FOCUS: Sustainable Materials and Interior Design

OVERVIEW: Kit Switch, Modular Interiors to create the homes we need with the buildings we have. Kit Switch is a construction startup creating modular apartment interiors for building retrofits and conversions, reducing the time, cost, and embodied carbon of multifamily developments. Kit Switch replaces the fragmented, uncertain, and time-consuming on-site retrofit process with plug-and-play manufactured products. 80% of the buildings we will use in the year 2050 have already been constructed today, yet their functions are constantly changing and their interiors often retrofitted. In fact, building interiors are responsible for ‚Öì of lifecycle costs of a building. We manage a digital library of components, such as kitchen kits and bathroom kits, allowing architects to drag-and-drop 3D models and instantly generate layouts and quotes, local manufacturers to produce in parallel of on-site work, and for contractor to install and connect plug-and-play products in a few hours instead of weeks. Using this tech-enabled workflow, Kit Switch offers 50% time and 30% cost savings on interior builds, remodels, and conversions, all while using a quality, sustainable product. At Kit Switch, we envision a future where cities can achieve greater circularity, resiliency, and better meet the needs of their communities through easily deployable and reconfigurable building interiors. We are a woman-owned Public-Benefit Company founded by Stanford Engineering graduates, with completed full-scale prototypes, California-based manufacturing, a showroom in San Francisco, and paid pilots underway. 

Kit Switch differentiates itself from others with (1) plug-and-play products, (2) a seamless one-stop-shop process, (3) quality yet affordable designs, and (4) sustainable practices. (1) Each product is designed as a functional module, with pre-integrated plumbing and electrical systems relevant to its specific function (e.g. Kit-Clean, Kit-Cook, Kit-Store). With this innovative approach to modular construction, Kit Switch can deliver on any kitchen layout, from the smallest kitchenette to large 2-Bed and 3-Bed kitchens. We include accessibility features to deliver on adaptable and mobility units as well. As we deploy pilots, we are stress-testing different use cases and developing necessary additions to the Kit-Kitchen like such as corner modules (L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens) and filler pieces. (2) With these standard components, a Kit-Kitchen can be designed, spec-ed, and procured in less than an hour, with one stakeholder replacing 10-20 procurements. Our kits can be shipped fully assembled as volumetric mini-modules (~ 2.5ft x 2.5ft x 7ft) or as kit-of-parts (wall panels ; assembled cabinets ; finishes). Once delivered, a Kit-Kitchen can installed in under 2 hours by two crews.  

Overall, this is a brand new experience for developers, architects, and contractors working with Kit Switch; with clear upfront pricing, delivery timelines, and no onsite mistake. (3) Kit Switch products are sold at the same price point (average $15K for a 8-ft kitchen) as traditional kitchen materials; however, they can be installed in half the time it takes traditional builds, with low labor required onsite, which ultimately results in 30% cost savings during installation. With easier maintenance and integration of energy-efficient appliances, we hope to decrease operation costs by 10-20%. (4) By design, Kit Switch opens a broader market for affordable building conversions and retrofits, expanding buildings lifetime and reducing the need for new builds. Instead of traditionally high-waste construction materials and methods, we source sustainable materials and use low-waste local manufacturing to minimize the embodied carbon of new finishes brought in. In addition, we procure fully electric energy-efficient kits to decrease operational carbon emissions. Finally, we have designed our product for disassembly so that targeted components can be replaced over the years, replacing current demolition-refurbishing practices, and even offering possibilities for take-back programs and circular models. Finally, we have ensured scalability across markets by (1) developing digital twins of our components to easily onboard community stakeholders, have them design with Kit Switch interiors through 3D scans and accessible drag-and-drop features, (2) releasing a functional prototype of a customer dashboard (https://tinyurl.com/kitswitch-login) to automate project intake and design/quote packages, and (3) designing a supply chain portal where manufacturing shops, small contractors, or local builders across the country will be able to download Kit Switch cut sheets and training materials, track orders, and leverage tooling partnerships (ex. Hilti).

WEBSITE: Kitswitch.com