Making Prefab Fab

LV homes, like the one pictured here in California, are not completely constructed in a factory and simply plopped down. The kit is assembled on site, in the same way as a stick built house is—allowing the house to qualify as new construction and, therefore, for a traditional mortgage. (Courtesy of Dan.)

An LV in California. Rocio Romero's exquisite design acumen sets her business apart from others.  (Steve Rapport)

An LV in California. Romero’s prefab houses are a niche business, attracting both high-end and middle of the road folks looking for a solution to getting a quality, sophisticated, and contemporary house while staying within a budget. (Douglas Peters)

Born in California and of Chilean decent, Romero is a Berkeley grad with a degree in environmental design and a master’s degree in architecture.  Her work has been on display in national and international museums, including the Walker Art Center, MOCA, Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Triennale di Milano.

An LV in Arizona. The cost of the kits themselves and the building of the house can vary a great deal. There’s the initial cost of a piece of property, the kits range in size and price from $6,900-39,500 and the cost of building by square foot ranges between $175-$275. (Photo courtesy of Mike)

“In Chile, modern architecture has been very popular for a long time. When I was little I was exposed to it, this aesthetic has been part of the mainstream for a long time. Minimalism is in my heart,” Romero says. (Courtesy of Ethan)