Global Modular Innovation: How WoonCube Is Redefining Housing Through Standardization
- Audree Grubesic
- 32 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The future of housing isn’t just about where we build — it’s about how we build. In this Part Two conversation on Offsite Dirt Network, we spoke with Bennie Potgieter, an integrated partner of Låda Build, about how standardized construction systems are enabling flexible, durable, and sustainable housing solutions across South Africa with his company, WoonCube.
From Offshore Construction to Modular Housing
Bennie’s career spans more than 20 years in offshore construction, an industry where precision, strength, and efficiency are critical. When he was introduced to Låda Build’s standardized wall systems by founder John Fay, he immediately recognized their potential.
What began as manufacturing wall systems for U.S.-based projects quickly evolved into something more. Using existing panels, Bennie built a small structure as a proof of concept — and WoonCube was born.
What Is WoonCube?
WoonCube is an eco-focused modular housing concept designed for reusability and flexibility. While similar to ADUs, these structures are larger, sturdier, and fully movable — without relying on wheels, cranes, or heavy equipment.
Built with Låda Build’s standardized wall panels, WoonCube homes can be assembled by just two people, placed in remote or environmentally sensitive locations, disassembled, and relocated as needed. This makes them ideal for farmers, eco-lodges, Airbnb operators, and regions where permanent land ownership is uncertain.
Why Standardization Works Globally
One of the most powerful takeaways from Bennie’s experience is how seamlessly standardized construction translated from the United States to South Africa. Despite differences in materials, measurements, and local building norms, the wall system required minimal adaptation.
In fact, the panels are over-engineered for local conditions, exceeding common light steel framing standards. As a result, engineers consistently approve the system, recognizing its strength, safety, and reliability.
Building for Reuse, Not Disposal
At the core of WoonCube is a philosophy centered on longevity and reuse. These homes are not designed as disposable structures. Instead, they can be expanded, reduced, relocated, or reconfigured entirely.
A bedroom can be added or removed. A unit can be transported to a new site. Walls can be reused as dividers or incorporated into a different layout. Over time, the system retains value — not only as a building, but as a reusable construction asset.
This approach introduces a new economic model for housing, one where components hold lasting value rather than ending up in landfills.
Housing Without Land Ownership
In many parts of Africa, land ownership is complex or inaccessible. WoonCube offers a powerful alternative: owning the home without owning the land. Because the structures are movable yet permanent-quality, residents gain security, flexibility, and dignity without being tied to a single location.
This model opens new opportunities for sustainable development and housing access in underserved markets.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Bennie’s goal is to scale thoughtfully while maintaining quality and integrity. His work reflects the broader mission of Offsite Dirt Network — highlighting solutions that move construction forward through innovation, collaboration, and human-centered design.
WoonCube demonstrates that standardized, offsite construction is not just efficient — it’s transformative.
FAQS:
1. What makes WoonCube different from traditional modular or tiny homes?WoonCube homes are built using standardized wall systems that allow them to be assembled, disassembled, relocated, and reconfigured over time. Unlike many tiny homes, they are not built on wheels and do not sacrifice strength, durability, or comfort, offering a permanent-quality structure that remains flexible and reusable.
2. How does standardized construction support sustainability?
Standardized construction reduces waste by allowing components to be reused instead of discarded. WoonCube structures are designed for long-term value, meaning walls and modules can be repurposed for future builds, expansions, or new layouts—keeping materials out of landfills and extending their lifecycle.
3. Why is movable housing important in global markets like South Africa?
In regions where land ownership can be complex or uncertain, movable housing allows individuals to own a home without owning the land beneath it. This flexibility provides security, dignity, and economic opportunity while supporting sustainable development in underserved or remote areas.