U-Build hands-on: a flat-pack modular home you can assemble

U-Build is a modular construction system even completely inexperienced builders can assemble with simple hand tools. The flat-pack kit is made from CNC-cut plywood; components are slotted together like puzzle pieces using only a mallet and a drill. [Watch our last video with Nick Newman showing his Electric Van home converted with his U-Build universal flat-pack design: By following a simple set of instructions, one or two people can build a home, a backyard studio or ADU, or even furniture. To create a frame, pieces must be assembled to create hollow boxes that stack (and bolt together) to create walls and a roof. Natural-sheep-wool insulation is pre-cut to fit the boxes. On top of a weather-proof membrane, cladding completes the buildings; this can also be pre-fabbed in wood or cork panels. The idea to create a pre-fab building kit using boxes as the modules began with clients who wanted to self-build a modular house using shipping containers