This Off-Grid Prefab Is All About Location, Location, Location

The idea for a completely off-grid prefab came to Mario Ojalo while observing urbanization patterns and land constraints during his travels around the world. "I noticed there isn't much habitable land left," he says. "Or, where there is, the land itself is very expensive."

Removing barriers to habitability, Ojalo, the CEO of Swedish prefab builder iOhouse, dreamt of a dwelling that could easily be placed in any location—even a remote one—without reliance on the grid. "We wanted to give people the option to live in places where it had not been possible before," he shares.

It was from this lofty goal that The Space was born: a compact, entirely off-grid dwelling with considered design and bespoke interiors. Despite its small footprint—only 60 square meters, or about 650 square feet—no modern convenience is spared. In addition to built-in water, power, and sewer systems, the home has integrated WiFi along with a security system and smart home capabilities. To boot, it is movable and transportable, replacing the permanence of traditional home ownership with freedom and flexibility.

"People can place The Space somewhere for a certain time, then move it after a few years to a new location. By the sea, in the mountains—wherever life takes them," muses Ojalo.