Dezeen Magazine

"These tiny cabins are not a viable option to live an enjoyable existence"

The cost of a prefabricated micro home designed to shake up the UK property market has left readers astonished and infuriated in this week's comments update.

Overpriced: readers made it clear that the £150,000 price tag on Kodasema's 25-square-metre micro home was a major hurdle in its bid to ease the UK's housing crisis.

Carl Kruse appreciated the design but not the cost: "Love what Kodasema are doing but it's not entirely cheap for what it is."

"It's extortionately over-priced, to be blunt," added a less-than-impressed Leigh Hughes.

Onlineo suggested that British homeowners were being fleeced. "I can buy a prefab from Poland for around £1,000 per square metre or £2,000 to 3,000 from Germany."

"£150,000 for that thing is a fraud!" added an incredulous Jack mclathass.

"Maybe the comma is one digit out of place," joked Concerned Citizen.

Dariusz Boron believed politicians should be doing more to solve the issue. "Government policy should be drastically changed so affordable, non-luxury, non-investment homes are created for people. I don't see these tiny cabins as a viable option to live an enjoyable existence, rather just surviving."

One reader proposed an alternative:

Is £150,000 a fair price for a micro home in the current economic climate? Have your say in the comments section ›


Vycle transport concept by Elena Larriba Andaluz

Upcycling: Vycle, a vertical, pedal-powered alternative to stairs designed by RCA graduate Elena Larriba, garnered a mixed response from Dezeen readers with regards to its practicality.

"How this concept is superior to a ladder in any way for folks with the usual limbs and hands I cannot determine," pondered Mattna.

Kei loved the idea: "Great idea and a nice alternative to stairs. I can see these being sold to 'activity' centres across the land."

"It's a fun looking toy but let's not pretend this product is a 'practical solution' argued Lanz.

George Nissen agreed, but enjoyed the concept. "I'm failing to see the advantage of this over a set of stairs. But it is fun," he said.

"Only people with a bad back would know the difference," countered historyislife.

This reader was looking forward to using the product on their next trip to Dubai:

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Grow into it: a pleated stretch-to-fit clothing line for kids, designed by Royal College of Art graduate Ryan Mario Yasin, captured the imagination of readers this week.

"Amazing garments! How come no one ever thought about this before!?" wrote an impressed Susan.

8mismo proposed it was already time for the designer to expand his business model: "I want these for me. Without the buttons."

"At last, clothing made for kids." declared Willem Gous.

This reader was most concerned about mess:

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Juicer no: following the initial waves of criticism for Yves Behar's Juicero juicer, his decision to speak out in support of the universally panned $400 machine left readers perplexed.

"Wow, he looks bad defending this thing. Just digging the hole deeper," commented jaykjay.

"Sorry, Yves, this has to be one of the worst products you've ever designed," added a somewhat sympathetic tonald drump.

This reader couldn't help but have another dig:

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