Go-Box makes super portable tiny houses inspired by #VanLife

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When Julien Roussin Côté growing up, he would leave his home in Quebec, Canada, to surf the roads along the coasts of Maine and New Hampshire, watching through a moving window as the view passed from the city to the trees to the ocean. This sense of adventure never left him, and as an adult he became a member of the group. #vanlife movement, where he found a tight-knit community of people who travel full-time in search of a slower, more nature-based routine. On the road, he met his partner, Carolina Krupa, a fellow vanlifer.

“For 10 years, we have managed one of the largest #vanlife communities called Go-Van,” explains Coté. “Go-Box is quite simply the logical continuation of our project.”

Go-Box offers prefabricated structures in four sizes ranging from a small unit equipped for remote working to a long rectangle with a private bathroom and kitchenette. The couple sees the Go-Box units as extensions of a van, where someone on the road could use one as a destination that expands their living space. Below, Coté explains how Go-Box is a natural choice for adventurous types looking for a few extra comforts every now and then.

What qualities set your tiny house apart from others?

The Go-Box is not rolling, but it still has a nomadic side thanks to a steel chassis and jacks which can be easily transported from one place to another with a trailer. You can either implement it as is, on screw piles, or on a slab. To move it, simply lift it, load it onto a trailer and off you go to your next destination!

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There are four different types of Go-Box, but each prioritizes getting out and enjoying nature. — There are four different types of Go-Box, but each prioritizes getting out and being in nature.

A trundle bed is surrounded by views of the outdoors.

What is the most exciting project you have completed to date?

The most exciting project we have built so far is Cécile Lodge located in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, not far from Maine. This project is off-grid but has a well and septic tank. It is nestled in the woods and offers stunning views of the mountains.

Our client is just beginning to create a beautiful ski-in, ski-out and bike-ride resort for adventure seekers. The Go-Boxes met their needs because they wanted a small space that invited nature, and the Go-Boxes have huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The homeowners’ Go-Box is like Tetris, with fully movable built-in furniture. The couple have two children and at night the living room transforms into a large bedroom.

A seating area can be pushed to the side to make room for a trundle bed.

A small kitchenette can be installed between the living room and the bathroom, with a small stove and sink.

How much does your base model cost and what does that price include?

The base model is the desktop module, which is priced at $40,000 CAD, plus taxes, and ships completed. The interior is made of Russian plywood or pine, while the exterior is made of steel, which does not require much maintenance. The terrace can be either cedar or pine. The smallest unit measures 10 feet by 14 feet. The deck measures four feet, leaving a 10 foot by 10 foot square inside for two desks or a Murphy bed for guests. Finally, customers can add a heat pump for heating and cooling, heated floors and additional windows.

A "luxury" Go-Box comes with a desk, living space, and kitchenette with a trundle bed. — A “luxury” Go-Box includes a desk, living space and kitchenette with a trundle bed.

The Go-Boxes are insulated, but are equipped with a wood fireplace.

What aspects of the design can a client customize?

Our customers can customize the layout in the dimensions we offer: 10 x 14, 20, 24 and 26 feet. The exterior finishes of the Go-Box could also be retrofitted to an existing home.

The desk can be lowered to create more space to move around the bunkie throughout the day.

One bathroom has a fitted sink and toilet to maximize space. — One bathroom has a mounted vanity and toilet to maximize space.

Where are your tiny homes currently available?

Our factory is located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, an hour’s drive from Montreal. The projects we have implemented are all in Quebec for the moment, but it is very easy to transport our units since they are not considered oversized once on the road.

Go-Boxes can be equipped with heated floors for an additional fee, if a customer knows they will be living in colder weather.

Are there plans to expand to different parts of the country or the world?

We just did our first show in Ontario and the response has been amazing! We’re also talking about East Coast campgrounds and resorts, since we’re very close to the New Hampshire-Maine border.

The exterior is made of durable sheet metal with wood as an accent.

How long can a customer expect the process to take after making a deposit?

Once we have a deposit on a project, it takes between eight and twelve weeks before a Go-Box is ready. But it really depends on the type of project and how customizable it is.

Whether the Go-Box is used for occasional glamping breaks or a full-time nomadic lifestyle, it has been designed to be reliable and flexible.

Do you help with the placement of the little house?

We support our customers during the delivery and implementation day. However, it is our customer’s responsibility to apply for permits, prepare the land and have a plumber and electrician on site to connect the Go-Box. It is very easy to obtain a permit for our units, but I recommend that we look at your municipality together. We intend to make the process as simple as possible, providing plans and guidance throughout the process.

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