Ikea launches flat-pack DIY house in US

Ikea, the Swedish furniture company, famous for its cheap but quirky products and its army of fans, has launched its first line of prefabricated houses in the U.S., named the Aktiv.

Ikea collaborated with Oregon architectural firm Ideabox to design the homes which will cost around $86,500 each.

The Swedish-themed dwelling is a one-bedroom home centered around space-saving furniture and products.

The hip and modern house was outfitted taking into consideration the demands from Pacific-Northwest homeowners, and is designed to be eco-friendly.

Ikea collaborated with Oregon architectural firm Ideabox to design the homes which will cost around $86,500 each

The house is equipped with facilities such as a dual-flush toilet and energy-star electronics.

A combination of fiber-cement siding, corrugated metal, and a standing-seam metal roof make up the exterior of this all-in-one home.

According to Jim Russell, president of Ideabox, the complete home “brings all the fun and design of Ideabox houses together with all the function, design, and personality of Ikea”.

The home will be furnished with a complete Ikea package that includes Tundra maple flooring, Pax wardrobes, and Abstrakt cabinets.

Ideabox and Ikea displayed the model house this week at the Portland Home & Garden Show at the Portland Expo Center in Oregon.

The Aktiv, Swedish for active, is being marketed as “your own personal Euro designer flat… only where you want it!”

Prefab homes have already taken off in Europe.