Temporary quarters or additional space...prefab modules with off-grid options

[Dover]

A little pricey but for those who are handy it might generate some ideas for diy project.
Check out their solar version.

http://www.kithaus.com/




Collect water off the roof with a cheap 50 gallon rain barrel setup, or throw some money at one of these and use it for everything from drinking to outdoor showers to landscape use (even fits under a deck):
http://www.waterhog.com.au/

Bigger under-deck/house unit if needed (the Aussies are ahead on good design):
http://www.rainreviva.com.au/default.asp

[drmeow]

1. IKEA houses! n/t

[CoffeeCat]

2. LOL!

That's too funny. Perfect.

:rofl:

[drmeow]

3. Even the text on their website

looks like IKEA text to me.

I always love it when someone enjoys my jokes :)

[diane in sf]

4. Cute! But I'd rather build a strawbale house.

[Dover]

5. Love strawbale, but don't think of them as 'temporary' or quick to build or dismantle by comparison.

It really just depends on what the intention/use would be I suppose.

In a community emergency situation I can imagine placing several similar type modules under one large metal roof structure (that can eventually be fitted to collect rainwater for all the units and/or provide a broader area for solar panels), all arranged in a square around a central area that serves as a common inner courtyard space, or perhaps a shared kitchen and common room....something like that.

It could also be an off-grid 'room' used in conjunction with an on-grid house, in the event there was an interruption to the grid services (while also being utilized as an office/guest room or whatever). However, for the same cost one might be able to come close to retrofitting their entire existing house with these off-grid technologies. I'd have to do a cost comparison. Of course, if the longterm objective is to become energy self-sufficient, then it doesn't make sense to continue thinking of off-grid as simply an emergency fall back position.