‘Grand Designs’ prefab house launched

Architectural practice Richard Hywel Evans (RHE) has launched a modular home concept that aims to offer Grand Designs styling at an affordable price.

The design responds to preconceptions that prefabricated homes are often not the most aesthetically appealing.

Named nHouse, the three-bedroom home can be built either as a standalone property, in a pair as a semi-detached house, or in a terrace. The home is quoted as costing at £190,000 for the delivery and set-up.

It will be constructed from cross-laminated timber and is designed to be assembled in three days. Kitchens, bathrooms and all plasterwork are completed offsite.

Richard Hywel Evans, director at RHE, was quoted in Building Design saying: “Often I see these standard houses being produced which are mostly built on a budget with an eye on the bottom line, rather than focusing on the happiness of the end occupier.

“I designed the nHouse as I wanted to put design first and see if we can build a home that makes people happy and yet still allows the building industry to make a sufficient profit,” he continued.

Although currently still a concept, a prototype that will act as a show home is planned to be built later this year.

The concept was launched last week at the Mipim property conference in Cannes, where housing minister Gavin Barwell met with Hywel Evans to discuss the project.

I designed the nHouse as I wanted to put design first and see if we can build a home that makes people happy and yet still allows the building industry to make a sufficient profit.– Richard Hywel Evans, RHE