From castles to cars, flat-pack products changing the world
lovePROPERTY team
05 October 2016
Wow factor DIY kits
If you think flat-pack products are limited to IKEA furniture and not much else, it's time to think again. Everything from castles and trucks to washing machines and shoes come flat-packed these days. Take a look at 25 of the most jaw-dropping self-assembly products.
Truck – est. from $12,850 (£10k)
The brainchild of renowned F1 engineer Gordon Murray, OX is the world's first flat-pack truck.
Truck – est. from $12,850 (£10k)
Targeted at markets in the developing world, the unique low-cost vehicle is mostly made from lightweight plywood and can be assembled in just 12 hours.
Rustic farmhouse – from $221,000 (£172k)
Scandia-Hus's rustic DIY cottages are a welcome departure from the usual shipping container-style flat-pack homes.
Rustic farmhouse – from $221,000 (£172k)
The self-build four-bedroom 'Millstone' farmhouse, for instance, is part-constructed from reclaimed heritage materials for an authentic period vibe.
Spitfire airplane – $303,000 (£235k)
If you're into model planes and fancy a big challenge, this one's for you: a flat-pack, fully flyable 90% scale replica of a Supermarine Spitfire fighter.
Spitfire airplane – $303,000 (£235k)
Texas-based company Supermarine Aircraft produces a comprehensive aluminum kit for ambitious amateur enthusiasts.
Car – from $12,480 (£9.7k)
Italian firm OSVehicle manufactures a flat-pack modular car kit that can be pimped out to the buyer's specifications.
Car – from $12,480 (£9.7k)
The self-build electric vehicle, which has a top speed of 62mph (100km/h), is available in both two- and four-seater versions.
Robot – price TBC
Launching soon, this DIY flat-pack robot from Japan has been designed to teach kids about robotic technology.
Robot – price TBC
The scorpion-like ZeGoBeast is packed with sensors and works with an Android tablet. It can do everything from fetching slippers to protecting its master or mistress' home from intruders.
Georgian family home – from $32 (£25) per square foot
UK firm Fleming Homes produces timber-framed period-style homes that are flat-packed for self assembly.
Georgian family home – from $32 (£25) per square foot
Buyers work on the design with an architect and the company produces a bespoke flat-pack structure based on that design.
Washing machine – price TBC
This game-changing washing machine from France is designed to last.
Washing machine – price TBC
L'Increvable, which means 'the unbreakable one' in French, is purchased in flat-pack self-assembly form and features components that can be replaced as and when needed, boosting its longevity.
Bike – from $1,000 (£779)
This DIY bicycle by Dutch company Sandwich Bikes consists of just three wooden panels bonded by a smart cylinder containing the head tube, crank axle and seat post.
Bike – from $1,000 (£779)
The bike is delivered in flat-pack form and assembled by the buyer.
Scottish baronial castle – from $32 (£25) per square foot
As well as fancy Georgian-style flat-pack houses, Fleming Homes also makes timber-framed Caledonian castles.
Scottish baronial castle – from $32 (£25) per square foot
This sprawling Scottish baronial pile seriously impresses with turrets, gables and a spectacular entrance hall.
Solar light – $40 (£31)
Ideal for camping, this clever little solar light can be flat-packed and carried around in a pocket.
Solar light – $40 (£31)
The SolarPuff inflates into a lantern and provides up to 100 lumens of light for a maximum of 12 hours.
Chocolate Christmas tree – $62 (£48)
Like your festive chocolate high-end? Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse produces this exquisite DIY Christmas tree made from the finest cocoa, vanilla pods and fleur de sel, and decorated with posh dried fruits and cereals.
Chocolate Christmas tree – $62 (£48)
The flat-pack kit comes with a pair of white gloves for the assembly.
Tractor – from $6,740 (£5.3k)
The UK's first flat-pack tractor firm, Siromer produces nifty DIY kits for handy farmers, significantly cutting the cost of these pricey agricultural vehicles.
Tractor – from $6,740 (£5.3k)
Popular with smallholders, the company has sold over 3,500 DIY tractors in the UK alone.
Boombox – from $77 (£60)
Inspired by retro boombox designs, this flat-pack DIY speaker system for smartphones is made from 100% recycled cardboard.
Boombox – from $77 (£60)
The kit features a pair of punchy German-engineered five-watt speakers that deliver room-filling audio.
Hobbit home – from $14,998 (£11.7k)
Green Magic Home's self-assembly micro houses look like they've been designed for hobbits.
Hobbit home – from $14,998 (£11.7k)
The earth-covered eco dwellings are made from fiber-reinforced polymer shells, which are delivered to the customer ready to install.
Go-kart – from $790 (£615)
Launching to massive success on crowdfunding website Kickstarter, the Plyfly is a gas powered, flat-pack go-kart that can be built in a day using common DIY tools.
Go-kart – from $790 (£615)
The wooden vehicle has a top speed of 25mph (40 Km/h).
Café – from $2,500 (£1.9k)
This container-style kiosk café by Chinese firm Keda Prefab is delivered in flat-pack form and can be assembled in a matter of hours.
Café – from $2,500 (£1.9k)
The structure can also be used as residential accommodation or a small office.
Hard suitcase – from $192 (£149)
The world's first collapsible hard suitcase, Néit features a sturdy aluminum frame that can be folded flat to less than three inches (7cm).
Hard suitcase – from $192 (£149)
The suitcase is also GPS-enabled and can be tracked down if it goes missing.
Sailboat – $2,600 (£2.1k)
Balmain Boat Company is an Australian firm that manufactures flat-pack DIY boats.
Sailboat – $2,600 (£2.1k)
The kits come with precision-cut plywood panels, nails, sealant, sails, and so on, and only require three tools to build: a hammer, drill and a caulking gun.
Virtual reality headset – $15 (£15 in the UK)
The budget virtual reality option, Google Cardboard is a simple smartphone headset made from, you've guessed it, cardboard.
Virtual reality headset – $15 (£15 in the UK)
The gizmo features 45mm focal length lenses for a decent, low-cost VR experience.
Vehicle armor – prices on application
Plasan Sasa is an Israeli company that makes bullet- and bomb-proof flat-pack vehicle armor.
Vehicle armor – prices on application
The kits can be tweaked to envelope almost any vehicle, from SUVs to trucks, and are popular with the US military and security-conscious private clients.
Glamping pod – $1,930 (£1.5k)
Forget tents. Glamping pods are all the rage these days. UK company Landpod produce a range of the cute and super-cozy portable dwellings that come flat packed.
Glamping pod – $1,930 (£1.5k)
The pods take a mere 20 minutes to assemble and feature a solar power pack, Bluetooth connectivity and four USB charger ports.
Table soccer – $103 (£80)
Designed by German company Kartoni, this table soccer game is crafted from cardboard and can be put together in next to no time without the need for glue, screws or tools.
Table soccer – $103 (£80)
Best of all, it folds down flat post assembly, so you can take it pretty much anywhere.
Bike caravan – parts from $32 (£25)
The Foldavan by Wooden Widget is a compact bike caravan that has been designed to be extra-aerodynamic and lightweight, making it a breeze to tow.
Bike caravan – parts from $32 (£25)
The caravan folds flat for easy portabilty and converts into a snug shelter.
Shoes – $99 (£77)
Pikkpack shoes are sold flat-packed and you assemble them yourself. They basically consist of a piece of quality leather that you transform into a 3D shoe.
Shoes – $99 (£77)
The eco flat-pack design saves on material and ensures the shoes have a low carbon footprint (no pun intended).
Pocket stove – $44.95 (£35)
Remarkably, this ultra-portable Bushcraft Essentials stove folds away to fit into a pocket, it's that compact.
Stove – $44.95 (£35)
Made in Germany from quality stainless steel, the stove can be used with a variety of fuels, from wood to charcoal.
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