OUR PROCESS

China is the largest steel manufacturer in the world and accounts for 53% of the world’s steel production. Because the Houdini Pop-Up is a metal-based product, this allows us to offer this product at half the cost compared to anywhere in the world.  We are happy to report that China recycles 21.7 percent of its steel production.

Our homes are produced in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants.  They undergo a rigid International quality control inspection process for worldwide distribution. All components are expertly packed and shipped via cargo ship to your US port of choice.

The walls are made from SIPS or Structurally Insulated Panels, sometimes referred to as “Sandwich Panels” or EPS panels (Expanded PolyStyrene). A polyurethane foam core is wrapped in a painted sheet metal layer front and back that forms each individual panel. They are super strong and light.  Those panels are locked together using a tongue and groove type connection system to form the walls. Those, in turn, are placed in a solid steel frame to make a remarkably strong and very well insulated structure. All the wall components of a Houdini house come pre-assembled with the doors and windows in place.

The standard wall is approximately 2 inches thick and has an R8 rating for insulation.  Most of our homes are available with an upgraded package for better insulation that will increase the walls to 3 inches with an R20 rating for insulation.  This upgrade also increases all glass windows and doors from single pane to double pane glass.  This is perfect for hot and cold weather climates.

The roof panels are also structurally insulated panels that have a metal roof on top and a finished PIP (Painted Iron Panel) layer for the ceiling. PIP is a thin layer of metal or aluminum that is pre-painted before being laminated to the EPS.  Most people are aware that a metal roof, or sometimes called a “tin” roof, is the most expensive and strongest roof you can have on a home, hence why tin roofs can be found in hurricane-prone areas.  They boast a 20-30 year life expectancy and come in multiple color choices.

Our homes come with 5/8 inch, MGO (Magnesium Oxide) cement board or plywood base floor on reinforced steel joists.  This is then topped with a PVC sheet vinyl covering or vinyl plank flooring.  The MGO board is very strong and durable.  It will not rot or be eaten by termites.  Also, it is also fire retardant.  The homes come standard with PVC sheet vinyl, but you can upgrade your flooring to waterproof vinyl plank flooring for not much more.

Unless upgraded, all windows and glass doors are single pane, hung windows.  All windows ship inside the home to prevent breakage and will need to screwed into window openings.  In multiple bedroom models, interior doors may need to be assembled.

Houdini Homes come pre-wired with all electrical and interior plumbing in place. Based upon the climate, size of the home, or individual use, heating, and air conditioning can be as simple as a small window unit to a multi-zone mini-split heat pump/AC system or nothing at all but open windows.