Classic Balinese Indonesia Structures

The most efficient systems are the simplest. My basic philosophy has always been to build a house that improves the environment instead of compromising it. I want to help people ground back into the earth, into nature.

THE POST – AND – BEAM CONSTRUCTION of traditional Asian houses makes them quite versatile. These timber-frame structures are built with precut parts ready to assemble on-site or to dismantle and carry out to a different location.

This chapter features Asian-Inspired timber-frame products developed by innovative companies offering houses made with prefabricated modular components, or “kits” – The Bali T-house developed by Tony Gwilliam, The Minahasa House of Carey Smoot, Source tropical, the Rikyu prototype developed by Paul Discoe. Joinery Structures and the Haiku House produced by Charla Honea.

These high-quality “houses-to-go” are rewriting the definition of kit houses. Besides the strong aesthetic appeal of these Asian-Inspired designs, their modular systems give them wide flexibility with floor plans. As these designs illustrate, prefabrication does not limit the homeowner to generic and identical results. Their affordability and durability make them further attractive Committed to earth-friendly design; these companies build their products with natural, nontoxic and reused wood materials.