Introduction

As people age, preferences often shift towards simplifying living arrangements and spending quality time visiting loved ones in different locations. For many retirees, towable tiny homes or cottages provide appealing housing solutions allowing independent yet mobile lifestyles. However, finding prefabricated foundation less kits suited to frequent transport and assembly is challenging. To address this need, a retired couple commissioned modular builder Lida Group to engineer towable prefab cottage kits consisting of insulated panel systems for hassle-free relocation between family homes.

Challenges of Conventional Towable Homes

Current towable home floorplans catering to retirees generally rely on wood frame construction with large outdoor decking sections. While functional, these designs present hurdles:

– Heavy structures requiring commercial tow vehicles and oversized trailers pose mobility limitations.

– Extensive on-site assembly of large wood components takes days and permanently anchors homes.

– Exposed wood elements deteriorate faster from constant relocation and outdoor storage.

– Intricate foundation work still needed each site despite intention for portability.

– Decks and large appendages make transport complex, threading through doors and corners en route.

To address mobility needs as their lifestyle evolves, the retired couple sought a fully panelized, truly foundationless design towable by typical SUVs and assembled independently in a few hours anywhere desired. Lida Group’s expertise in modular and mobile construction systems made them well-positioned to support this unique project.

Design Concept and Objectives

Working closely with the couple, Lida’s engineering team developed concepts for a towable prefab cottage kit meeting their specifications:

– Maximum width 8’6″ and length 24′ for unrestricted trailer transport.

– Overall weight under 6,000 lbs for towing versatility in light trucks.

– Fully self-contained functional spaces without external decks.

– No permanent site work required – merely placement atop gravel base.

– Quick assembly/disassembly by two persons in under 5 hours each time.

– Durable panel construction surviving repeated rigors of transport.

With these parameters, Lida focused kit design around a rigid, fully insulated, weather-tight panel envelope foundationlessly enclosing finished living spaces.

Panelized System Design and Manufacturing

To achieve a durable, mobile envelope, Lida’s engineers developed the following prefabricated system:

– Galvanized steel cage framing with high-strength, lightweight aluminium extrusions.

– 4″ thick insulating polyisocyanurate rigid foam core integrated within framing.

– Exterior Trespa composite and interior gypsum-clad panels attached to foam for a seamless “sandwich panel” construction.

– pre-plumbed, pre-wired interiors with skirting, flooring and furnishings installed at factory.

– Standardized floor, wall and roof cassette units easily joined together on-site with mechanical fasteners.

CNC cutting preciselysized rigid foam boards for tight insertion within framing planes at the factory.All interior and exterior panel components were pre-fitted, labeled and colour-coded for foolproof owner assembly without requiring skilled labour or trades.

Manufacturing took place using large assembly tables under controlled conditions.Upon completion, the compact 24′ long x 8’6″ wide cottage structure weighed under 5,800 lbs as a single self-contained kit ready for transport and set-up anywhere desired.

Transportation and Installation Validation

To test mobility aspects, Lida delivered the completed towable cottage kit to the couple’s country property in central Ontario. Using their 3/4 ton SUV with standard rated trailer, the lightweight modular unit chamber was easily hauled on minimal ground clearance.

Upon arrival, the couple unhitched the trailer and within 4 hoursworking methodically through the step-by-step owner’s manual, fully installed the simple pre-numbered panels without requiring leveling or foundation work. All interior elements were finished and operable.

The retirees toured the cozy one-room cottage, delighted with its transportability and noting minimal outdoor noise penetration through the highly insulated envelope. Satisfied with the hassle-free, permanent-free system allowing flexibility to easily set up elsewhere,they planned initial use between family homes and potential snowbird locations.

Durability and Future Testing

Over the coming year, Lida’s team will conduct scheduled monitoring of the cottage’s first transport cycles and relocations to new sites. Key areas of focus include:

– Structural integrity assessment of envelope panels through repeated assembly/disassembly cycles

– Long-term thermal performance and air tightness of insulating foam core and envelope

– Moisture management and condensation prevention within cavities through climate variations

– Ease of use feedback from owners regarding instructions, fastenings, and transport procedures

– Aesthetic stability of exterior composite cladding and interior finishes

– Overall user satisfaction compared to conventional towable home floorplans

With the foundationless prefabricated system demonstration, Lida Group and the retirees successfully validated an appealing mobile living solution over traditional wood framed towable home designs. With further developmental testing, similar cottage kits show promise to support improved quality of life for aging populations.

Conclusion

This unique modular housing commission highlights innovating prefabricated systems to better meet changing demographic needs. By standardizing insulated panel cassette construction and streamlining factory assembly, Lida Group enabled fast, self-contained cottages towable between family sites without requiring permanent foundations or multi-day installations. Early successes establish proof-of-concept for the practicality of truly mobile prefab living.

As retirees increasingly desire flexibility in temporary relocations, foundationless panelized designs provide mobility unmatched by conventional towable homes. With further refinement and expanded floorplans, similar prefab cottage kits hold potential to transform the recreational vehicle industry while promoting accessible aging-in-place options. As testing continues, optimized panelized systems could revolutionize lifestyle housing suitable for seasonal, temporary, emergency or recreational needs anywhere in the world.

Contact us, please click here!