Plugin House is a prefabricated modular housing system based on integrated, insulated panels (SIPs). The highly-customizable system can be used to construct durable, rapid-build housing that meets a variety of standalone or community needs, such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), transitional housing, and larger-scale institutional projects.

Plugin House is built of prefabricated modular panels. Our proprietary technology produces structural panels that include insulation, interior and exterior surfaces, electrical conduit and fastening mechanisms molded into one. The panels consist of sheet metal on each side with a core of high-density closed-cell polyurethane insulation. The integrated fastening system is operated with a hex wrench so that only one tool is needed to build a Plugin House. Compared to other types of structural insulated panels (SIPs) on the market, the SIPs we use are more durable and much easier to assemble.

Plugin Houses are built with many uniquely shaped panels but the average size is around 3’ x 10’. The standard thickness is 3” however they can be produced in greater thicknesses when necessary. Panels weigh approximately 3lbs/sf.

Yes! Plugin House uses high-density, closed-cell, polyurethane foam insulation, the highest quality insulation on the market. Typically used in freezers this insulation is over 2.5 times as energy efficient as fiberglass batt insulation most often used in wood-framed homes.

The prefabricated system produces almost no construction waste and is efficient to ship. The house can even be disassembled, reconfigured and reused.

In addition, Plugin House has an extremely tight building envelope. The house is draft free and very well sealed; thermal breaks are integrated into the building system. The units use considerably less energy to heat and cool than traditional stick-built structures, reducing energy costs up to 60%.

Plugin House can be assembled by four people, using basic tools—usually in less than a day.

Installation of utilities is a service we provide to our customers. Electrical wiring is integrated into the walls. Plumbing is hidden within bathroom and kitchen cabinets.

The metal surface of Plugin House panels functions as the interior and exterior finishing material. The panels can be painted, or other exterior finishing options can be applied, including exterior siding products. The interior can also be finished with drywall.

Plugin House can be installed in a suburban backyard, a rural property, a dedicated lot, or a lot for multiple residential units. The system can also be adapted to difficult-to-access locations in dense urban neighborhoods, or used to upgrade historic or disused structures.

Plugin House can be set on the types of foundations commonly used for houses. Slab-on-grade and pier-and-beam foundations have been most commonly used for Plugin House.

No, there is no off-gassing with our panels.

No, the panels contain no wood and therefore would not attract termites and are not susceptible to mold and rot. The closed cell foam insulation means that water cannot penetrate the material.

The life span of Plugin House is the same or greater than that of a typical house.

The Backyard Plugin House is extremely versatile—the possibilities are nearly endless. Here are a few ways it can be used:

● Remote working: Plugin House is a quick and inexpensive way to create a quiet place for work, meetings, or video calls.

● Guest House: Space for visitors, extended family, care-givers, or domestic help.

● Hobby space: A backyard Plugin can function as an art studio, an exercise space, a workshop, and more.

● Rental Income

● Affordable housing: Because Plugin House is inexpensive, versatile, and can be quickly built, it can be used to increase housing inventory with a fraction of the expense and time required for traditional construction projects.

● Emergency housing: When disaster-relief housing is required on short notice, Plugin Houses can be put up on existing lots at low cost.

● Transitional housing: The Plugin system can be used to build multi-use structures and dwellings in transitional communities for homeless individuals.

● Worker housing: housing for seasonal agricultural workers or for employees in other industries.

● Hospitality: In the hotel industry, at resorts, or at other tourist destinations - including those that may be difficult to access with construction equipment.

● Other possibilities: Private housing developments, retirement communities, recreational clubs, college campuses, and so on.

Yes, the Plugin panel system is very adaptable. We can partner with organizations, governments, corporations, and individuals to design unique Plugin Houses or other facilities for specific situations or challenging sites. This includes transitional and emergency housing. We also have extensive experience using Plugin panels to upgrade or preserve historic or disused buildings.

Plugin Houses currently start at approximately $30,000 for a 200-square foot efficiency unit and go up to about $200,000 for an 1,100-square-foot 3-bedroom unit. These costs include a full suite of required services including permitting, inspections, site work, foundation, framing, installation, utilities, and interiors. Cost may vary due to inflation and supply-chain issues.

While the standard models are not yet commercially available, Plugin House should be ready for purchase in mid-2023.

We’d love to hear from you. Please visit our contact page and send us an email!