Lupine
500 sq. ft. | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | Living Room | Kitchen
The Lupine series reimagines living big in a small footprint with three unique styles, each tailored to complement a variety of lifestyles. Whether embracing classic charm, contemporary simplicity, or a hands-on, customizable approach, Lupine’s 500-square-foot floor plan is a study in efficiency and thoughtful design. With an emphasis on natural materials, abundant light, and a seamless connection to the outdoors, Lupine offers a refined yet practical living space—one that makes the most of every square foot while honoring Maine’s timeless beauty.
Aster
800 sq. ft. | 2 Bed | 1 Bath | Living Room | Dining | Kitchen
The Aster models offer a versatile approach to smart living, with three distinct styles designed to complement a range of lifestyles. Whether embracing the warmth of tradition, the sleekness of modern design, or the flexibility of personalizing a shell, each Aster model is thoughtfully crafted for comfort, functionality, and connection to the surrounding landscape. With an efficient 800-square-foot space, every Aster provides a smart, adaptable environment to live, work, and unwind—bringing thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship to the forefront of small-space living.
Our Process
At Knickerbocker Group, we understand that building a home is an exciting yet complex journey. Our Prefab Pod process is designed to ensure that every step—from initial consultation to delivery—feels seamless and straightforward. Whether you’re already envisioning your ideal home or still exploring the possibilities, we’re here to guide you. Here’s how the Prefab Pod process works:
Complimentary Consult
We schedule a phone or video call to discuss your needs and whether our Prefab Pods are the right fit.
Have Land?
Equally important to finding a property that speaks to your Maine is acquiring one that will meet your vision and your budget. Our in-house real estate team is ready to assist, guiding you through planning, budgeting, and real estate acquisition to ensure your location is the perfect fit for your new home.
Complimentary Site Visit + Planning
We schedule a *complimentary site visit to confirm the delivery of a Prefab Pod to your property is viable. We will come prepared with readily available online mapping (or a survey provided by you) to capture on paper our initial thoughts on the pod location and site planning.
*Complimentary within 60 miles of a Knickerbocker Group office (locations in Boothbay, Brunswick, and Portland).
Development, Permitting + Due Diligence
Our in-house team researches appropriate land use and environmental codes for your property, accessing local, state, and federal regulations. Once complete, we send a summary report identifying next steps. If the project appears feasible at this stage, you submit a retainer to secure your placement in the production queue.
Development, Permitting + Due Diligence billed hourly; estimates can be provided.
Complimentary Personalization
Through our *complimentary personalization, you can tailor your Pod to your style by selecting finishes and fixtures from our preselected style packages.
*2-3 complimentary personalization hours.
Proposal + Contract
While your Pod is being built, on-site preparation is required to ensure your site is ready for delivery. Our construction team can handle this work for you, or you may choose to work with your own general contractor. If you opt for the latter, we can provide a detailed checklist to guide and streamline their process.
If Knickerbocker Group is selected to perform the on-site work, we will include an estimate for these activities in your Pod contract. Upon signing the contract, the initial production payment will be due.
Production
Your Pod is built by our trusted Maine manufacturing partners using high-quality, sustainable materials and precision off-site construction methods. During this phase, Knickerbocker Group remains closely involved—overseeing design integrity, material selections, and production milestones to ensure your Pod is built to our exacting standards.
Midway through production, your second payment is invoiced. The final payment is due upon completion of the build. The initial project retainer is applied toward this final balance.
Delivery
Your home is delivered! Your selected construction team* will then complete the on-site finish work (estimated duration 1-3 months depending on model and site conditions). Whether you are a turnkey client or working with your own general contractor, we remain flexible and ready to support you throughout your build.
*If Knickerbocker Group is your chosen contractor for the onsite finish work, the services will be billed hourly. Estimated duration 1-3 months depending on model and site conditions.
Interested in Prefab Pods?
Our team of experienced professionals is always happy to answer your questions and help you get started on your journey to sustainable, biophilic living in Maine.
Frequently asked
We welcome all questions. If you have others, please get in touch.
What are Prefab Pods?
Knickerbocker Group’s Prefab Pods are thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient living spaces created by our in-house architecture and design teams and built in collaboration with trusted Maine manufacturing partners. Each Pod is crafted with a high level of quality control and delivered to your site for final installation and finishing. If you’re looking for a more tailored experience, our custom home solutions may be the best fit.
How are Knickerbocker Group’s Prefab Pods different from other options?
Prefab Pods are designed exclusively for Maine by Knickerbocker Group’s architects and designers, ensuring each home harmonizes with the state’s landscape, lifestyle, and climate. Built off-site by experienced Maine manufacturing partners, each Pod reflects our standards of craftsmanship, design excellence, and environmental stewardship.
Knickerbocker Group can serve as your general contractor to complete on-site finish work and site preparation, or we can collaborate with your preferred builder. Upon request, KG also offers furnishings, décor, and accessories—including unique selections from Maine artisans—to complete your space.
What Pod options do you offer?
- Turnkey: Our Turnkey service is unique in Maine, offering a comprehensive process from land to linens. We manage every step—design, permitting, production, and interiors—so clients can make informed decisions with ease and confidence.
- Bring your own GC: While your Pod is in production, on-site preparation is required to ready your site for delivery. You can choose to have our construction team handle this work, or you may collaborate with your own GC. If you opt for your own GC, we’ll supply a detailed checklist to streamline and guide their efforts.
- Shell Model: Available in 500- and 800-square-foot options, our Shell Models provide a high-quality, adaptable foundation for your project. Each shell is built off-site by our trusted manufacturing partners, delivered to your site weather-tight, and ready for interior completion. This option offers flexibility—allowing you to finish the interior yourself, work with your own general contractor, or engage Knickerbocker Group to complete the on-site finish work.
What is the price and what does it include?
- Finished Model: The base price for our Prefab Pods is fixed once we receive both a retainer and a signed fabrication contract. This base price includes all materials required for the off-site build completed by our trusted Maine manufacturing partners. It does not include site preparation (such as site development, permitting, and due diligence), on-site utilities installation and hookups, taxes, or on-site finish labor. If you select Knickerbocker Group as your general contractor for on-site finish work, these services will be billed hourly. On-site completion typically ranges from 1–3 months, depending on your model and site conditions.
- Shell Model: Pricing is determined based on your specific project—please inquire for details. Available in both 500- and 800-square-foot options, our Shell Models provide a high-quality, adaptable foundation for your project. Built off-site by our trusted manufacturing partners, each weather-tight shell is delivered to your site, ready for interior completion. You may finish the interior yourself, work with your own general contractor, or engage Knickerbocker Group to complete the on-site finish work. Contact our team to inquire about pricing!
I’m concerned your Prefab Pods are too small. Are they?
Each Pod is thoughtfully planned for comfortable, modern living and includes:
- Open kitchen, living, and dining areas
- Full bathroom with linen storage
- Washer/dryer
- Kitchen with modern appliances, including a dishwasher
- Built-in and optimized storage
- Private bedrooms with hanging and drawer space
- Indoor–outdoor connectivity and outdoor living areas
Pods can also be connected—linking a 500-square-foot unit with an 800-square-foot model, or two of either size—to expand your living space. Many clients use one as a primary home and the second as a guest home, office, or studio.-square-foot unit to our 800-square-foot unit (or connect two of either unit) to increase your living space. Use one as a primary home and the second as a guest home or as an income-producing ADU or home occupation. Each of our units can be paired in unique ways to meet your lifestyle and space needs.