Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Would You Live In This IKEA Prefab House?


By

Jen Carlson

Published Mar 2, 2012

Modified Mar 2, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

View all 6


By

Jen Carlson

Published Mar 2, 2012

Modified Mar 2, 2012


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

While IKEA may be just fine for your budget decor and Swedish meatball cravings, would you ever actually want to live in a home from the company? They've recently unveiled their new line of prefab homes (called Aktiv), that will sell for just under $80,000 for a one-bedroom.

Ideabox was appointed by IKEA to design the homes, which include a kitchen, living space, bedroom, bathroom, and patio, as well as storage closets. And for once, IKEA is making assembly a bit easier, "when your Aktiv arrives, all of the cabinets, countertops, and flooring are installed." Buyers also get water efficient pipes, energy efficient appliances, and LED light-fixtures.

The downside? You'll feel like you're living in an IKEA showroom. Still, if you find a cheap vacant lot in NYC, this could be a pretty sweet and inexpensive way to inhabit it (prefabs have popped up in Brooklyn and at MoMA before). Check out some more photos here.

Tagged

aktiv

house

housing

ideabox

ikea

prefab

real estate


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

'You Can See Everything' … as long as you go to Staten Island

Nathan Fielder’s Elizabeth Holmes documentary has been selling out across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Tickets to see the film, however, are very much available in other boroughs.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 27, 2026 at 11:18 a.m. ET


Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao

Arts & Entertainment

Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao


In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

By

James Ramsay

A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings

By

Hannah Frishberg

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

By

Sonia Rao


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .