No, buyers of these BoKlok homes don't have to collect flat pack boxes and assemble the homes themselves.
From BusinessWeek -
Taking a cue from Ikea's flair with flat-pack furnishings, the homes are constructed off-site at nearby factories. Using assembly-line production, beginning with carpenters who construct the walls and ending with decorators who paint them, approximately 85% of the apartment is built at the factory. The apartments, which are made of two shoebox-shaped modules, are loaded onto flatbed tractor trailers and delivered to the site.
Once at the development, the apartment takes around a day to complete. First, modules are lifted off the truck by crane. Each two-story building consists of five to six apartments. Construction is kept simple using Scandinavian timber, and each unit is fully insulated.
The detached units are then deposited directly into the foundation. Construction workers guide the boxes into place, stacking them one upon another. Once secured, workers complete the finishing touches. Wiring is connected, and plumbing for appliances such as dishwashers and washers and dryers (Ikea, through an arrangement with Whirlpool, sells appliances) is hooked up. The two-bedroom units can become three-bedrooms with the simple addition of a wall.
The finished site consists of several identical two-story buildings, usually with a maximum of 80 apartments. Although each development looks slightly different, all BoKlok developments stay true to minimalist Scandinavian architectural style. Upper-floor apartments have a private balcony and ground-floor apartments a screened patio. There's also external storage and a landscaped communal garden, as well as allocated parking.
The homes are designed with a flexible open-plan layout, high ceilings, and large windows, giving them a light and airy feel. Hardwood laminated strip flooring is laid throughout, with the exception of the bathroom, which gets reconstituted rubber linoleum. Kitchens are fitted with Ikea units (the model varies depending upon the development). Buyers receive Ikea coupons and the free services of an Ikea interior designer.
See also Guardian article 'Welcome to Ikeatown'.
Yes, you too can live in a home that looks like an Ikea catalogue!
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Today was a busy day at work. This evening I went back to the club a few streets away and had a few beers and dinner before the game. The thing about inviting other people to something on the Thursday night before the Easter long weekend, is that nobody will show up!
Anyway, the game was not live on Foxtel, so I came home instead. An excellent game.
4 comments:
I like the idea of it - easy living - but wouldn't want it so plain. I need some character in my home. Very neat, though!
If it makes it affordable, it is great considering housing prices are putting home ownership out of reach of many.
Living in an Ikea catalogue though, would drive me insane.
love love love ikea. this is my idea of heaven.
it wouldn't have to look exactly like an ikea catalogue, you could (and would!) add your own personal touches.
I think BoKlok is one of the smartest and high quality living propositions of our times. Just try comparing your appartment as it is with the off-the shelf solution by Ikea. I would think Ikea's proposition wins. You can always customise it. Not to forget that you get an interior designer.
I want a BoKlok!
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