Nestron, a design studio based in Singapore and China, offers the next generation of tiny houses with Cube One. This 156 sq ft (14.5 sqm) tiny house allows consumers to choose and unpack their Cube wherever they reside, with no construction necessary upon delivery. Similar to Ikea’s model, Cube One aims to simplify life and reduce environmental impact from traditional construction methods.
“Nestron was inspired by the concept of ‘build first, move to the desired location later,'” states the design studio. “Over the years, the core team closely analyzed the industry by participating in various projects that still rely on traditional construction methods. Issues encountered during conventional construction, such as inclement weather and worker errors, are challenges that are difficult to overcome. Therefore, a ‘build first, move later’ solution is one of the most effective approaches we can think of.”
The Cube consists of a single frame of galvanized steel with insulated walls, providing comfort regardless of the weather. 90% of the materials used are recycled, with features like tempered glass, compressed timber panels, and drop-lock floors to resist mildew, humidity, and termites. The Cube is fireproof and can withstand earthquakes, although the specific magnitude of earthquake it can endure is uncertain. Additionally, the tiny house is equipped with smart features like voice recognition and artificial intelligence (AI) assistance.
“There is a consistent high demand for small, affordable, flexible, and simple housing from single individuals to large families,” notes the design studio. “The sleek lines and modern design of the Cube series make it ideal for widespread use in modern urban settings. With customizable interiors, exteriors, and colors, the Cube series is dynamic and unique—much like a Rubik’s Cube. Cube One offers a cost-effective real estate investment for both personal and commercial use.”
The open-plan layout of the Cube comes fully furnished with a kitchen featuring a sink, stove top, range hood, concealed fridge, built-in cabinets, and a bar counter. The dining area includes a dining table, while the living room is equipped with a sofa and wall-mounted TV. The bedroom accommodates a double bed with a built-in bed rack and wardrobe. The bathroom is complete with a shower, toilet, towel rack, basin, and compact washing machine.
The separation of the bathroom from the rest of the open-plan interior by glass walls may pose a slight privacy concern. Guests can step outside the tiny house for privacy, or owners can get creative with a shower curtain that can be easily drawn for added privacy when needed, maintaining the sense of space and preventing the house from feeling cramped.
The studio emphasizes a “sustainable lifestyle without effort.” “We believe that everything begins at home, so we design our houses to support an environmentally friendly lifestyle effortlessly. Our homes enable people to embrace sustainability without additional hassle. The compact size, high insulation system, and integrated green energy sources make the house nearly self-sufficient in terms of energy consumption.”
Potential Cube owners have the opportunity to personalize the interior of their tiny house, making it truly their own. They can also choose to incorporate sustainable technologies such as solar panels, electric-heated flooring, and a compostable toilet.
The base model of the Cube starts at US$30,000. Worldwide delivery allows consumers to purchase, unpack, and settle into their Cube from the comfort of their city. The manufacturing process typically takes 60-90 days, followed by an additional 30-45 days for shipping.
