18.11.10 - Christos Marcopoulos' MEKA Modular Homes goes viral

Designed by Jason Halter and Christos Marcopoulous, MEKA homes have quickly attracted attention from all forms of media.


CBS Radio - November 15, 2010
CBS TV - November 15, 2010
NY Daily News - November 18, 2010


Wall Street Journal
Architects News Paper
Rachelles Reading List

Curbed
New York Magazine

Modular Home Builder 
Listing Mania

Active Rain


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About Meka Homes


Residents of the West Village have been flocking to see a new home that was built in just 2 days and cost less than a permanent parking space. MEKA Modular Homes is showcasing the first of its units at the corner of Charles Street and Washington Street until the end of November.


These eco-friendly homes are a chic and modern solution to contemporary living spaces that can be tailor-made to fit almost anyone’s budget. Built from the strongest and most durable shipping containers in the world, MEKA modular homes are as flexible as they are beautiful. Homes arrive almost fully built, starting at around 320 sq feet and going up to 1920 sq ft. Costs, including delivery, begin with MEKA’s studio unit at just $35, 000. The first two units were snapped up by local residents before the official opening on November 15th.


Founder, Michael de Jong came up with the idea of MEKA after years of building luxury homes in Belize. Says de Jong: “Many prospective homeowners want to avoid the hassle, wait time and hidden costs of traditional construction. No one wants to wait a year and then find out the price of materials and labors have increased by a third or more. No one wants to deals with unreliable contractors or builders.”


Continues de Jong, “Especially since the recession, people are looking for ease and affordability. They no longer want the oversized “monster” houses that were popular years ago, but intelligent, practical living spaces. They want usable, livable interiors that are also chic and luxurious.”


MEKA homes arrive 95% ready-built, only needing minimal assembly and installation of water and electricity. Made from ISO Shipping containers, the strongest modular structures in the world, MEKA is hurricane proof, earthquake proof, fireproof and exceeds international building codes. And because of their durability, upkeep and maintenance is minimal. Additionally, solar panel electricity is available, as are a variety of other green options for off grid living.


Designed by Jason Halter and Christos Marcopoulous, MEKA homes balance luxury and simplicity. The exteriors are made of 100% natural cedar wrapped around the most durable steel frame imaginable. To balance the strength and monumentality of the home, natural light infuses the space from multiple sources, including floor to ceiling windows, skylights and even porthole windows. A retractable cedar deck creates an outside space for relaxing and dining.


The main living space is lined in bamboo, and the floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel as if you were outside instead of in the comfort of your own home. The state of the art slate bathroom echoes the themes of the living room. The angular glass shower closet lies beneath a skylight, once again giving the feeling of the outdoors. A porthole adds a bit of whimsy to the serene, clean space.


Key to MEKA homes’ sustainability is its building system, with less construction waste than traditional building and low environmental impact on your site. MEKA is committed to a strategic approach to homebuilding and the creative reuse of reclaimed industrial materials with factory built components – up to 70% reused materials.