What inspired you to start a prefab manufacturing company, and what unique approach do you bring to the industry?
I started working in the prefab industry a very long time ago. When I founded my first company, which is still active today, I was looking for practical solutions–how to build faster and more affordable. The true inspiration came later when we realized that prefabricated construction allowed us to deliver very high-quality houses quickly and efficiently and be as versatile as before. As a unique feature of Tesseract Homes, I would again point out versatility. Our houses are modular and we must observe transport limitations, for instance. Still, we have developed a highly customizable building system that allows us to provide a multitude of solutions to clients in any environment. We are always willing to take on unique projects designed according to our clients’ specific wishes and needs.
What are some of the most common misconceptions about prefab construction, and how do you address them with your clients?
A particularly persistent misconception is that prefabricated buildings are somewhat flimsy and mostly suitable for temporary housing. However, in reality, durability is a function of quality, and prefabrication vastly contributes to high construction quality. Additionally, it is much easier and less expensive for a prefabricated house to be superbly insulated, saving on costs while enhancing the comfort of living. Both misconceptions are far from reality, and we at Tesseract Homes address them in an old-school manner by being as informative as possible, answering any questions or concerns our clients might have
We strive to provide as much information as possible to answer any questions or concerns our clients may have. We are always available to discuss and explain every detail of our products, from design and technology to material options and how they can affect the quality and feel of our clients’ homes.
What kind of partnerships or collaborations do you engage in to stay at the forefront of prefab construction innovation?
Innovation in construction and prefabrication is driven by a collaborative effort among builders, researchers, scientists, and building system producers, including us at Tesseract Homes. We have established partnerships with various European universities and leading building system producers to share knowledge, explore solutions, and test them in real-world scenarios before offering them to our clients.
Through these partnerships, we have gained a competitive edge as a company, enhanced the quality of our buildings, reduced supply times, and expanded the range of options available to our clients. We are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and providing the best possible solutions to our clients’ needs.
What role do you see prefab construction playing in addressing the current affordable housing crisis?
Our main focus is on the Dutch market, where there is a severe shortage of affordable housing. Modular and prefabricated construction offers inherent advantages that traditional construction simply cannot match. These methods allow for efficient construction in a very short time. In a well-planned development, the construction of buildings in the factory can take as long as the groundwork. Moreover, prefabricated buildings generally have a lower price point, enabling increased housing production and the delivery of affordable homes in a short time.
On a larger scale, this has the potential to not only solve the shortage of housing but also impact market prices in regions where the market is currently showing signs of overheating
How do you stay up to date with emerging trends and technologies in the prefab industry, and what new developments are you most excited about?
At Tesseract Homes, we make it a priority to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. We’re particularly excited to see investors and developers turning their attention to prefabricated and modular construction for high-rise residential or commercial projects. This shift has many positive implications and shows that the advantages of prefabricated and modular construction are becoming increasingly recognized.
Furthermore, this approach could have another positive impact by reducing heavy machinery and pollution in urban areas. This is particularly significant in Europe, where I live. Where the preservation of historical city centres is a priority. Prefabricated and modular technologies can help make our cities cleaner, greener, and more comfortable and welcoming.
Featured image: model Lodge 48
