Toyota Upgrades Its Housing Business

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has a quiet division called Toyota Homes. Available only in Japan, the prefab dwellings use a range of technological advances and fabrication practices usually reserved for cars. The houses are composed of rectangular steel framed cubicles that are assembled like Legos on the building site. The components for Toyota Homes are built on assembly lines, and the building process has been streamlined so that construction only takes 45 days – less than half the time of a traditional Japanese home. Updates to the prefab homes include better earthquake proofing, eco friendly electric options and a more stylish appearance.

[WSJ via Treehugger]