This European Tiny Home Builder Has Its Sights Set on America

Welcome to Prefab Profiles, an ongoing series of interviews with people transforming how we build houses. From prefab tiny houses and modular cabin kits to entire homes ready to ship, their projects represent some of the best ideas in the industry. Do you know a prefab brand that should be on our radar? Get in touch!

Manta North was founded by timber-industry professionals in Riga, Latvia, in 2018. With backgrounds in building, they decided to start making prefab homes made from of cross-laminated timber, which allows them to create efficient, durable homes with minimal material to maximize living spaces. We asked Linda Klētniece, a managing partner at Manta, to tell us what’s new with the company, which now has its sights set on the U.S. market.

What’s the most exciting project you've realized to date?

Nestled between a volcano and the ocean in West Iceland, this project is one of our favorites at Manta North. It perfectly embodies our ethos: creating homes that not only can brave challenging weather conditions, much like those in Iceland, but also fit seamlessly with the surrounding nature. The clients, a creative couple, prioritized minimalism and a deep connection with nature for their holiday home. They envisioned a space that complemented their outdoor-centric lifestyle, and Manta North’s prefab model perfectly matched this aspiration. This design choice not only provided them with a tranquil escape but also ensured minimal environmental impact in the pristine setting.

One of the standout features they appreciated was the off-site construction. The house was efficiently installed overnight, and by the very next morning, they were welcoming neighbors for a coffee into their new home.

What are your designs intended as?

Beyond just a physical structure, Manta North’s homes reflect the modern owner’s values: functionality, great design, and adaptability. Serving as a primary residence, guesthouse, backyard studio, or weekend getaway, the design seamlessly caters to diverse needs. Easily relocated if plans change, it resonates with Scandinavian aesthetics and natural materials. It’s not about just providing a place to live—it’s about crafting a space that embodies the spirit of today’s adaptive and vibrant lifestyles.

What does your base model cost and what does that pricing include? 

All our models are delivered fully functional for immediate living, featuring a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, and lighting and natural finishes. A fully finished 430-square-foot house starts at $249,000 in the U.S. In European countries, we present three size options: 25 square meters, 48, and 73, with prices ranging from €76,500 to €195,000. Each of our homes can be transported to the location as a single, finished piece, prepared for immediate connection.