At first glance, the exterior of Blu’s new Lofthouse appears to be a simple box, but that’s just what they were after when they designed this new eco-friendly prefab. According to Maura McCarthy, Blu Homes’ co-founder and VP, sales and marketing, “The charming exterior of the traditional version of the Lofthouse is reminiscent of a New England barn-style home, complete with Colonial-style windows and shutters. The more modern version does away with shutters and expands the windows to provide an uninterrupted view and a true indoor/outdoor living experience.”

But it’s what’s inside that may impress the most:

• proprietary structural steel frames allow for high ceilings
• gorgeous open spaces and generous natural light
• steel construction’s strength withstands high snow loads, seismic activity and high winds
• also fire, mold and termite resistant
• 50% energy savings over comparably-sized existing homes
• homes are put up on-site in 1 day and completed in just 2 weeks

The Lofthouse prefab design can be built to suit – either 2, 3 or 4-bedrooms and 3 baths.  All come with dramatic 2-story living room. Up for it? Be prepared to plunk down a minimum of $355,000 (plus lot).

I prefer the aesthetics of either their Glidehouse or Breezehouse eco-friendly prefabs, designed by Michelle Kaufmann of mkDesigns, whose work is available exclusively through Blu Homes.

Related: green building previously on altCon.