Weehouse Brochure

weeHouse 2008
weeHouse. Or not-so-weeHouse.
Architecture in a box! House. Cabin. Addition. Rooftops. Developments. Multi-unit dwellings.
weeHouses are study enough to withstand the extremes of desert or tundra, and they may be placed
anywhere that is accessible by truck. The weeHouse system is based on modern aesthetics, efficient use
of space, and intelligent adaptation of prefab building technology. From small retreats like the original
weeHouse to 3-bedroom urban weeHouses or even commercial needs, the weeHouse is adaptable to a
wide variety of uses around the country.
weeHouses are available as 1-module Singles, 2-module Pairs, or customized for larger projects. By
selecting from our unique siding and interiors, each house is tailored to fit your lifestyle.
weeHouses are built offsite in a factory, and arrive onsite with everything ( almost! ), including the kitchen
sink. You only provide the foundation, seaming of the modules, and utility hook-ups. We even include
design in the production price of your weeHouse.
© Alchemy LLC, 2007 www.weehouse.com info@weehouse.com 651 . 647 . 6650

Alchemy: Alchemy Current: weeHouse: 0. Cad Documents: 2008 CAD Documents : 2008 weeHouse Overview 2.0
1X
STUDIO 345 SF SMALL 350 SF MEDIUM 670 SF LARGE 800 SF
2X
SPLIT PAIR 1000 SF PAIR 2br 1280 SF PAIR 3br 1510 SF X 840 SF
2X
TALL 2br 1180 SF TALL 3br 1370 SF
3X
TOWER 2br 1230 SF TOWER 3br 1390 SF
4X
2X4 2150 SF 4X4 2090 SF
© Alchemy LLC, 2008 Pricing at www.weehouse.com
2008 weeHouses Overview

weeHouse STUDIO
1X 2X 3X 4X
© Alchemy LLC, 2008 www.weehouse.com
weeHouse STUDIO
14' x 26' w/ inset doors = 341 sf
(6) 8' X 8' Permashield Doors wood walls option: 200sf

weeHouse 1/2 Kitchen
splitwall heat + A/C
(8) moment brackets
weeHouse SMALL
1X 2X 3X 4X
.com © Alchemy LLC, 2008 www.weehouse.com
weeHouse SMALL
14' x 26' w/ inset doors = 348 sf
(4) 8' X 8' Permashield Doors wood walls option: 250sf

weeHouse 1/2 Kitchen
(3) tall storage cabinets
(1) tall bath cabinet
3/4 bath
w/d
DW
weeHouse MEDIUM
1X 2X 3X 4X
weeHouse MEDIUM
14' x 48' w/ 4' end porch = 672 sf
(6) 8' X 8' + (2) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors Wood Walls Option: 370 Sf
(1) 3'-5" x 3'-5" awning
weeHouse Full Kitchen
(1) bathroom w/ washer and dryer
DW
w/d
M weeHouse LARGE
1X 2X 3X 4X
weeHouse LARGE
14' x 58' w/ 2' end porch = 812 sf
(6) 8' X 8' + (2) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors wood walls option: 170 sf
(2) 4'x4' operable awning + (4) 4'x2' awnings
(4) tall storage cabinets + (2) sets drawers
weeHouse Full Kitchen: C
(8) moment brackets
w/d
DW
SPLIT PAIR
1X 2X 3X 4X
SPLIT weeHouse © Alchemy LLC, 2008 www.weehouse.com
(2) 14' x 36' w/ 2' + 3' end porches = 1008 sf
(4) 8' X 8' + (5) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors fireplace

(3) 4'x4' operable awnings lighting: (15) cans, (10) surface, (1) pendant
weeHouse Full Kitchen wood walls option: 350 sf
(1) tall bath cabinet
3/4 bath
w/d DN
DW
R PAIR 2br
1X 2X 3X 4X
PAIR
(2) 14' x 46' w/ 2' + 4' end porches = 1288 sf
(2) 8' X 8' + (4) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors (2) sets drawers
(1) Entry Door + (3) 3'6" x 3'6" operable awnings (1) bathroom w/ washer and dryer
(2) 2' x 4' operable awnings wood walls option: 450 sf
w/d
DN
PAIR 3br
1X 2X 3X 4X
3 Bedroom Pair
(1) 14' x 53' + (1) 14' x 56' = 1510 sf
(4) 6' x 8'+ (4) 8' x 8' Permashield Doors (2) bathrooms
(4) operable windows floors may be reversed for adaptation to sloped lots
(4) sets drawers
ROOF DECK
w/d
DN
2ND LEVEL
DW
UP DN
IST LEVEL
TALL 2br
1X 2X 3X 4X
TALL, MEDIUM
(2) 14' x 40' w/ (2) 4' end porches = 1176 sf
(1) 5' x 12' Rooftop deck w/ railing (2) sets drawers

(3) 8' X 8' + (4) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors (1) bathroom w/ washer and dryer
(3) 3'x4' casement, (1) 3'-6" sq, (1) 4'x4', (8) 2' x 4' awnings wood walls option: 430 sf
weeHouse Full Kitchen w/ storage wall
weeHouse Full Kitchen: C
ROOF DECK
w/d
DN
2ND LEVEL
DW
UP DN
IST LEVEL
r TALL 3br
1X 2X 3X 4X
TALL, LARGE
(1) 14' x 56' + (1) 14' x 42' w/ (2) 2' end porches = 1372 sf
(1) 10' x 12' Rooftop deck w/ railing (5) tall + (3) short storage cabinets
(4) 8' X 8' + (4) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors (1) bathroom w/ washer and dryer
(2) 3'x4' casement, (1) 4'x4', (1) 3'-6" sq, (8) 2' x 4' awnings wood walls option: 430 sf
tall storage wall
DW
w/d
X weeHouse
1X 2X 3X 4X
X
(1) 14' x 33' + 14' x 27' w/ 1' + 3' end porches = 840 sf
(2) 10' x 13' Rooftop decks + (1) exterior stair (1) bathroom w/ washer and dryer
(9) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors Twood walls option: 250 sf
(1) 4'x4' + (4) 2'x4' operable awnings one-truck DELIVERY possible
(2) sets drawers
DW
DN
DN
w/d
UP
SEE
SEE TOWER
TOWER OPTIONS
OPTIONS
e TOWER 2br
1X 2X 3X 4X
TOWER, MEDIUM
(2) 14' x 36' + (2) 14' x 9' w/ 2' + 3' end porches = 1230 sf
(1) 2' x 4' + (3) 3'-5" x 3'-5" + (4) 2' x 4' awnings (1) bathroom w/ washer and dryer + 1/2 bath
weeHouse Full Kitchen walk-in closet
(6) tall storage cabinets wood walls option: 390 sf
SEE SEE
TOWER TOWER
OPTIONS OPTIONS
DW
UP
DN
DN
w/d
TOWER 3br
1X 2X 3X 4X
TOWER, LARGE
(1) 14' x 36' + (1) 14' x 46' + (2) 14' x 9' w/ (2) 2' end porches = 1386 sf
(1) 4'x4' + (4) 2' x 4' + (2) 3' x 3' operable awnings (1) bathroom w/ washer and dryer + 1/2 bath
weeHouse Full Kitchen wood walls option: 390 sf
tall storage wall
WALK-IN
CLOSET
ENTRY / STUDY
PANTRY
DN
UP
ENTRY +
1/2 BATH FULL
BATH
DN
UP
LEVEL 1 OPTIONS LEVEL 2 OPTIONS
r TOWER OPTIONS
1X 2X 3X 4X
(2) sets drawers
W/D
UP
DN
2x4 weeHouse
For wider lots
1X 2X 3X 4X
2x4 weeHouse
(1) 28' x 40' + (1) 30' x 36' = 2150 sf
(2) 10' x 13' Rooftop decks + (1) exterior stair (2.5) bathrooms
(3) 6' x 8'+ (6) 8' x 8' Permashield Doors walk-in closet
(2) sets drawers
(6) tall storage cabinets wood walls option: 390 sf
W/D
UP DN
e 4x4 weeHouse
For narrower lots
1X 2X 3X 4X
2x4 weeHouse
(1) 28' x 41' + (1) 28' x 42' = 2090 sf
(2) 10' x 13' Rooftop decks + (1) exterior stair (2.5) bathrooms
(3) 6' x 8'+ (6) 8' x 8' Permashield Doors walk-in closet
(5) sets drawers
page
Options Worksheet 1
The following options allow you to make your weeHouse your own. Our design process is an exchange, so don't
feel pressure to fill out everything right now; we are happy to make suggestions that will complement your style.
1 Foundation
Piers Perimeter (Crawl Space or Basement)
2 Roof
Flush Roof w/ 4" vented overhang Fixed Awnings, 42" wide Overhanging Roof 36" wide
3 Siding Type
Container Corncrib
4 Siding Color
Brown Blue Green Yellow Orange Red Black Rust (Container Only)
5 Mechanical Infloor Heat Split Wall Heat + A/C Forced Air
Outline Specifications
page
page
Options Worksheet Continued 2
6 Bamboo
Flooring
Carbonized Natural
7 Bathroom
Tile
White Blue Buff Grey Green Black

(1x1 Glass) (1x1 Glass) (12x12 Porcelain) (12x12 Slate) (12x12 Slate)
8 Kitchen
Cabinetry
White Oak Paneled Birch Paneled Birch Slab Stainless (Bases Only)
9 Kitchen
Counters
White Neutral Grey Black Blue Green

y)
10 Fireplace
None (standard) Wood Gas
Outline Specifications
weeHouse Outline Specification
STANDARD SPECS: Description Colors / Options
Items Configured by Alchemy as shown on drawings Suppliers include Andersen, Bosch, Duravit, IKEA, and Kohler. Full model specifications are available upon request.
Roof EPDM rubber: black Black only (?)

EPDM rubber: white White (or Black)
Sliding doors: 6' x 8' + 8' x 8' sliding patio doors Terratone Exterior + Interior
Tribeca Stone Handles
Swinging Doors 32" x 80" full light Terratone Exterior + White Interior
Anvers Satin Nickel Handles
Windows: Awning Windows, 2x4, 3-5 x 3-5, 4x4, operable Exterior Colors: Terratone, White, Sandtone
Interior Colors: White
Interior Trim: Casing: 7/16" x 2-1/4", Base: 3/8" x 3-1/4", Flat w/ eased edge(s) White
Interior Doors: 2-panel White
Interior Door Hardware: Lever door handles Satin Stainless Steel
Curtain track Hospital style aluminum track + custom wood trim 2 hangers per foot of track length
Electrical (locations preselected) Can Lights: 4” par silver or white trim

Can Lights: 5" flourescent silver or white trim
Surface Mounted Lights: aluminum trim ring (white glass shade)
Exterior Vapor Tight (Cage Light) Wall Sconce: Wall-mount
Ceiling Fan, 44" Stainless
Bath fan, 110 CFM low sone (no light) white
2" round illuminated Door Bell on "genuine weeHouse" I.D. plate Amber Color
Bath Cabinets: Linen Cabinets 15"w x 12 or 24" deep Applad White, Tidaholm Oak.
Bath Fixtures: Single hole faucet Polished Chrome

Shower only faucet CP - Polished Chrome
Shower + bath filler faucet CP - Polished Chrome
One-Piece Toilet White
Wall-Mounted Sink, 18x24 White
Drop-in Sink w/ Base Cabinet White
Bathtub, built-in 71 x 31-1/2 White
Bathtub, freestanding 71 x 31-1/2 White (w/ paneled sides)
Bath Shower: Base, 36 x 36 corner solid-surface White
base, 36 x 36 mud bed for tile
Glass Enclosure: 3/8" semi frameless door or corner units 36 x 36
Drain grid: cast brass, nickel-plated
Kitchen Undermount Kitchen Sink: 1 + 1-1/2 bowl, stainless Steel

Drop-in Kitchen Sink: 1 bowl w/ Drainboard, stainless steel 24" base cab
Drop-in Kitchen Sink: 1-1/2 bowl w/ Drainboard, stainless steel 24" base cab
Kitchen pullout faucet Stainless
Appliances wall oven, 30” electric

(allow $6500 for appliances) cooktop 30” gas, electric
dishwasher, 24" stainless
Hood, chimney style wall: 30” stainless
Refrigerator: full size, 18 cu ft, 32"w stainless
24” undercounter combo fridge, freezers 5.5 cu.ft. stainless door, black or white cabinet
24” undercounter fridge only 6.0 cu.ft. stainless door, black or white cabinet
24” undercounter freezer only 5.5 cu.ft. stainless door, black or white cabinet
Washer and Dryer: 27” front-load units: stackable or undercounter white
weeHouse Outline Specification

OPTIONS: Description Colors / Options
Items selected by customer
Roof Flat Roof, vented at eves. Flush eve (4" wide)

ADD for Overhanging Eaves, 36" wide. Steel support brackets at 6' o.c. nominal
ADD for Fixed Roof Awnings 42" deep roof elements shade door sets for sun + rain protection Steel brackets painted bronze or galvanized
Siding: Container : fibercement sheet siding w/ applied battens Iron (use black-tinted primer + oxidizer)
Paint (stock colors or paint onsite?) Black, Bronze, Red, Deep Green, Lime Green, Sky Blue
Oxidized Latex Paint Finish 2 coats or one heavy coat over a black primer
ADD for Corn Crib : rough-sawn siding requires special weatherwrap: see details
Paint - solid color stain (stock colors or paint onsite?) Black, Bronze, Red, Deep Green,
note: pre-stain all sides prior to applying to wall Lime Green, Sky Blue
Flooring: Bamboo, vertical grain: natural (light) or carbonized (dark)

ADD for Wood Walls: Wood to match floors (only limited locations offered)
ADD for Wood Ceiling : Wood to match floors (only limited locations offered)
Bathroom Tile: STANDARD 1x1 mosaic (floor, walls, shower) Arctic White D617, Arch. Grey D109, Garden Spot 141
ADD for 12x12 Slate (floor, walls, not in shower) Black, Grey
ADD for 12x12 porcelain (floor, walls, not in shower) Hydra LS01, unpolished
ADD for 1x1 Glass Mosaic, Irridized (floor, walls, shower) Oyster White SR76, Acapulco Blue SR73
Kitchen Cabinetry: White, Stainless (bases only), Birch Paneled, Birch Slab, Oak Paneled frameless "European" cabs w/ Blum soft-close hdwr
Kitchen Counters: Solid surface - tops 1-1/2", side cover panels 1/2" White, Grey, Black, Other: depends on brand
(add Synthetic Stone options?)
Mechanicals: STANDARD: HVAC Insulated galvanized ducts in structure w/ boots Heat Source by owner
ADD for On-Demand Instant Water Heater electric

gas handled onsite by others
ADD for Infloor Heat Infloor Heat tubing, transfer plates, manifold only (Boiler by owner)
ADD for Split wall Heat + A/C Unit(s) with exterior compressor installed on site
Owner-Supplied Items Description Colors / Options
Mechanicals Boilers, Furnaces, A/C compressors to be provided by owner.

Necessary ducts and infloor tubing infrastructure will be installed in factory.
Fireplaces: wood, w/ chimney mill finish (steel)

gas, w/ wall outlet
COOKTOP
24" CT4D36
refrigerator
A Standard 1/2 Kitchen (for weeHouse SMALL models)
pullout hood
cabinet depth
refrigerator
COOKTOP
WALL
B4D30
OVEN 24" DW
B Standard Full Kitchen
cabinet depth
refrigerator COOKTOP
WALL
24" DW
OVEN
C Standard Kitchen (for weeHouse LARGE models)
Standard Kitchen Layouts

Fitted with IKEA Kitchens and stainless steel appliances from
Bosch, Fisher Paykel, and Summit
COOKTOP
WALL
24" REF 24" freezer
OVEN
D Optional 1/2 Kitchen
chimney hood
COOKTOP
WALL trash 24" MICROWAVE 24"

24" DW pullout
OVEN refrigerator freezer
E Optional Full Kitchen
Optional Kitchen Layouts

Fitted with IKEA Kitchens and stainless steel appliances from
Bosch, Fisher Paykel, and Summit
0.00 $0.00
Contact Info.
Name
Site Address
City, State, ZIP
Item Detail Budget Actual Notes Responsibility
Qualification
Land Owner
Reports
Site Survey Owner
Soils Report Owner
Geotechnical, percolation, septic, etc. Owner
Other
Design and Permitting
Architectural Services
Contract Deposit ($1000, nonrefundable, applied to final balance) Owner
Design Site Visit (optional, but recommended)
1-2 Production Factory Visit Alchemy
Delivery Day Site Visit Owner
Structure Fees
standard weeHouse Alchemy
customized weeHouse Alchemy
Additional Design Services; decks, garages... Owner
Additional Option(s) Fees Owner
Engineering Fees (if not included in factory price) Owner
Local Permits and Fees
Building permit Owner
Water and/or Sewer/Septic Permit Owner
Variance Process Owner
Environental Impact Fees Owner
Other Permits (detail in notes)
Site-Specific Construction
Site Preparation
Clearing/Demolition Owner
Excavation/Backfill, Grading Owner
Other (detail in notes)
Foundation
Footings, Drainage GC / Owner
Stem Wall/Caissons/Piers GC / Owner
Retaining Walls GC / Owner
Waterproofing GC / Owner
Basement GC / Owner
Garage/Carport Slab GC / Owner
Utilities
Extend Utilities from Street to Site GC / Owner
Well/Septic/Sewer GC / Owner
Gas GC / Owner
Electrical
Hookups GC / Owner
HVAC
Button Up
Gutters and Downspouts GC / Owner
Hook Up Mechanical System GC / Owner
Exterior Siding Finishing GC / Owner
Interior Finish Work, drywall and flooring at seams and access panels GC / Owner
Interior and Exterior Painting GC / Owner
Hand Rails and Stairs GC / Owner
Additional Exterior Unit Construction
Garage/Carport GC / Owner
Decks GC / Owner
Pools GC / Owner
Overhangs GC / Owner
Fences
Other (detail in notes) GC / Owner
Landscaping
Driveway GC / Owner
Walkways, Gardens, Lawns, Fencng, terrace GC / Owner
Other
General Contractor Project Management Owner
Solar Electric Owner
Solar Hot Water Owner
Green Roof Owner
Grey water recovery / irrigation system Owner
Delivery
Modular Building(s)
Transportation- Freight and Damage Deposit Owner
Installation/Set Owner
Crane Owner
Other
Financing
Closing Costs Owner
Furnishings
Appliances Alchemy
Specialty Lighting Fixtures Owner
Taxes and Fees (for state/province in which weeHouse is placed)
Additional Insurance(s)
Local Consultants
Expediter Owner
Total $0 $0
Alchemy, LLC
856 RAYMOND AVE. ST. PAUL, MN 55114 • (651) 647 6650
PROCESS OUTLINE
Alchemy delivers design in the following ways.
1) Standard weeHouses (and not-so-weeHouses) are pre-designed with options to accommodate

many needs and sites. Delivery runs nominally 6-9 months from signed contract, design fees are
minimal, and costs based on the project’s location are given up front.
2) Custom weeHouses are possible based on adaptations of our standard weeHouses and basic
details to create more customized solutions for a wider variety of needs. Timelines run nominally
9 or more months from signed contract. Upfront design fees are based on the size of the project,
and costs are quoted within a reasonable range.
3) Custom Architecture is, well, custom. We are open to a wide realm of project types and creative
production methods. Longer timelines and more uncertain costs are typical.
Site Visits are not required, but can be valuable in optimizing the siting and layout of your project. We bill
for such visits on a day rate of $1000 plus expenses.
STANDARD weeHOUSES
Our standard line of weeHouses is intended to provide flexibility and high-quality design with reduced
time and costs compared with custom architecture. Design costs are included in the cost of the
weeHouse.
Opening Deposit ($1000)

We make sure that the weeHouse you have configured will work with your site and your needs. We
provide floor plans, elevations, and outline specifications for preliminary zoning or financial approval.
A quote with an estimated timeline for the process of permitting through delivery will be given according
the project’s location and factory capacity. In some cases, Additional Services will be required for
engineering and structural upgrades for projects in high wind, snow, and seismic areas, or for special
submission requirements from local building authorities.
Production Deposits (25% of house price)

A deposit of $5000 (plus any applicable Additional Services) allows us to proceed with Permit Documents
for your house.
A Production Deposit for 25% of your house price less $5000 is due at the commencement of the factory
fabrication process.
Depending on location, the balance is paid by installments during fabrication or at delivery.
CUSTOM weeHOUSES
Custom weeHouses are a hybrid between custom architecture and our standard weeHouses. They will
typically cost more and take longer than our standard weeHouses, but will typically cost 10-20% less than
a comparable site-built custom project. Design costs, payable up front as deposits, are billed hourly at
our standard rates, but are included in the quoted price of your custom weeHouse.
Opening Deposit ($1000)

We work with you to program your weeHouse, lay out design opportunities, and identify issues that
prepare your project for the next phase of Schematic Design. We identify what items are to be
customized within our system to specifically meet your needs and establish preliminary budgets for
design and production.
Design (deposits start at $2500)

We work with you to create a Schematic Design based on your program. We provide floor plans,
elevations, and outline specifications for updated pricing, preliminary zoning or financial approval prior to
proceeding with your project.
Permit Documents (deposits start at $5000)

Upon approval of the Schematic Design, we begin creating the Permit Documents, and invoice you for
the Permit Documents phase. We produce Permit Documents for fabrication, local approvals and
financing, and provide final pricing for your custom weeHouse. In some cases, Additional Services will be
required for engineering and structural upgrades for projects in high wind, snow, and seismic areas, or for
special submission requirements from local building authorities.
Production Deposit (25% of house price)

Upon approval of the Preliminary Design, deposits totaling 25% of your house price for CAD drawings
and factory fabrication costs will commence the fabrication process. Depending on location, the balance
is paid by installments during fabrication or at delivery.
DEVELOPMENTS
The weeHouse’s modular design and prefabrication is especially beneficial when houses are produced in
quantity, and we can pass those savings on to you. In the case of developments of 10 or more houses,
we can even deliver to a wider territory. Please contact us for more details on process and pricing.
CUSTOM ARCHITECTURE
Alchemy’s fees for custom architecture on a more traditional project path run nominally 15% of the project
budget for full services, and lesser amounts for partial services. Fees are billed in phases on an hourly or
pre-bid basis according to the needs of the project. We work in residential and commercial realms using
both prefab and site-build processes.
Page 2
Alchemy Architects is pleased to provide this FAQ document to help you plan your weeHouse.
Please note that information is updated on our Web site, weeHouse.com, often. All information is
subject to change. We appreciate your interest in Alchemy Architects and the weeHouse®.
preWee
Can you send me printed information?
No. (Sorry!) We appreciate trees so much that we like to save them—a lot. We post relevant
information on our Web site for easy reference, easy updating, and easy-on-the-environment reasons.
You are welcome to print out pages of our Web site for your reference or to share with friends.
Our on-line gallery has the most up-to-date photographs of our projects.
Is the weeHouse “green”?

The weeHouse was inspired by sustainable design principles such as building small and efficiently.
We hope to offset the suburban trend towards overbuilding by instilling value in modern yet efficient
living. By producing weeHouses in carefully chosen, environmentally concerned factories, we are able
to greatly reduce construction waste compared to conventional construction procedures. As production
of weeHouses increases, we hope to be able to include more low-VOC and green-certified materials
into the process. Our architects can customize your weeHouse with even greener materials and
systems using active solar, geothermal, green roofs and other solutions as applicable.
What is a not-so-weeHouse? (To wee, or not-to-wee?)

We call designs that use 3 or more modules (excluding our ‘towers’) not-so-weeHouses. We offer
standardized plans for not-so-weeHouses that address lifestyle needs that go beyond our standard line
of 1- and 2-module houses.
What’s the difference between a weeHouse project and a custom project from Alchemy?
WeeHouse is actually a trademarked name for a contemporary, prefabricated structure originally
designed by Geoffrey Warner, principal of Alchemy LLC. The standard weeHouse has evolved into a line
of structures used as homes, offices, penthouses, and studios. From the iconic Arado weeHouse (now
called weeHouse “studio”) to four+ module dwellings, a weeHouse project has many shapes and
elements (including being not-so-wee), but all of them are prefabricated and then “set” on site …
basically ready to move-in!
Can I see a “wee”?

Occasionally, built weeHouse projects are available for public viewing via home tours, exhibitions
(Dwell Conference 2007), special events (did you know a weeHouse was in Times Square?),
or in an appointment with a client’s approval. At this time, there are no weeHouses ‘on parade’
but stay in touch with us via weeMail. For obvious reasons, we try to keep our clients’ privacy intact
as much as possible.
Can I take a tour of “your” factory?

Alchemy is an architecture firm, and as such, does the design work of the weeHouse. We work with
independent factories that produce modular homes in addition to the weeHouse. Respecting their
business environment, safety guidelines, and timelines, we do not organize tours or visits during
production. Occasionally, during production, factories are open to the weeHouse owner.
Permits?
Yes, you need them! The weeHouse is permitted similar to a site-built home. You will need to acquire
local zoning permits; we take care of the state-mandated permitting. You won’t run into any issues as
long as you follow the zoning requirements for your city/neighborhood/county. Most cities post permit
information on their city/county web sites.
Is the weeHouse built to comply with my local building code?

Yes. weeHouses are designed and inspected to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC)
and International Building Code (IBC). Prior to fabrication, we provide you with a full set of weeHouse
documentation drawings for your local building inspections process. Local inspections are needed
for granting permits and the inspections are done per local municipality requests. Most of these
inspections happen at the factory so you should only have to pay reduced building permit costs to
cover site-specific work: foundation and basement walls, drainage, heating, plumbing, electrical
hookup, and certificate of occupancy.
Land
How do I know if my site is right?
Some things to consider include:
• the costs of your site to be cleared and/or prepared for the weeHouse move-in
• the foundation—you have options & we’re happy to work with you to make suggestions
• electrical, water, and sewer hookups (weeHouses come ready to hook-in)
• road access (no tight twists and turns!), and an open area large enough for the crane to ‘be’
while it’s lifting your ‘wee’
Realtors may be able to help you address general site restrictions in your area. Please be sure to ask!
Actually, we recommend you ask a lot of questions and that you get recommendations from “locals” to
find contractors that can help. If you’re unfamiliar with construction, we strongly recommend working
with a reliable general contractor, even if your up-front costs seem slightly higher. We believe that in
the long run, a great contractor saves money.
Does Alchemy need to make site visits?

While photographs, surveys, and sketches are useful to describe the site, a site visit allows us to
interact directly with you and the land. We do a rough survey of the site and flag for the house if
possible, thus being able to address some of the more subtle parts of the building(s) in the landscape.
We do bill for site visits using day (or half-day) rates, plus expenses. We think it’s a good investment
on the larger scope of your project.
Location, location, location ...

Continental United States and Canada: Please see our Delivery Map for our current capabilities.
We are working on establishing delivery to every state, and we’ll update you via weeMail on these
changes.
Alaska and Hawaii: Yes! We can ship a weeHouse, but as you can imagine, there are additional
shipping fees (literally … shipping on the ship fees). Plan on an extra $8 to $10K for the ocean
leg of the journey.
Location, location, location ... (cont’d)

Europe ... and other parts of the not-so-weeWorld: Mon dieu! We do not have a way to ship across the
“pond” at this time. weeHouses are too big for standard shipping containers and would require a
specialty shipping arrangement—most likely at a very high cost.
Can I put a weeHouse on my roof, or on piers, or on the Mississippi River?

Yes … we would love to use a barge-foundation and the opportunity to float-a-wee! We’ve completed
our first rooftop weeHouse, a commercial unit for a business in Minneapolis. The Arado weeHouse was
built on stilts—not the kind you used when you were a kid—but on concrete piers and steel beams.
Can I invest in Alchemy, or buy stock in weeHouses?

Alchemy LLC is a privately owned company (see employee profiles for more information about each of
us). We are not franchised, nor traded on the stock exchange. The best way to invest is to initiate
weeHouse developments. Prefabrication is especially cost effective when like-houses are produced in
quantity. We pass this savings benefit on to you. When we design developments of 10 or more
weeHouses, we can even deliver to areas not included in our standard weeHouse delivery map. Please
contact us for more details.
Financing
How do I finance my weeHouse?
Modular financing has many advantages because it reduces short-term high-rate construction
lending, as you do not pay for the bulk of the house until it is delivered from the factory. Our clients
have used M&T Bank-Mortgage Division (yourmodularhomecenter.com) with positive results. Clients
have also worked with
• Indymac (indymacbank.com)
• Land Home (land-home.net/modular_program_details.html)
Other prefab mortgage options may be found from these institutions:

• Countrywide Home Loans (countrywide.com)
We also encourage you to ask your local lender about systems-built or factory-built modular financing.
There are numerous Web sites addressing prefab homes. One site in particular that has detailed
information on financing is Prefabs.com (prefabs.com/prefab_financing.htm).
Build
What comes standard in a standard weeHouse?
Each standard weeHouse comes ready-made: just add water (and a few other 21st Century realities
like electricity). weeHouse standard floors are 1x4 tongue and groove bamboo (light or dark finish
available); all interior walls are white gypsum board. We have integrated a curtain track into the
perimeter ceiling as a standard feature that allows for privacy curtains or wall texture panels.
Standard weeHouse bathrooms have tile floors and showers. See the weeHouse options sheet for
details.
What comes standard in a standard weeHouse? (cont’d)

Each weeHouse also includes floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Container Siding (cement fiberboard with
vertical battens), EPDM cold roof, tongue and groove bamboo flooring, primed gypsum board ceilings
and walls, electrical and plumbing systems, fixtures, bathroom tile, cabinets, and the kitchen sink.
Do you include appliances? Which ones?

Yes! With the standard weeHouses, we do include high-quality modern appliances in the cost.
However, we can also design and spec for these recommended appliances (refrigerators, stoves,
dishwashers, etc.), but have you to purchase them locally. See the weeHouse options sheet for details.
If appliances are not included in the pricing of your weeHouse, we note that clearly on your contract.
The price adjusts accordingly.
You actually include design in the base price of a weeHouse?

Yes! Included in the price of your weeHouse is a permit set of drawings for standard weeHouses and
standard not-so-weeHouses that illustrates the foundation plan, floor plans, elevations, and typical
construction details.
What if I want to change-a-wee?

The weeHouse is engineered to provide the coolest design and fabulous flexibility at the most
accessible prices using materials that optimize the benefits of the structure and the build process.
Sometimes the standard weeHouse isn’t exactly what you’d like to live in. That’s not a problem, but it
does mean that for some details, we have to go ‘back to the drawing board’ … literally!
We schedule customizing weeHouses on a case-by-case basis, and hope that, in general, our standard
designs suit your needs. Custom projects do take longer, and can add significant changes to your
costs. When you customize a standard weeHouse (there are some limitations to factory-built homes,
but we are always happy to work with you to design in elements that you believe to be ‘must-haves’),
Alchemy offers our design services at a reasonable hourly rate. These design services may be used for
changes to the kitchens, baths, porches, accessibility modifications, or material changes.
Can I install my own cabinets or other small fixtures?

Yes, but we don’t necessarily recommend it. It is possible to purchase a standard weeHouse as a
finished ‘shell’ without the built-in cabinets or other small fixtures. The final price really won’t change
much, if at all. Because the factory works so efficiently, it’s always been (to-date) more cost-effective
to have the weeHouse delivered with as many details and finishes in place as possible.
For permitting reasons, we need to finish interior and exterior walls and have the plumbing and
electrical in place.
Is weeHouse construction as strong as a site-built structure? How long will a weeHouse ‘be’?
We’ve designed the weeHouse to meet IBC (International Building Code) and IRC (International
Residential Code) standards. The weeHouse is actually stronger than a site-built structure in many
cases. To withstand the stresses of being moved, we reinforce all corners of the frame, doors, and
windows, and glue and screw the subfloor and sheetrock to the frame.
weeHouses are fully insulated with 2x6 walls and 12" floor trusses for the floors and ceilings. Nominal
R values are: Walls R19, Floor R35, Ceiling R44. Vented roofs assist in tempering the house in extreme
heat or cold.
Your weeHouse will last as long as any other quality-built structure … especially since we assume
you’ll treat your ‘wee’ with care!
Is the roof really flat?
While it may appear flat, the hipped roof of the weeHouse contains a 1/4” per foot slope. It is a cold
roof, (ventilated underside) covered in EPDM. (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer sheet provides very
good resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV exposure and is highly recommended for applications
there is excessive exposure to the environment.) We’ve got you covered.
What do I see at the end of some weeHouses … a porch or deck?

A unique aspect of the weeHouse system is a porch that we call the tube porch. These porches may be
3' to 10' long and are placed on the exterior walls that have full glass access. They may be added to
the module at one or both ends, but the finished module must be shorter than 62'. The porches are
finished similar to the exterior finish. Cedar or ipe decking is standard.
Can my weeHouse be wider than 14'?

Our standard widths are 14' to deal withroadway requirements. Custom weeHouses can be made up
to 16' wide, but for wider houses, we often recommend adding a module to the side and opening up a
wall between them.
Can radiant floor heating be installed in your modules? How about air conditioning?
Depending on your climate, you have the option of adding in-floor hydronic heat, wood or gas stoves,
forced air, and split wall air conditioning with remote compressors. When choosing in-floor heat the
same boiler will also supply your domestic hot water needs. We offer a small, powerful, and efficient
on-demand gas water heater that can be hidden within the back of a cabinet.
What are the exterior options?

The standard weeHouse exterior siding is Alchemy designed Container Siding, made of highly durable
cement fiberboard panels (sometimes referred to as Hardie Panels) with vertical battens. This exterior
may be painted any color however we do have some standard recommendations. An oxidized paint
finish in steel is available as a modest upgrade. We also offer Alchemy-designed Corncrib Siding,
a horizontal rough-sawn pine rain screen siding finished with solid or semi-transparent stain as an
upgrade. If you are considering separate modules, each module can have different colors or materials.
Where do I put my vehicle(s) while I’m livin’ in the weeHouse?

Anywhere you’d like! (Kidding, kidding.) We can design a garage to go with your house. It would
be site-built or panelized depending on what works best for the project. Garages are considered
as an additional service, therefore billed and scheduled separately. Our clients have also integrated
garage(s) into their foundation plans. Carports and creative outdoor shelters have also been designed.
What if I’m interested in building a whole-lotta-wee’s?

If you’re considering a weeHouse development, we’d be happy to talk with you. Prefabrication is
especially cost effective when weeHouses are produced in quantity. We pass this savings benefit
on to you. When we design developments of 10 or more weeHouses, we can even deliver to areas not
included in our standard weeHouse delivery map. Please contact us for more details.
How much will my project cost from land ownership to delivery?

weeHouse pricing varies by geographic region and by chosen options. West coast standard weeHouse
pricing ranges from $79,000 to $245,000. We’ve estimated weeHouse pricing using ranges at this
time. You may see lower price references on blogs and Web sites. Please call us if you have questions
on why our prices are different (usually, the information is simply outdated).
Delivery
Geographically, where can you deliver the weeHouses?
See our delivery map.
How much does it cost to deliver a weeHouse?

One truckload is approximately 62' of module, so combinations of modules that add up to 62' and less
will save on shipping expenses. Transportation from the factory runs approx. $5-7 per truck/per mile
(see delivery map for current factory locations). We charge you exact transportation fees. Please realize
that prices may vary due to the fluctuations in fuel prices and highway surcharges.
How much road space do I need to get a truck and crane through?
You need an 18' wide path for the loaded truck. Since the weeHouse sits on either a full foundation or
piers, if you can get a concrete truck to your site, chances are you can get a weeHouse on a semi thru
there, too.
If the semi ‘fits’, most likely the crane can get on site as well. The size of the crane you will need
depends on the size of the modules and the distance from the crane to the foundation. Not that we’ve
actually weighed-a-wee, but adding up materials, we know that modules weigh roughly 600 pounds
per lineal foot. The ground must be firm enough to support the weight of the loaded crane (thus a few
of those snowing installation and set photos on our site!) and there must be adequate area for the
crane’s stabilizations arms.
What will a crane and setting cost? How do I find one?

Crane costs will vary, but are generally billed hourly on a round-trip basis from the crane company
to your site. We suggest you budget between $500-$2500 for approximately 4-8 hours of crane time
including the trip charge. Look under “crane service” or “boom trucks” to find services. A set crew
from the factory will facilitate the bolting of the weeHouse to its foundation.
How long does fabrication take?

Standard weeHouses (and not-so-weeHouses) are pre-designed with options to accommodate many
needs and sites. Delivery runs nominally 6-9 months from signed contract, design fees are minimal,
and costs based on the project’s location are given up front.
Custom weeHouses are possible based on adaptations of our standard weeHouses and basic details to
create more customized solutions for a wider variety of needs. Timelines run nominally 9 or more
months from signed contract. Upfront design fees are based on the size of the project, and costs are
quoted within a reasonable range.
Custom Architecture is, well, custom. We are open to a wide realm of project types and creative
production methods. Longer timelines and more uncertain costs are typical.
a weeBit more information …

How do I keep informed?
Please sign-up for weeMail to keep updated on news, changes, and innovations from Alchemy. We
don’t share/sell information we collect. We promise to only send out interesting updates and timely
information.
Custom weeHouses are a hybrid between custom architecture and mass prefabrication. They typically
cost more and take longer than our standard weeHouses, however, they also cost approximately 10-
20% less than a comparable custom site-built house.
A custom or site-built project can actually follow the same design as a weeHouse, or it can take on
its own elegant style. We use a different pricing structure for custom projects, and we are not able to
estimate those costs until we’ve had a significant conversation with you about the scope of the
project. Please email us with details, or call us during regular business hours when you have specifics
ready.
How can I learn more about prefabs?

We love google.com (!) mostly because google is such a cool word, but also because it’s paperless, too.
Google.com lets you find the latest blog entries, Web sites, articles, and even international news about
prefabs and architecture in general.
Web sites we appreciate include: prefabs.com, fabprefab.com, livemodern.com, inhabitat.com,

greenjunkie.com.
How can I learn more about prefabs? (cont’d)

The blogs that have mentioned Alchemy and/or the weeHouse include: mavenhaven, boxeswithknobs,
PrairieMod, WalkerArtCenter, prefabcosm.
Articles that highlight our work are listed in the PRESS area of our Web site, but here are a few links to
some favorites:
NYTimes, Before Buying a Prefab by Amy Gunderson
MN Public Radio, The weeHouse comes to Linden Hills by Roseanne Pereira
Marketwatch.com, Right Chemistry-Prefab weeHouse combines utility, modern esthetic by Rachel
Koning Beals
Please visit your library to peruse these books that we’ve found extremely helpful including:
The Modular Home by Andrew Gianino
Prefabulous by Sheri Koones, foreword by Sarah Susanka
Do you have a budding architect in your family who’d like to read some cool books on
architecture? Here are Alchemy staff favorites!
Roberto the Insect Architect by Nina Laden
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
The House in the Mail by Rosemary Wells
Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse by George Mendoza
Who writes all this who?-what.-wee! information?

The Alchemy Staff has moments where taking a break from the drawing table is much appreciated.
Usually we eat, or we bar-be-que and then eat. But sometimes we talk, too, and all kinds of free-
association starts happening. That’s when we think of clever t-shirt sayings, too, including:
To weeHouse or not-too-weeHouse?
weeCasa es suCasa
wee-the-people!
We also employ a non-architect (although she does have an M.S. in Design) who’s the Chief
Propagandist. Email betsy@alchemyarch.com with any issues you have about this site (including
grammar and copy errors as we wanna’ look good and be well read)!
We sincerely thank you for your interest in Alchemy Architects and the weeHouse. We look forward to
working with you!
ALCHEMY LLC
Alchemy Architects 856 Raymond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 651-647-6650 www.weehouse.com
Alchemy Architects’ mission is to make stimulating, engaging, and efficient design accessible and affordable
for a wide audience.
Our distinctive hands-on approach to architecture and design combines a playful design process, collaborative
relationships with clients, and partnerships with builders and fabricators to create a harmonious blend of site,
building, and community. With sustainable practices as a mainstay of our daily work, Alchemy utilizes recycling
and reuse along with building strategies that reduce waste. Our multidisciplinary team draws inspiration
from art, literature, history, and leading creative thinkers to create alternative and atypical project solutions.
Alchemy’s innovation on the weeHouse prefab system and “tightwad panache” renovations has gained
recognition on an international scale.
EXHIBITIONS
HOME House Project: The Future of Affordable Housing

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis January 28 - April 30, 2006
Some Assembly Required: Contemporary Prefabricated Houses

Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
Vancouver Art Gallery,Vancouver, BC
Yale School of Architecture, New Haven
Museum of Contemporary Art at the Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles
Virgina Center for Architecture Tour: December 2006-September 2007
SELECT PRESS
New York Times, Think Small, February 16, 2007

CBS Marketwatch, Defying trend, some homeowners make more of less square footage., 2007
MSN, Prefab Homes get Fabulous, 2007
TIME, Shrinking Down the House, August 21, 2006
Sundance Channel, Big Ideas for a Small Planet, April 2007
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Fabulous Prefabs, July 2006
WIRED, Some Assembly Required, January 2006
DWELL, Renovation 101, January 2006
A L C H E M Y
a r c h i t e c t s
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weeHouse 2008

© Alchemy LLC, 2007 www.weehouse.com info@weehouse.com 651 . 647 . 6650

© Alchemy LLC, 2008 Pricing at www.weehouse.com

2008 weeHouses Overview

(6) 8' X 8' Permashield Doors wood walls option: 200sf

(4) 8' X 8' Permashield Doors wood walls option: 250sf

(4) 8' X 8' + (5) 6' x 8' Permashield Doors fireplace

(1) 5' x 12' Rooftop deck w/ railing (2) sets drawers

LEVEL 1 OPTIONS LEVEL 2 OPTIONS

Piers Perimeter (Crawl Space or Basement)

5 Mechanical Infloor Heat Split Wall Heat + A/C Forced Air

© Alchemy LLC, 2007 www.weehouse.com

Options Worksheet Continued 2

White Blue Buff Grey Green Black

White Neutral Grey Black Blue Green

None (standard) Wood Gas

.com © Alchemy LLC, 2007 www.weehouse.com

Roof EPDM rubber: black Black only (?)

Electrical (locations preselected) Can Lights: 4” par silver or white trim

Bath Fixtures: Single hole faucet Polished Chrome

Kitchen Undermount Kitchen Sink: 1 + 1-1/2 bowl, stainless Steel

Appliances wall oven, 30” electric

weeHouse Outline Specification

Roof Flat Roof, vented at eves. Flush eve (4" wide)

Flooring: Bamboo, vertical grain: natural (light) or carbonized (dark)

ADD for On-Demand Instant Water Heater electric

Owner-Supplied Items Description Colors / Options

Mechanicals Boilers, Furnaces, A/C compressors to be provided by owner.

Fireplaces: wood, w/ chimney mill finish (steel)

A Standard 1/2 Kitchen (for weeHouse SMALL models)

B Standard Full Kitchen

C Standard Kitchen (for weeHouse LARGE models)

© Alchemy LLC, 2007 www.weehouse.com

Standard Kitchen Layouts

D Optional 1/2 Kitchen

WALL trash 24" MICROWAVE 24"

E Optional Full Kitchen

.com © Alchemy LLC, 2007 www.weehouse.com

Optional Kitchen Layouts

1) Standard weeHouses (and not-so-weeHouses) are pre-designed with options to accommodate

Opening Deposit ($1000)

Production Deposits (25% of house price)

Opening Deposit ($1000)

Design (deposits start at $2500)

Permit Documents (deposits start at $5000)

Production Deposit (25% of house price)

Is the weeHouse “green”?

What is a not-so-weeHouse? (To wee, or not-to-wee?)

Can I see a “wee”?

Can I take a tour of “your” factory?

Is the weeHouse built to comply with my local building code?

Does Alchemy need to make site visits?

Location, location, location ...

Location, location, location ... (cont’d)

Can I put a weeHouse on my roof, or on piers, or on the Mississippi River?

Can I invest in Alchemy, or buy stock in weeHouses?

Other prefab mortgage options may be found from these institutions:

What comes standard in a standard weeHouse? (cont’d)

Do you include appliances? Which ones?

You actually include design in the base price of a weeHouse?

What if I want to change-a-wee?

Can I install my own cabinets or other small fixtures?

What do I see at the end of some weeHouses … a porch or deck?