Inhabitat

May 26, 2006

PREFAB FRIDAY: Zenkaya

by NK

We are really excited about the potential of Zenkaya, a great new prefab out of South Africa that has been making the rounds lately. Based on the idea of providing “a headache free process with cutting edge design,” Zenkaya literally references a Zen approach to housing (kaya meaning “home” in the vernacular South African language.)

While some prefab designers prefer to have the final product assembled on site or provide kits of parts, Zenkaya is completely fabricated in the factory, so all of the materials and construction are tightly controlled and not subject to variation after the selection process. The final product is trucked to your site (much like a trailer house) and can be located - or relocated as desired.

The form of Zenkaya creates a basic cradle-like shape, providing the structure for living areas as well as allowing for the home to open out onto the landscape. Efficiency derives from the layout and size modules (for delivery) although off-the-grid models are currently in development as well. Models come with one of two types of insulated walls; however there is no word yet on air conditioning or humidity control (for those of us who don’t live in arid climates�)

If you are interested in a Zenkaya unit, you will first purchase the basic shell (spec model) in the size of your choice ranging from studio to a 2 bedroom. From there, you can add or upgrade finishes, windows, kitchen options, etc. The company likens this selection process much to that of buying a car: pick out your model, add what you want, and in 2-12 weeks, the finished product is delivered to your site. Contact information is available on the website for pricing, plans and purchase details.

+ Zenkaya

via Land+Living

12 Responses to “PREFAB FRIDAY: Zenkaya”

Bruce Says:

May 26th, 2006 at 6:13 pm

Nice; will they deliver to the Pacific Northwest (USA)?

Leopold Mak Ender Says:

May 27th, 2006 at 7:24 pm

Hurrayyyyyyy, nice work.
Continue…

giselle Says:

May 30th, 2006 at 9:41 am

is this design intended to be used in south africa,?
the reason for my question is one of the biggest problems in SA is poverty, due to unemployment and to design something that is generally prefab is a bit of a pie in the sky! Labour is cheap, and we need to design effectively and efficiently to suit the location. Having said that, where do those materials come from? china? how about using local materials, such as straw, and stone. one can design simple beautiful architecture like this while keeping context in mind. Get REAL!

kop Says:

June 1st, 2006 at 10:57 am

reply to giselle…
firstly…I think you read too much. Your opion would have been more imformed if you had actually been to south africa…from your commmets, it’s clear to me that you have not been here, but you are forgiven.
Do you honestly imagine that even with the unemplyment we face, that the majority of houses are made of straw and stone?…again, you should read less and travel more. forward me your email and i’ll send you some pics of prefab housing used by the unemplyed masses of south africa…the china idea will defeinately fly out the window then.

secondly…It’s vital for nayone to understand a design’s brief before being critical about the product. The beatiful zenkaya prefab is aimed at the high end of the market…does that ring any bells?

Eric Says:

June 2nd, 2006 at 11:04 am

Being the brain child behind Zenkaya, I would like to bring some answers to comments above.
I agree that there is need and room for improvement in South Africa in terms of Unemployement and poverty. I have to say that the idea was first to have architectural prefabs accepted in this country by bringing something upmarket and therefore going down to more mass market and I am quite happy to say that I was contacted to put one in Soweto as a bar gallery. This is a great step because that is the only way people can see it and say prefab is not so bad. Yes they can’t afford it but at least the preconception is gone and down the road someone will come with a more affordable solution. Having worked for low cost development before, I can tell you that from a poor person perspective that prefab is not what they want to live in….neither straw and mud which is considered too rural. They want what the “rich man” has which is concrete blocks. The housing issue to my point of view is not an architectural issue but a political one were if you don’t have political will and community involvement you won’t succeed for the long term and good architecture which bring solution to the problem does not arm.
Yes Straw and mud is beautiful…in our minds but straw and mud is not going to help solve the problem South Africa is facing in terms of housing shortages so I think this is not relevant.
To answer the materials issue; Zenkaya was build entirely with local materials having the labor issue in mind and wanted to give jobs to south africans by filling a niche market.
Also Zenkaya was not created only for the South African market. I happen to live here at the time and yes the landscape inspired me like any beautiful landscape could have.

RENATA PINEDO Says:

June 9th, 2006 at 2:38 pm

This is very,very good .

Alice Williams Says:

June 10th, 2006 at 10:22 pm

Oh my! This is truly a wonderful design. Very very exciting! Hope to see it in the USA.

Maria Gillman Says:

June 21st, 2007 at 7:47 am

A beautiful little home!

scott shubb Says:

July 16th, 2007 at 4:09 pm

great looking product.I would like to see more,and i would like to know how far you can ship these units,thanks,scott shubb 805-651-9198
4941 coral way
Oxnard,california 93035
U.S.A.