If your budget and your backyard are big enough for a Modern Cabana, then consider us extremely jealous. According to the San Francisco company's website, the structures are designed "around the premise that adding space should be simple and affordable yet look fabulous."
There's a range of floor plan sizes — from 100 to 1,000+ square feet — and the Cabanas can be insulated and wired. The kits come with pre-assembled panels, and the whole thing is meant to go up quickly (days, rather than the months that add-on construction entails). Permits aren't usually required, but it's probably wise to check your local codes and regulations.
My want.
view ebrown's profile
We have one of these cabanas in our backyard. I wanted to respond to Anh-Minh's comment that "it's cheaper than hiring an architect and a contractor to build an addition to your house. And that's sort of the point." Actually, for us the main point of the cabana is that it's not part of the house, so it's really different than building an addition.
Not being part of the house means that when the house is noisy, you can go out to the cabana to read or do homework. When the house is quiet, you can go out there to play music or hang out with friends.
Also, I think not being part of the house makes the cabana more open to the imagination. Since the space isn't named for its functionality (guest room, music room, office), it keeps generating more possibilities. It reminds me a lot of building a fort as a kid, because forts are small places away from home and they're full of potential.
I believe Modern Cabana will have a cabana on display at the Sunset Celebration this weekend if you want to see one in person.
view vickio's profile
Neat space, but their flooring is just awful. What is that, fiberboard?
view ArchDarling's profile
If I had the space, I'd just go with a high-end yurt w/hardwood or bamboo floors ;-)
view MamaChilanga's profile
Hi Vickio! My comment about it being the point is based on what I read about the company -- that they conceived the cabana as an affordable way to have an addition without going through the permit/planning/zoning process.
But you're absolutely right -- that it's really up to the homeowner to decide what it's actual point/purpose is.
It sounds like you're a fan of the cabana, which is good to know! For years now, I have been trying to convince my husband that we need a structure like this in our backyard.
view anh-minh's profile
there is something so exciting about these spaces...i would use mine like my current playroom...for crafts and reading...so wonderful....
view Jess2nola's profile
we're in the process of talking to the good folks at modern cabana about installing one in our backyard as an artist studio. the materials that they choose are environmentally friendly and they've actually dropped the prices on their new cabanas so they're a bit more affordable. they look great in person, and we're pretty excited to get one this summer.
view shisomama's profile
In my case I'll need a minimal bathroom and minimal kitchen, so I can use it as temporary living space while I renovate the house. Later I'd like to use it as my guesthouse, art studio, and/or office. So if anyone has any specific ideas or resources, I'd love to hear them, I'm looking for a budget friendly version (like this one) and can do a fair amount of the work myself. Other estimates I've seen were in the $40K region and that's just not an option!
view Rucy's profile