Plant Prefab and Koto Launch New Net-Zero Homes With Scandinavian Style

Sustainable, stylish, and packed with smart tech—the latest LivingHomes are here just in time for Earth Day.

Apr 21, 2020 - 16:17

Plant Prefab and Koto Launch New Net-Zero Homes With Scandinavian Style

Sustainable, stylish, and packed with smart tech—the latest LivingHomes are here just in time for Earth Day.

Wrapped in timber, the 1,016-square-foot Koto LivingHome 1 (Yksi) includes two bedrooms and a flex room on the first floor, while the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area are located on the floor above.

Plant Prefab has teamed up with UK-based Koto to launch a pair of Scandinavian-inspired prefab homes that can generate all of their own energy. The two-bed, one-bath Yksi (Finnish for "first") and the four-bed, three-bath Piha (Finnish for "courtyard") emphasize indoor/outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces, and a natural material palette.

Koto is the first international firm to collaborate on Plant Prefab’s LivingHomes line. The customizable homes are designed by renowned architects—such as Ray Kappe, KieranTimberlake, Yves Béhar, and Brooks + Scarpa—and utilize the company’s patented prefab system, which reduces build times by at least 50% compared to traditional construction.

Koto and Plant Prefab will work directly with the homeowner to determine optimal site placement and adhere to energy-saving passive solar principles.

"Our mission is to make great architecture more accessible and affordable," says Plant Prefab CEO Steve Glenn. "To do this, we’re looking to work with the best design practices globally—firms whose missions align with ours—so we can bring their designs to life in the most sustainable and efficient way possible."

Koto’s minimalist design approach has resulted in two simple yet sculptural LivingHomes that are primarily built from natural materials and designed to encourage environmental stewardship and connections with nature.