# Accessible Prefab Houses FabCab's Houses are Accessible Without Looking Too Sterile By Joey Haar | Published 2016-07-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefab-houses References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3062207/a-house-built-for-aging-in-place) & [fabcab](http://fabcab.com/products/custom-work/) Prefab houses built for accessibility aren't the most glamorous projects for most architecture firms, as accessible features can often compromise the aesthetics of a building (in the opinion of some high-minded designers, at least.) However, FabCab, a Seattle-based architecture and design firm, ditched that notion in building a house for a wheelchair-bound family in the nearby town of Port Townsend, Washington. From top to bottom, interior to exterior, FabCab's house design keeps accessibility at the fore without sacrificing a sleek and interesting appearance. The house needed to be stair-free, and the architects took advantage of this by using that extra space for airy, [open concept rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quadrapol-capucine) that simultaneously allow for freer movement in wheelchairs. Outside, the patio is lined with attractive brick that gives better grip for wheels. Prefab houses with [accessible design features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikeas-bsingen-collection) need not be sterile, rigid, impersonal homes, as FabCab has shown. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Accessible Prefab Houses:** Incorporating accessible design features into prefab houses without compromising aesthetics. - **Sleek and Interesting Appearance:** Creating accessible prefab houses with a visually appealing and engaging design. - **Functional Outdoor Spaces:** Designing outdoor areas for accessible prefab houses that are both attractive and provide better wheelchair mobility. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Design:** Opportunities for architects and designers to develop accessible prefab house designs that are visually appealing and functional. - **Construction:** Demand for construction companies specializing in building prefab houses that incorporate accessible design features without compromising aesthetics. - **Accessibility Products and Services:** Providing customized accessibility products and services for prefab houses, focusing on both functionality and aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessible Forest Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heifort.md) - [Compact Sustainable Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cabana.md) - [Textured Prefab Holiday Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefab-house-1.md) - [Captivating Modern Prefab Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skali-backcountry-cubiod.md) - [Climate-Responsive Prefab Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-pod.md) - [Refreshing Sustainable Modular Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whidbey-puzzle-prefab.md) - [Slate-Clad Prefab Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1807-holiday.md) - [Compact Red Wooden Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefab-house-changeover.md) - [Accessibly Designed Coastal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dane-taylor-design.md)