Teo.House — Prefabricated Wooden Modular Houses

What means Teokarp?

It is a shell or a snail-box in Estonian. In English we just call our units Teo's, and the buildings are Teo-houses. Our websites in English are www.teo.house and www.teokarp.com

Wood. The frames are made of Estonian timber and for decoration we mostly use facade planks or Prodema plywood tiles. Interior decoration materials are usually timber and plywood. Floor coverings are wooden floorboards, parquet, carpet or any other floor covering based on customer's wishes.

But if I want a stone facade, for example?

All decoration materials can be installed to the Teo’s. Tell us what you want and we will find a solution together. For the sake of simplicity, Teo-house offers three choices on each surface, these are "included in the price". If you want something else, we have to calculate the difference.

Is Teo a warm house?

Yes, it is. We can build energy-efficient buildings with Teo’s. The windows are triple-glazed, and with the insulation of walls, floors and ceilings, we use the best insulation materials from Kingspan and Recticel. If you install the recommended heating system, ventilation and electricity production systems (such as a solar panels), the design of the Teo-house is applicable for energy label "A". However, if you want, you can order ordinary and cheaper thermal insulation materials for your summer house for example. This is your decision.

How high are the rooms?

2.50, optional 2.75 or even 5.50 meters.

The disadvantage of the wooden houses is what you can hear, what is happening on the upper floor, especially the steps.

The usual reason for this problem is, that the floors and ceilings are fixed to the same beams (floor up, ceiling down). The Teo-system prevents hearing anything from the upper rooms. Why? Because all Teo’s are separate units, their ceilings and floors do not interact with each other. In addition, all ceilings, floors and walls have a proper layer of thermal insulation, which also works as an audio-insulator.

You say that you use a value of around € 1,000 per square meter for pricing. Why “around”?

The more Teo’s you take, the cheaper (per square meter) your building will be. One TEO alone is more expensive than one TEO as a part of a larger building.

Will you add something else to this price?

Teo-house is a "turnkey" solution. This is the price of the finished house. The price does not include the cost of the transport of the units to your plot, because we do not know how far your plot is. If we will find out - we will calculate and inform you. There is no cost of the foundation or basement in the price and also no cost of communications (water-supply, sewerage, electricity), because the price of these things also depends on the situation on a specific plot. We also do not know your preference for the heating system.

Do you have illustrations or photos of the interior decoration?

Sure. We also consider that before you decide, you want to see the completed buildings with your own eyes to look and feel. Our finishing material is mostly beautiful Estonian wood in any color and form. We do not offer gypsum board works - if you want such a solution, we will install the building without wood finishing and you will be able to act further.

Is there a roof “in the price”? If so, what kind of materials are you using?

Yes, each Teo has a flat roof (bitumen) and a rainwater drainage system. When assembling a building of several Teo’s, we roofs and drainage systems are merged. All of this is “in the price”. If you select our triangular roof modules, then in this case the roofs are included in the price of these, too. If you want a different roof, for example, a regular tilt roof or a roof of any other material, (all types of roofs can be installed to the Teo’s), then this is not included in the price. Let us know what you want and we will calculate the price with you.

Is there any guarantee for this building?

Yes, 2 years.

Are these modules produced in some factory?

Yes, the Teo’s are produced at Prefab Wooden House Factory, in Estonia. Our factory has more than 15 years of experience with the production of modular homes to Estonian and Nordic markets.

I understand that you are drawing a project for a large modular house, or my “dream house” but I can start with less or even just with the living room and WC, and then I can order additional rooms when I have money in future. How in this case can a building permit and a permit for use be applied from the local authorities? Maybe I will finally get my house ready after 10 years?

If in Estonia: You will apply for a building permit for the whole building (built by steps), and the project shows the modular building process by steps, too. If step one or two etc. are completed, a local government will issue a temporary permit for use (if the bank requires, for example). If you are thinking of adding new elements to your home, we can do it easily, but we just have to correct the project and ask the municipality for a new building permit. This paperwork is not so tricky at all. Our professionals will be happy to assist you.

What documents must I have before starting a building permit application?

In Estonia: Design conditions, technical conditions for electricity supply, geodetic layout of the plot in electronic form, technical conditions for water and sewerage, a copy of the land ownership document and the land unit cadastral plan. Looks complicated? Do not worry. Write us and we will help.

Who deals with city / municipality paperwork?

Usually this is the duty of the property owner. We will do our best to help and advise you.

I have a question: do the banks accept this product and can I apply for a loan. As a rule, the banks also demand a permit for use. Therefore, if you build in many stages, this topic should be somehow resolved.

We know that this is an important issue - getting a housing loan. First of all, this is a building like all buildings are, just very flexible for planning and developing. So, banks will see this property as any other property, a house on a plot. In Estonia: construction and construction phases or steps of the project are clearly marked on the project and building permit. So, when the phase or step one or two is ready and usable, the municipality can issue a permit for use and continue doing so step by step. Easy.

I have chosen a house I like, but I have no land. What to do next?

Let us know. We hope our partners can help you to find a suitable plot.

Is it possible to install a geothermal heating system to my Teo-house?

Yes, all heating systems can be installed to the Teo-house.

If you combine these units and make the house bigger, will you also connect the wires and water pipes?

Yes, the Teo-house system allows connecting not only parts of the building but also its systems, such as electrical, ventilation, water supply or low-current systems.

This layout printing and self-designing is cool. Can I unite the Teo’s in any way or what are the rules?

Basically, yes. Always place the units next to each other, or at an angle of 90º, or in the top of each other. Make sure the columns of the units are in line. As usually - stairway on the stairway and bathroom on the bathroom. Have fun! When you design yourself a living room of 100 m², there's no problem. You can have more. One big unit gives you 18 m². Make a photo of your achievement and send us. An easy drawing or floor plan would be definitely helpful, so it's easier for us to figure out your thoughts and wishes.

Do I have to make a foundation for my house myself? What foundation does this house need? Can you do it?

You do not have to do it yourself - we either take it on us, after having seen the situation, or we may recommend you a decent builder who is familiar with Teo-house technology. The exact way to build a foundation depends on the geology of your plot. In the most common case, the usual metal pegs are sufficient – these are like "giant screws" screwed into the ground. Then the wooden base frame will be mounted on the screws, and the foundation is ready. It is also possible to use all other types of the foundation. By the way, if you want to preserve the natural look of your plot, the "giant screw" method is the best solution. In Norway, Sweden and Finland: find four stones or two stones and a rock.

Could you possibly write down the approximate cost of the foundation? I know it depends on several things, but maybe some sort of an idea can be given.

Example: for the installation of one Teo, six “giant screws” should be used at a price of EUR 35- + VAT | a piece. One Teo-house unit foundation will therefore cost 6 X 35 = EUR 210.- + VAT. For example, if you have a building of three Teo’s, the “screws” will cost EUR 630.- + VAT. For a wooden base frame we can name a rough price of EUR 600- + VAT for a three-unit building. Total 630 + 600 = EUR 1 230.- + VAT. Other solutions may be slightly different.

But if I have only a few modules at first, is there an empty foundation around it?

No. There is a need to extend the foundation only when you are extending your house. If extending, new “giant screws” will be put on place.

But how can this be so that the traditional roof is put as the very last thing? Are the units waterproof?

All Teo’s are waterproof, they have a flat roof. Each unit has also a rainwater drainage system and roof merger system for merging with other units.

I want to ask about swapping of the walls and windows. Is it so that if I want my window to the other wall, I can simply switch them?

Yes, but do not try it yourself, just call or write us. This is a job of 3-4 hours.

And if I suddenly have an idea to add a balcony to my room, is it enough to write you, too?

Something like this. You have to explain us where exactly do you want your balcony and whether there is a window or a wall right now. First of all, we will make changes to the project, because paperwork must be done correctly for the municipality. Then your balcony will travel to you. We will remove the existing wall or a window, then we install a new window with a door, or a new wall with a door and then we will install your balcony. Exactly the same way you can order all kinds of extensions: new rooms, halls, stairs, saunas, garages, storages, swimming pools etc.

What is the meaning of “patent pending”?

The company OÜ Teokarp protects its copyright for all new inventions and technological innovations and technological systems, which makes it possible to erect a building consisting of such units. The pending patent is a bunch of inventions and it is in the interest of the patent owner to avoid copying. If someone wants to use Teo-house ideas and technology, he or she must contact us. Copy-cats will be prosecuted.

You say that even schools and churches can be made of these boxes. What is the maximum number of floors?

Nine-floor buildings have been built of timber. We have been so far designing just a three-floor apartment buildings, but this is not a limit. The project of the Peetri Church, in Peetri Village, Estonia, really exists. Its bell tower is 15 meters high. Schools and kindergartens can also be built of Teo’s and then these buildings can be moved to another place, town or village, to the place, where young families and children are living. We can build houses, summer cottages, motels, hotels, offices, cafes, restaurants, stores, whatever.

You say that this house can be moved to another place. How is this done?

It works like this: depending on the size of the building, it will be taken apart in about two to three days. Then transporting to a new place and re-assembling takes ... for example, a week. Of course, all foundations and communications must be ready at the new plot. Yes, this is what we say - now it is possible to build to countryside, too, and you do not have to worry about getting back your investment if selling it. If the price of the property is low in the countryside, move it to the city. Easy.
Or, for example, today a kindergarten is in the village where are many children living right now, but after a few years, this village needs a school instead, and another village needs a kindergarten. Let's sell the kindergarten to the other village! Same with the schools etc.

I saw that you also offer a smoke sauna?

Yes. Are you from Finland? Call us! Write us! Our smoke sauna is very special. It can be also continuously heated up. A real thing with big extra.

This large box is 18 m², so can I use it as a "temporary building" and do not have to apply for a building permit?

In Estonia: yes. But we recommend always to inform the municipality politely. By the way, if your plot is in a specially beautiful and inviolable place, in a place where you do not even get by car, we will bring your Teo-house by small pieces and assemble it on the site, to be sure that nature will not suffer.
But if your plot is on the tropical island, we will send you all parts in the sea container and add instructions. Erect your Teo-house yourself together with native friends from the island.

What guarantees that, after 10 years, you are there and I can further expand my home if I want to?

We will certainly be there after 10 years, too. However, as the owner of a Teo-house, you are entitled to receive technological drawings of Teo-house, if OÜ Teokarp can no longer implement these extensions. Certainly, you are also concerned about the price of additional Teo’s in the future. We will work with these issues together and add them into our contract. The usual practice has been that prices can be indexed, for example in Estonia we use the Consumer Price Index of Estonian Statistics Board.

How long will it take to build my home?

It depends on the size of the house. Up to two-three months, for example. Teo-house technology enables very fast operations and it is possible to build throughout the year.

You can live your dream.

You do not have to construct and pay for a whole house all at once.

Your new home is not attached to the ground.

Summer Cottages

Homes

Public and Business

Teokarp Ltd. has created and patented a new method of construction - we can create rooms and buildings of any size using our modules with standard mark TEO.

How it works?

Teo.house | Rannki Island

Teo.house | Summerhouse 3TEO

Teo.house | Canteen

Teo.house - examples:

Teo.house 37 | 53 | 126 | 150 | 188

Teo.house | Ville

Teo.house 79 | 112 | 128 | 171

Teo.house | House with Outer Chimney

Teo.house 87 | 96 | 142 | 188

Teo.house | Hotel

Teo.house | Pyramid

Teo.house 62 | 79 | 120 | 151

Teo.house | Dormitory

Teo.house | House by the Valley

Teo.house | Showroom

Teo.house | Apartment Building

Teo.house | Summer Cottages

Teo.house | Church

Teo.house | Windmill

Teo.house | House by the River

Teo.house | Aurora's Observatory

We hope you have questions:

Layouts:

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