Prefab Profiles is a series of interviews highlighting individuals transforming home construction. From tiny prefab homes and modular cabin kits to fully assembled houses ready for delivery, these innovators bring forward some of the most exciting concepts in the industry. Suggestions for standout prefab brands are always welcome.
For architect and Majamaja cofounder Pekka Littow, creating a seaside retreat in Finland became an opportunity to demonstrate the potential of self-sustaining homes. The first cabin at Majamaja Village was built in 2020, and today, four cabins line a scenic stretch of coastline near Helsinki, overlooking the archipelago.
With no roads or infrastructure available, minimizing environmental impact was a priority. Prefabricated elements, including vertical wood cladding and sharply defined gables, allow for easy disassembly while reinforcing a Nordic aesthetic. Less visible but equally vital is each cabin’s patented sanitary module, which, when paired with solar panels, wind generators, and gray water systems, enables off-grid living without reliance on municipal utilities.
Though each cabin functions independently, communal living is a core element of Majamaja’s philosophy. Littow emphasizes that the company believes in the fundamental human need for community. The village fosters social interaction while offering a sense of security for those who seek it.
The Vision Behind Majamaja
Majamaja serves as a model for localized energy, water, and waste management. The broader goal is to show that large-scale off-grid living is possible. The company is already developing solutions for larger housing units and entire village complexes. Littow envisions a future where self-produced energy and independent water treatment systems become as commonplace in apartment buildings as standard household appliances.
Why Prefabrication Was Essential
Building on-site would have been impossible without self-sufficient technology. The site lacks municipal infrastructure, and the city had no plans to provide it due to high costs. Prefabrication eliminated the need for excavation or aerial cables, ensuring minimal disruption to the landscape.
The self-sufficiency technology integrated into the sanitary module eliminates the need for ground modifications. Prefabrication also speeds up construction, allowing for rapid installation and immediate use. The cabins are delivered in sections, ensuring they can be transported efficiently. For the Helsinki project, they were brought in by ferry, preserving the surrounding environment.
How the Cabins Operate Off-Grid
Majamaja cabins achieve self-sufficiency through solar panels, wind generators, and, in some cases, fuel cells. An onboard purification system converts saltwater or gray water into clean water, which is then reused or safely returned to nature. Dry toilets transform human waste into soil conditioner, completing the sustainability cycle. The cabins’ energy, water storage, and infrastructure are all contained within a patented sanitary module.
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The Importance of Self-Sufficiency
Majamaja shifts energy and water management closer to the end user. By directly engaging with resource consumption and waste disposal, individuals gain a deeper awareness of their environmental impact. This approach allows residents to monitor and adjust their habits, resulting in immediate, tangible benefits.
Availability and Pricing
Majamaja offers several models. The base unit is a 23-square-meter (approximately 248-square-foot) cabin in Helsinki, designed for three occupants. A new 40-square-meter (approximately 430-square-foot) model will soon be available, accommodating five people with an optional private sauna. Another design has been developed for climates requiring air conditioning. Prices range from €80,000 to €250,000 (approximately $83,450 to $260,790 USD), depending on the model and technology selected.
For an upcoming expansion on an island, Majamaja will offer 40-square-meter family units with private saunas. Owners will have the option to rent their cabins through Majamaja. These units will be priced between €300,000 and €400,000 (approximately $312,950 to $417,264 USD), including the land.
The company has also launched a membership program that allows individuals to invest in co-ownership shares of the Helsinki village. Members receive usage rights and rental income, with shares starting at €18,500 (approximately $19,300 USD).
Production Timeline
The prefabrication of five cabins takes approximately four months. Once delivered, the setup and finishing of a single cabin require about five working days.
Where Majamaja Cabins Are Available
Majamaja currently partners with builders in Finland and France, delivering cabins across Europe and beyond via sea transport. Clients can purchase complete cabin models, order only the self-sufficiency technology for integration into custom designs, or acquire architectural plans for local construction.
Project Support and Construction Management
Majamaja oversees the manufacturing and delivery process, while local construction teams handle on-site assembly. The company provides architectural plans for building permits, which local operators adapt to comply with regional requirements. Electrical and plumbing plans are also available for projects outside Europe. Basic foundation plans are provided, with final adjustments completed by local contractors.
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