30+ years ago, our first home in CA was partially pre-fab. The central core was built at a factory and contained all of the plumbing (kitchen, 2 baths, laundry area, water heater). The core was placed on the site and the rest of the house was built around it. We thought it was a pretty cool idea at the time although it didn't have all the 'green' aspects of those in SG's link.
Sears built my grandma's house in the 1930's from a kit so they aren't something totally new. Our cabin is pre-fab, built in Kansas and delivered to South Park. Much easier than hiring a local crew to build from ground up when you are off the grid.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
