Welcome to Prefab Profiles, an ongoing series of interviews with people transforming how we build houses. From prefab tiny houses and modular cabin kits to entire homes ready to ship, their projects represent some of the best ideas in the industry. Do you know a prefab brand that should be on our radar? Get in touch!
Brothers Jaak and Andreas Tiik grew up in Estonia, where it’s not entirely unusual to spend long, carefree days immersed in the quiet thrills of nature—the Northern European country is widely blanketed in forest, after all. As they planned to spend yet another weekend outside, they lamented how so many accommodations were comprised of dark wood cabins, which hadn’t changed much aesthetically in generations. Hoping to create a much a different kind of hideaway, the brothers founded ÖÖD House in 2016. Supporting Products
"Jaak and Andreas wanted to intertwine a yearning for nature with the need for rest into one unique whole," says Gertrud Ots, the head of marketing for the company.
Since the brothers began their shared business, their all-glass prefabs have become famous on the internet for their other-worldly appearance, while also introducing a luxurious side to the great outdoors. The company offers three types of homes, with the 227-square-foot model being the most popular. And there’s an opportunity to create separate offices and saunas from their collection, too.
Below, Dwell speaks with ÖÖD about its most recent work and the different models on offer.
ÖÖD installed its 227-square-foot Signature House model in Vermont for clients who rent it as a retreat. The glass walls are covered in reflective UV film stickers that make them visible to birds, says the company.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve realized to date?
The most exciting project by ÖÖD is our recent partnership we with WonderInn, where two ÖÖD Glääzy Houses and two ÖÖD Signature Houses were installed in Northern Norway. The clients were Erle and Jeremy, who are renowned hosts seeking to offer travelers a true Nordic adventure. The build brings together contemporary design, traditional Norwegian influences, and a seamless integration of nature and luxury. The cabins feature thoughtfully selected décor, contemporary amenities, and sweeping views of the stunning Norwegian landscape, including the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer.
Separately, we also worked with clients Katie and Zach on an ÖÖD Signature House prefab mirror cabin in Vermont. They sought a prefab to complement their land, and now their retreat has earned a reputation as one of the most highly sought-after nature getaways in the Vermont region. The prefab has a stunning hot tub and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Sugarbush Mountains and Blueberry Lake. The cabin is almost always fully booked four months in advance.
The owners customized a wrap-around deck for the prefab.
What does your base model cost and what does that pricing include?
The ÖÖD Signature House is a 227-square-foot dwelling priced at $124,900. The structure has a full steel frame, while the exterior has a mirrored facade. The interior includes flooring with natural stone ceramic tiles, which are heated, and ceilings and walls with oak parquet panels. There's also a wardrobe, kitchenette, bathroom and lighting fixtures, which are all part of the price.
This signature prefab is delivered to clients as a turnkey product, and can be installed in one day.
The interior features a kitchenette, dining area, and bedroom, all with heated floors.
What qualities make your prefab stand apart from the rest?
The ÖÖD Signature Mirror House is a modern living space designed and developed for comfort. The steel frame and glass mirror walls make ÖÖD extremely durable, and capable of year-round use. The design [is capable of providing] 180-degree views and blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
ÖÖD also offers a booking platform for anyone interested in renting out their prefab.
Floor-to-ceiling glass provides an immersive experience with the immediate surroundings.
Where is the prefab currently available?
ÖÖD produces in Tallinn, Estonia, and Houston, Texas, and ships worldwide.
Is your design currently pre-permitted in any U.S. municipalities?
Yes, the ÖÖD Signature House is pre-permitted in 48 states.
The company recently partnered with WonderInn to create this vacation experience, which overlooks a mountain vista in Norway.
How long can a client expect the process to take after they put down a deposit?
Our turnkey homes are delivered in 180 days.
The models are framed with steel and are built for a range of climates.
What aspects of an install do you manage?
ÖÖD representatives will send the necessary drawings of the prefab units to the clients, but the clients should contact the local government or construction department to apply for permits. ÖÖD is responsible only for the production of prefab houses. For infrastructure, external utilities, and landscaping, separate cooperation must be arranged with the best specialists in the respective fields. The client is also responsible for the transport of the prefab, but upon agreement, ÖÖD can help by providing relevant contacts.
Furthermore, ÖÖD representatives will also send the necessary drawings for the foundation, but the client is responsible for finding the local contractor who would design, construct, and install the foundation according to local regulations.
What aspects of the design can a client customize?
Customizing is not possible in the United States yet. In Europe, we have a separate custom product line, where clients can customize the internal finishing and appliances for the standard units. We hope that this can happen in America soon!
The prefabs’ mirrored exteriors have made them popular as short-term rentals.
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