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The WeeHouse From Alchemy Architects Gets Better With Age

ByIan Updated on

It’s rare for a home to get better with age, but the WeeHouse from Alchemy Architects has done just that.

Since its inception in 2002, this prefab home has evolved through variations of layouts, sizes, finishes and customizations.  In our opintion, each new iteration is better than the last.

But no matter the size, color or customization changes, all WeeHomes have many things in common:

  • A well-insulated shell
  • Space efficiency
  • Proper solar orientation

It’s these commonalities that make these homes so timeless, and its Alchemy Architects’ commitment to innovation that has solidified WeeHomes’ success.

The WeeHouse: Alchemy Architects’ Prefab Tiny House

Sonoma WeeHouse

Images courtesy of Geoffrey C. Warner

WeeHomes are technically tiny homes, but they have a “big home” feel thanks to the smart use of space and floor-to-ceiling glass. Open kitchens and built-in cabinetry help open the space to make it feel bigger.

Alchemy Architects offers several versions of the WeeHouse:

  • 1 modular unit: 300-800 square feet
  • 2 units: 1200-1600 square feet
  • 3 units: 1200-2000 square feet
  • 4 units: 1800-2400 square feet

Units can be stacked or arranged in a variety of ways to create a truly customized home.

All WeeHomes come 80%-90% complete.

The WeeHouse is designed to meet International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) standards. In most cases, WeeHomes are stronger than site-built structures.

All homes are:

  • Completely insulated with 2×6 walls and 12” floor trusses for ceilings and floors
  • Outfitted with vented roofs

Nominal R values are as follows:

  • Floor: R35
  • Walls: R19
  • Ceiling: R44

All WeeHomes have steel frames for even greater durability.

Customizations

weehouse customizations
© Geoffrey C. Warner

Virtually every aspect of the WeeHouse can be customized to your liking, including:

  • Cabinets: Matte White, Ebonized Oak, Walnut, or White Oak
  • Door Hardware: Silicone/Leather, Stainless Steel, Satin Nickel, etc.
  • Countertops: Quartz, White Laminate + Oak, or Natural Recycled Paper Composites
  • Hardwood Flooring: Whitewashed Oak, Warehouse, Ebonized Oak, Driftwood, Smoked Oak and Aged Saddle
  • Interior: 2-panel wood doors; dimmable LED lighting
  • Exterior: Steel cable railing, steel window shrouds, eaves and overhangs, steel or barn siding

Kitchens are outfitted with stainless steel appliances, while bathroom fixtures are minimalistic.

A WeeHouse takes 9-12 months to complete, depending on the complexity of the site work and permit approvals.

WeeHouse Price

how much is does the weehouse cost?
© Geoffrey C. Warner

WeeHouse standard pricing includes all interior electric, plumbing, cabinetry, hardwood flooring, windows, doors and other designer-chosen finishes. Typically, Alchemy also budgets for all desired appliances and will provide those that are built-in.

Just like with any other prefab home, the ultimate cost will vary. But Alchemy Architects does provide some ballpark estimates for their WeeHouse.

Size and Cost Ranges

  • Sizes: 400 square feet, 960 square feet, 1500 square feet and 2000 square feet
  • Costs: $120,000; $180,000; $290,000; $350,000

Costs can vary greatly depending on the customization options and site work that needs to be done.

Site Costs Can Be Significant

Alchemy Architects offers the following estimates for site work costs:

  • Simple: Flat lot with standard permits and existing utilities: $50,000
  • Standard: Sloped lot, permits, upgrade utilities: $75,000
  • Complex: hillside lot, complicated demo, no existing utilities, city permits: $150,000+

When creating a budget for your WeeHouse, Alchemy will take into account both site and modular costs.

If you are interested in more information, please contact Alchemy Archtitects directly online at Weehouse.com.
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