X 4’s. Low VOC paints. Acrylic caulks. PEX water systems (recyclable with no solvent connections) (Litchfield and RV). DR 24 PVC and ABS drain lines (Durango and RV), less materials with recycled contents. OSB sheathing. Smart Side Siding. Cemplank siding. Rebond (recycled) carpet pad. Type 6 nylon carpet from Shaw. Gypsum panels (recycled paper). Energy Star appliances (most standard models and all up grades). Whole hose attic ventilation system (ventalaire 4). Title 24 lighting (Durango and RV option). Insulated windows (low e on some models both in recyclable aluminum and vinyl). Insulated fiberglass (50 year warranty) exterior entry doors. Water saver toilets, tub and shower diverters. Quick recovery water heaters and tank-less (gas and electric) option at both Durango and RV. Aluminum (recyclable) mini-blinds. Recyclable shower doors (listed in both publications). Concrete tile roofs (manufactured locally saving fuel to deliver). Congoleum vinyl flooring. Hamilton mud’s and joint compounds. LP radiant barrier OSB. Broan whole house venting system and “low sones quite fans”. Solar package (As Durango is proto typing). FSC grade stamped lumber (UFPI California division) AVAILABLE. JM’s no formaldehyde fiberglass insulation. Cellulose (recycled paper) insulation with Borax for flame retardants. Pressure balance tub/shower fixtures (anti-scald) are used in our IRC products.

Below are two pictures featuring the green cabins designed and available from Cavco Park Home & Cabins. Please visit their site to learn more about them.