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corrugated metal siding, large glass panels and Eames-era charm, Blazona’s MDIOO (named for its 100- square-foot size) became an instant classic practical yet prudent, retro yet relevant When Ready Made be gan hawking the construction plans for $35 online, they quickly became a big hit. “I call it an adult playhouse,” says Christian rocker TD. Oakes, 32, who built an MDIOO on his Lexington, Ky., property over two weeks last September for $3,000, using off-the-shelf material from Lowe’s and The Home Depot along with a cheap cordless power tool kit. Candace Locklear, who lives in the East Bay hills near San Francisco, says building an outdoor room was “totally worth it” She and her husband had con sidered landscaping their yard, adding sod and a koi pond, but instead built a hip “modem playhouse” for their young daughter. Not only did the construction project bring them closer (‘lt helped us realize what great partners we really are”), but they’ve become the most popular parents on the block. Blazona, a former Pottery Bam designer who of fers larger backyard structures at Modular Dwellings .com, thinks the market for outdoor rooms is good but says “it’s hard to create a true product that can be House Smart By LOU MANFREDINI The practical side of building a backyard escape ■ Check with your local building department to see if these types of structures are allowed, and if so, what requirements you must meet You may need to submit a building plan and survey to show where it’ll be located on the property. ■ Position the Structure in a way that avoids problems such as water pooling down in low spots. Consider a gravel base or raised concrete slab to keep your new unit high and dry. ■ Make sure the design of your new cabin or shed has some kind of visual relationship with your home. Not only will it make a great companion element it'll keep your neighbors happy, too. ■ Add some basic amenities to the unit. Having a few electrical outlets, some lighting and even indoor plumbing can be a real plus. (Check out the BioLet toilet a composting unit that uses no water, at bioletcom.) Lou Manfredini is OurHouse.com’s “Mr. Fix-It”and a contributor to NBC’s Today shorn COTTAGE; WCHARO CORNELIUS; MICHAEL GRAVES PAVILION: COURTESY Of LMDAL CEDAR HOMES; MODERN DWELLING: CHAO HOLDEN WHAT'S YOUR STYLE? i .Jj Ifftm, -'s' rakgaEri -fc If JShf* li# BMMBir ?; I\* f ■ ~ * - ' ' r ’ :i Vy -■? 2. Pavilion This octagonal ‘home extension,” designed by Michael Graves for Target stores, makes a great breakfast nook or library. Use more glass walls and it's an awesome greenhouse or artist's studio. made anywhere” because each municipality has different building laws and codes. Dave Kimball, whose New Hampshire firm Shelter- Kit has sold prefab bams and homes since the 19705, sees his business expanding, especially for the basic $9,975 “Unit One” mini-cabin, which can be used in backyards or combined with optional decks and porches to create larger residential structures. “Our business was exclusively in the Northeast, but - v / ’ViMj fHi Pb M ip jim Hf* m ■ f IB iMI 1. Cottage All that's missing from this elegant mini-home, which even boasts a steep gable roof, is the white picket fence. It's a sweet spot for overnight guests, or maybe a great pool house. ifij EOSK mm 3. Modem dwelling Marketed under various brand names, such as "modem cabanas' or'metrosheds,' these fun retro designs are perfect for a trendy playhouse or an urban home office. now we’re all over, including Texas, Idaho and Montana,” Kimball says. And why not? Single mom Rubin says the pre-fab units offer a pretty fab way for homeowners to get back to nature: “These aren’t tiny trailer homes; they’re beautiful objects surrounded by greenery; I’m in my little room, looking out over the garden, watching squir rels climb up an oak tree. It’s far better than any other office I’ve ever worked in.” ca USA WEEKEND • Sept. 14-16,2007 7