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This British Columbia Prefab Builder Isn’t Afraid of Customization

Blend Projects wants to prove that personalized touches don’t have to come at the expense of efficiency.

The natural aged cedar exterior is protected by a steel roof.

Welcome to Prefab Profiles, an ongoing series of interviews with people transforming how we build houses. From prefab tiny houses and modular cabin kits to entire homes ready to ship, their projects represent some of the best ideas in the industry. Do you know a prefab brand that should be on our radar? Get in touch!

Before Simon Fyall cofounded Blend Projects in British Columbia with high school pal Richard Egli about five years ago, they spent nearly two decades building and managing residential projects. And while they were proud of the work, there was a constant downside: the amount of waste produced on the job. Sometimes that had nothing to do with actual trash.

"Witnessing the waste of time, money, and resources led me to consider a better way," Fyall says. "So I envisioned a prefab system that could be adaptable," the goal of which was to create more efficiency across the board.

Today, Fyall and Egli’s prefab system is more efficient, and sustainable, than the traditional projects of their past, they say, even as they continue to hone it. In the beginning, they manufactured everything, but outsourcing some parts has helped. Homes also now have more sophisticated design elements, like metal roofs and expansive windows. And while the team still offers full-service care, they have the ability to hand off responsibilities with a range of project management packages. In other words, Blend Projects seems to be hitting its stride.

Dwell spoke with Fyall, Blend Project’s vice president and partner Geordie Flanagan, and Lauren Wiegel, sales and marketing coordinator, to hear about how the company is striving to elevate the idea of what a prefab home can be.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was completed in the spring of 2025 using the Rancher 9 model. — Blend Projects built a three-bed, two-bath home on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia that’s based on the company’s Rancher 9 model.

Photo by Alexander Pym

What’s the most exciting project you’ve realized to date?

Lauren Wiegel: One of our most exciting projects to date is the Rancher 9 on Salt Spring Island, the largest Rancher we’ve built so far. We call it the Arbutus, named after the rainbow-hued forest visible from nearly every window in the home. This project marked a turning point for Blend. It was where we stepped outside the conventional prefab box and redefined what it could be: Not just a faster way to build, but a true alternative to custom construction.

The clients wanted something that felt fully unique, without compromising on efficiency. From the start, the design pushed Blend’s boundaries with a long list of customizations: sliding doors in nonstandard locations, additional appliances like a pot filler and a laundry sink, and millwork tailored down to the washroom accessories. The result blends the speed and precision of prefab with the soul and specificity of a custom build.

The owners requested many customizations to this home, including an extended island and plenty of vantage points to the views. — The owners requested many customizations, including an extended island and plenty of vantage points of the site. The countertops are quartz.

Photo by Alexander Pym

What was the cost per square foot? Can you provide some context around pricing?

Geordie Flanagan: We approach projects in two ways, and that naturally impacts cost. Some clients come to us for kit pricing, where we design and ship the full prefabricated kit for their local team to assemble or for our builders to construct on-site. Other clients bring us on as a full-service partner—from design and project management through to working with our build partners on-site.

Because each site, location, and design is unique, we don’t use a one-size-fits-all cost model. Instead, we start with a feasibility study early in the design process so we can establish an accurate estimate and clear expectations from the beginning. This ensures that every decision from design detailing to construction aligns with the project goals and site realities.

Every Blend property features exposed glulam beams as an architectural feature that also supports eight-foot ceilings. — Every Blend property features exposed glulam beams.

Photo by Alexander Pym

See the full story on Dwell.com: This British Columbia Prefab Builder Isn’t Afraid of Customization
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One of Gregory Ain’s Experimental Midcentury Homes Lists in L.A. for $1.6M

The revamped 1947 unit is part of the landmark Avenel Cooperative Housing Project, and it still has its original sliding walls and hardware.

The apartment is one of 10 identical units designed by Gregory Aim in 1947.

Location: 2845 1/2 Avenel Street, Los Angeles, California

Price: $1,595,000

Year Built: 1947

Architect: Gregory Ain

Renovation Year: 2022

Footprint: 1,114 square feet (3 bed, 1 bath)

Lot Size: 0.7 acres

From the Listing: "It is quite possible that Gregory Ain’s early youth spent at the Llano del Rio, an experimental farming colony in Antelope Valley, may have influenced his later ideas as an architect. At Avenel, 10 families pooled their resources to sign on to Ain’s social experiment. The 10 ingeniously designed units are laid out in two identical rows, and integrate both private and public spaces. Each unit has a front patio and a rear patio that opens up to western facing views. Inside, Ain’s signature sliding walls can be opened or closed depending on need. The most recent renovation was by the owner, Alexsey Antonov along with artist Nora Shields. White oak built-ins in each of the three bedrooms (one can double as a den), are designed for multiple storage uses such as books and other objects. The sliding doors and the doorknobs and pulls for the linen closets are original to the property. The residence includes three bedrooms, one bathroom, an attached one-car garage at the front of the building, and an extra spot for guests."

Learn more about Gregory Ain’s Avenel Cooperative Housing Project on Dwell.

The building is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. — The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Photo: Cameron Carothers

See the full story on Dwell.com: One of Gregory Ain’s Experimental Midcentury Homes Lists in L.A. for $1.6M
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A Half-Arch Motif Merges an L.A. Renovation With Its New ADU

Curved entries, windows, and counters reference the corner lot where the home stands in Torrance.

Houses We Love: Every day we feature a remarkable space submitted by our community of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. Have one to share? Post it here.

Project Details

Location: Torrance, California

Architect: Archemy.LA / @archemy.la

Main House Footprint: 1,359 square feet

ADU Footprint: 485 square feet

Structural Engineer: Michael Martinez

Landscape Design: Jones Landscape

Photographer: Lauren Taylor / @laurentaylorcreative

From the Architect: "This midcentury-modern-inspired home consists of a two-bedroom home and an ADU. The home sits on a corner lot, which provided the inspiration for the design and hence the name the Bend House. This was the inspiration for the half arches that are incorporated into the design in the form of windows, doors, front entry, and other elements sprinkled throughout. All the newly constructed elements are rendered in white and the existing unchanged envelope of the home is charcoal.

"Horizontal brick, oak cabinets, and herringbone European white oak flooring are some midcentury modern elements incorporated into the design. The half-arched entry was the only new addition to the original home and creates an intentional transition between interior and exterior. The same rose color was used throughout in the entry, primary bathroom, interior of the skylights, and exterior awnings.

"The bright, light-filled kitchen and built-in cabinetry provide ample storage. The little wooden nook spotlights the owners’ Hibachi dolls. Wooden elements warm the space. The windows, nook, door, and cabinets are framed in maple. The half-arched elements are repeated in the cozy primary bedroom. Oak paneling, custom cabinets, and a framed window seat warm the space.

"Fun-colored tile in incremental sizes and different textures, both matte and glossy, is used throughout the home. It provided an opportunity to play with scale, texture, and format. Each bathroom and both kitchens, in the main home and the guesthouse (ADU), have their own unique color and personality.

"The newly constructed ADU has polished concrete flooring, maple cabinets, and ceilings. The precast concrete countertop with colored aggregate reflects the colors of the interior. The tall cabinets are finished in black Fenix and framed with exposed edge maple ply."

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Half-Arch Motif Merges an L.A. Renovation With Its New ADU
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How They Pulled It Off: Offcuts and Leftovers Spruce Up a Cozy Victorian Flat

For a glass artist in Leith, design studio Architecture Office made excellent use of mixed stone and mismatched wood to create a space that’s both cohesive and eclectic.

Welcome to How They Pulled It Off, where we take a close look at one particularly challenging aspect of a home design and get the nitty-gritty details about how it became a reality.

When glass artist Juli Bolaños-Durman purchased a dated Victorian flat in Edinburgh in desperate need of updates, she knew that the renovated space would mirror her approach to her own creative work, in which she transforms found objects into colorful sculpture. And so began a highly collaborative journey to find offcuts and other leftover materials and repurpose them into a home designed specifically for her taste.

Juli turned to Alexander Mackison of Edinburgh design studio Architecture Office; the pair had struck up a friendship at Custom Lane, a shared workspace for creatives. Juli works with waste materials and "her ethos runs through her work and also her personal life very strongly," explains Mackison. "That was obviously the clear starting point, which is a great brief because it gives you a strong idea of a project but then there’s flexibility within that." Together, they applied the very same approach as her glasswork to the flat, in Leith.

Bolaños-Durman’s work sits atop a mantel and hearth made from stone offcuts. — The glass sculptures on the mantlepiece are works made during Juli’s residency at the Ajeto Factory in Czech Republic.

Photo by Richard Gaston

At the project’s outset, the flat "was a time capsule for sure," says Mackison—one that needed significant work. But their dedication to reuse started from the very outset: "It was a case of stripping it back to the bare bones as such, but being very careful with that process of understanding what is of value." Hence the treatment of the hardwood floors found under the existing carpet throughout the flat. The kitchen in particular had been subjected to "quite an intense ’70s adhesive," Mackison explains. "I don’t really know what it was, but it left quite a lot of black marks." Rather than scrap the floors, though, they leaned in. The black marks remain visible under very light finishing, which they then balanced with a high-gloss finish on the skirting boards.

Instead of refinishing the floors in the kitchen which, like the rest of the flat, were hidden under wall to wall carpeting, the team lightly refinished them. The patina here is just traces of a particularly stubborn adhesive. — Instead of completely refinishing the floors in the kitchen which, like the rest of the flat, were hidden under wall to wall carpeting, the team left them mostly as is. (The patina here is just traces of a particularly stubborn adhesive.) The linen and wool curtains are made of material sourced from a mill in Dundee and conceal the pantry and laundry.

Photo by Richard Gaston

For the rest of the project, they turned to the local community of craftspeople. "Through discussion, talking about her work, [Bolaños-Durman] gathers interest and buy-in from people who are keen to work on the project," explains Mackison.

How they pulled it off: A flat finished with offcuts

The kitchen cabinets (by Studio Silvan) are made from several different types of wood, brown oak, oak, cherry, Douglas fir, and ash—all Scottish timbers, cascading from dark to light. The Douglas fir panel was the shortest, so it was tucked under the sink. Done out of necessity, the effect highlights the individual qualities of each wood: "You really understand the grain of each timber next to each other," says Mackison. Ash dividers tie it all together.

The cabinets, seen here, are made of brown oak, oak, and ash, and their clean lines and varied grain patterns work harmoniously with the floor, in all its rugged glory.

Photo by Richard Gaston

See the full story on Dwell.com: How They Pulled It Off: Offcuts and Leftovers Spruce Up a Cozy Victorian Flat
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This Brick House Melds Mexican and Nordic Traditions

Built for a retired Finnish woman in Mineral de Paz, the home focuses in on "simplicity, intimacy, and material authenticity."

Houses We Love: Every day we feature a remarkable space submitted by our community of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. Have one to share? Post it here.

Project Details:

Location: Mineral de Pozos, Mexico

Architect: Escobedo Soliz

Footprint: 1,076 square feet

Builder: Alma Hernández Covarruvias

Structural Engineer: Adalberto Estrada

Civil Engineer: Sergia Ayala

Interior Design: Christel Blomqvist

Cabinetry Design: Origen Madera

Photographer: Ariadna Polo / @ariadnapolo.foto

From the Architect: "This project comprises a residence for a retired Finnish woman, situated in a former mining settlement within the Sierra Gorda of Guanajuato. Conceived as a discreet and contemplative refuge, the house occupies an irregularly shaped plot, densely populated with pirul trees, organ cacti, mesquite, prickly pears, and marked by the presence of an 18th-century mining shaft. The site, narrow and uneven, is defined on the eastern edge by a preexisting adobe and stone wall, and on the west by a natural barrier of organ cacti. The program, articulated by the client, Mrs. Christel, required a principal dwelling on a single level and, above it, a two-bedroom apartment with independent access for rental purposes.

"The architectural strategy incorporated the adobe wall as the guiding axis for access to the principal residence, entered through a courtyard that is simultaneously contained by both the wall and the house. This courtyard functions as an organizing element, linking all domestic spaces through a semi-open portico. On the upper level, the apartment is structured around its own central patio. To the west, the dwelling is articulated into three staggered volumes, a gesture that negotiates the irregular trace of the cactus boundary while avoiding the remains of the mining shaft. Importantly, the project was conceived to allow construction in distinct phases, ensuring adaptability over time.

"The decision to employ locally produced red fired brick responded to a desire to work with a traditional material whose thermal and economic properties supported the use of a double-wall system known as enhuacalado. This constructive technique enabled the formation of robust, hollow walls capable of accommodating both structure and services, while also facilitating phased construction with greater efficiency. Carefully framed square apertures establish precise visual connections to the garden, while in the central patio, tall masonry surfaces modulate light, intensify silence, and cultivate an atmosphere of seclusion—an ambience particularly suited to reading and contemplation.

"From the outset, the project aspired to qualities of simplicity, intimacy, and material authenticity—values that resonate across both Mexican and Nordic architectural traditions. Its pursuit was oriented toward the essential and the poetic dimensions of dwelling, deliberately eschewing the superficial or ostentatious."

See the full story on Dwell.com: This Brick House Melds Mexican and Nordic Traditions
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Before & After: From Bachelor Pad to Family Chalet, This Little Cabin Grew Up With Its Owner

Nearly 30 years after buying the alpine getaway, a Melburnian brings in Chamberlain Architects to improve its insulation, fire resistance, and flow.

The cabin’s gabled form was reclad in black Colorbond steel. A new parents’ retreat extends off the deck to accommodate the growing family.

When Andrew Bruce first spotted a weather-beaten pine cabin in the small town of Cobungra, Australia, nearly 30 years ago, he wasn’t looking for a forever home. "I was single, working long hours in Melbourne, and just needed an escape," he says. The cabin, a rough builder’s spec house on a steep, tree-lined block, seemed like the perfect place to retreat. "It hadn’t really been lived in, so it was already falling apart, but I didn’t care. It was near Mount Hotham where I ski, and that’s all that mattered."

In those early years, the cabin was as basic as they come: two bedrooms, one bathroom, no TV, and a woodstove that barely fought off the mountain chill. "It was always cold," Andrew says with a laugh. "But I loved it. It was remote, quiet, and had this incredible view over the valley. The snow would stick around for weeks after it melted everywhere else."

Before: Front Exterior

Before: The original pine cabin was a simple builder’s spec house: two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a wood stove that barely kept out the mountain chill. — Before: The original pine cabin was a simple builder’s spec house with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a woodstove that barely warmed the space.

Courtesy Chamberlain Architects

After: Front Exterior

"We didn’t want anything flashy," says homeowner Andrew Bruce. "Just something that felt like it belonged here." The cabin’s gabled form has been preserved, extended, and reclad in black Colorbond steel that blends into the surrounding bushland.

Photo: Brook James

Over time, life changed, and so did the way Andrew used the cabin. He met Jill, a Boston native who shared his love of the outdoors, and together they began spending winters at the cabin. Their children, Bruno and Pia, started skiing almost as soon as they could walk, and they later trained with Mount Hotham’s Race Squad and competed with the Steamboat Winter Sports Club in Colorado when the seasons flipped. "Our daughter’s first trip to the cabin was when she was just five days old," Andrew recalls. "There’d been a big snow dump, and Jill said, ‘In Boston, we take babies out in the snow all the time.’ So off we went."

As the family grew, the erstwhile rustic bachelor pad started to feel cramped. "Two bedrooms, one bathroom, four people, it was chaos," says Andrew. He initially planned to knock it down and rebuild, but Jill wasn’t on board. "She hated the idea of everything going to landfill," he says. "And the planning rules up here—bushfire overlays, BAL ratings—make rebuilding complicated." Instead, they decided to give the old cabin new life.

After: Parents Bedroom

The parents’ bedroom, added during the renovation, is fitted with an Eva timber bed, Step Step stool, Aatos chair, and Linus lounge chair, the parents’ bedroom is functional and deliberately pared-back. — The parents’ suite, added during the renovation, is fitted with an Eva timber bed, Step Step stool, Aatos chair, and Linus lounge chair.

Photo: Brook James

See the full story on Dwell.com: Before & After: From Bachelor Pad to Family Chalet, This Little Cabin Grew Up With Its Owner
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This $2.4M Toronto Home Pairs Vaulted Ceilings With Bathrooms That Feel Like a Spa Retreat

Enjoy carefully considered finishes and quick access to downtown Toronto.

36 Rosemeade Avenue in Toronto, Ontario, is currently listed at $2,445,768 by Alessia Polo at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.

Step through the brand-new custom wrought iron doors into a 13.5-foot vaulted foyer, where light pours through a skylight onto heated Italian porcelain floors. Vaulted ceilings and hand-oiled European oak floors continue throughout the home.

The custom kitchen centers on a 10-foot walnut island, face-framed birch cabinetry, and honed porcelain carried through the counters and backsplash. Unlacquered brass hardware, a vaulted ceiling with a custom fixture, and brand-new Monogram appliances, including a column fridge plus freezer, 48" all-gas range with hood, two dishwashers, and microwave, define the space alongside a built-in Bosch coffee machine within the cabinetry.

The dining room sits off the kitchen and opens to the family room, both framed by vaulted ceilings and generous windows that flood the home with natural light. The family room is anchored by a Valor H6 fireplace with a sculptural mantel, custom-built-ins, and an imported light fixture.

Upstairs, a skylight brightens the landing with a neatly tucked laundry chute. Three bedrooms feature vaulted ceilings, custom trimwork, designer wallpaper, and large windows that capture the evening sun. Two include walk-in closets, one of which is a double. One of the bedrooms features a private en suite with a Kohler x McGee & Co. vanity and hardware, while the main bath boasts a 72-inch double vanity, a fluted tub, and oversized shower.

The primary bedroom is privately located on the lower level of the back split and easily accessible with a few steps. The room is grand in scale, with large windows, a 48-inch fireplace, a terrace walkout, and a dressing room with floor-to-ceiling organization. Its en suite features heated floors, a marble and walnut vanity, a freestanding tub, a water closet, and a porcelain slab steam shower with dual heads.

The lower level features a large wine cellar, a spacious family recreation room, and a full second kitchen, complete with leathered quartz counters, birch cabinetry, and a walk-in pantry. The mudroom features custom cabinetry with direct garage access and secondary laundry.

The expansive basement features a gym with built-in speakers, a large media/office space, and full laundry facility. Walk-up access to the backyard, located off the media or office space, offers flexibility to those who work from home. Outdoors, a generous canvas awaits your personal touch.

This home offers the rare flexibility to accommodate guests or extended family with a comfortable, private living quarter and presents an excellent opportunity for rental income. Either way, you can enjoy the entire residence as your own with the result of a home that balances purposeful design, functionality, and enduring value.

Listing Details

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 5 full

Square Feet: 8,500

Plot Size: 0.1951 acres

Photo by Raffi Tutundjian / Jagged Lens, courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

See the full story on Dwell.com: This $2.4M Toronto Home Pairs Vaulted Ceilings With Bathrooms That Feel Like a Spa Retreat
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