Andrew Dutton, one of our readers has a new modern design for a concept home that I thought you would enjoy. I will let Andrew explain it to you in his words…

The Domus, Mobile compact home is an original concept that is targeted at first time house buyers who also have a desire to travel.

It was designed by Andrew Dutton, a Transport Design graduate from the University of Huddersfield.

The Market for this concept initially looked at the divide created by people who had a desire to travel before gaining any major responsibilities like families and jobs and those who wanted to become young professionals, work and get a footing on the property ladder. This vehicle aims to bridge that gap and provide affordable compact living that can also be used to travel and tour.

The platform of the Vehicle is based on a large wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter Van.

This provides enough internal space to be used repeatedly on a daily basis but also makes it small enough to pass all legislative requirements and be driven on a standard driving licence.

The vehicle is designed to be used by 1 or 2 people for a prolonged period of time

The vehicle transforms from the standard dimensions of the Mercedes Sprinter with extendable living pods that sit inside one another, which was inspired by Russian dolls, use of space.

With the pods fully extended interior living space is extended by 200%, which allows for comfortable day-to-day living.

When in this guise the vehicle emulates the architectural environment it is surrounded by to make it an attractive proposition within the current housing market.

Materials like glass, wooden decking and architectural detailing have been used strictly define the two roles of the vehicle from automotive to architectural product.

The vehicles exterior design aims to bridge the gap between automotive and an architectural product by disguising obvious automotive features like the wheels and conventional body panels.

The interior of the vehicle features standard fixtures and fitting in comparison to be-spoke and often compromised fittings that are seen in conventional camper vans.

The downstairs section is designed to be a social environment with the wrap around windows creating a social and inviting atmosphere. This section would house the kitchen, seen to be the heart of any home and downstairs seating arrangement. Within the main body of the vehicle is also the bathroom and lift access to the second floor.

The second floor houses both the bedroom and living room. This room swaps functions as the two are generally never used at the same time. The bed is housed within a recess in the floor that allows it to be stowed away when not in use. This second floor also allows direct access to the outdoor patio area and is designed to be more of a private area of the vehicle much like a conventional home.

Designed alongside this main vehicle was also a personal mobility unit that allowed the occupants to carry out short commutes without having to carry the contents of there house around with them.

This packaging for this vehicle was based around the Smart For-Two package but utilises a 3 wheel set up which also acts a towing hitch to the main vehicle.

The vehicle would mainly be used within infrastrucutred sites that would provide all amenities to the vehicle like electric, sanitation and water. However the vehicle has also been designed to be self sufficient for a period of time to free up the travelling experience the occupants can have.

About the designer

Andrew Dutton has completed his degree in Transport Design at the University of Huddersfield (2004-2008) receiving a 2:1 classification BA Hons with professional enhancement.

During the 4 year course he acquired a work placement at Melling Sportscars and undertook numerous live projects set by Land Rover, TVR and Tech2Reality.

Contact:
Andrew Dutton
Snoopdutt1985@hotmail.com
Tel: 07851619700

Kitchen

Bedroom/Living Room

Interior Expanded

Final Model

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I really like the ideabox, and I think for the price and style it is my favorite that I have found so far.

“It’s like a loft you can take anywhere.”

It’s Hip & Green.

Ideabox emphasizes good design, not square footage, and they make it very attractive. With Ideabox, you’re going to get the entire package delivered right to your site. It takes one day to install it, another day to build the deck, and your ready to go. Depending on your site, all you really need to do is set up the water, power, septic, and sewer systems.

The exterior of each ideabox comes with standing seam metal roofing, Galvalume & fiber-cement siding, and low-e windows. Inside, the ceiling, walls, and floors are fully insulated and sealed for maximum efficiency. Interiors include hard surface flooring throughout (bamboo, wood, marmoleum), contemporary cabinets and countertops. Each ideabox is wired for digital entertainment. Appliance packages include ENERGY STAR convection ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, washers and dryers and even a built-in wine cooler.

There are two models in production: the Northwest Modern, a 400sf. 1BR built to RV/Park Model code (around $75k); the Confluence Modern, a 840sf. 2BR built to the Federal HUD Code/site-built modular codes (around $85k). Download a pdf file of Confluence Modern. (Note flyer says 803sf actual 840sf per ideabox)

They even have an off-grid and wireless option. Using Uni-solar panels and solar power system from Solar Summit - panels fit between standing seams on the roof; inverters, charging units and batteries are housed in a special box - and the rest of the house is wireless.

Transported behind a semi (built on a chassis) and brought in one piece to your prepared site.  It can be placed on concrete slab or gravel/pier blocks. Ideabox includes 100 miles of free delivery, otherwise it is about 5.00/mile (at todays gas prices).

A very attractive and functional modern small home. Based in Salem, Oregon and shipping all over the west. To learn more visit the ideabox site.

Following are a few pictures and a floor plan.

Floor Plan

Kitchen

Living Space

Exterior View

Build Your Own Community

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If your looking for that house for under $20k, look no further than Global Portable Buildings, Inc. of Santa Rosa, California. They make a standard storage container into a very livable structure, which is also very affordable.

Global Portable Buildings, Inc. build the “Ultimate” with its modern finished kitchen, bathroom and extra room (8′ x 40′ model). Their most complete portable building. Standard features include kitchen, bathroom (with shower, toilet, sink), AC electrical system, telephone/internet connection, 2″ rigid insulated finished walls and ceiling, windows, entrance door, finished linoleum/vinyl floor and utility room.

Unlike most of their competition, these are available now and all you need to do is place an order. They can be shipped anywhere around the world. These are not just fancy drawings and renditions of ideas.

According to Sean Taylor Vice President of Sales & Marketing. These can not officially be called homes, but what people do with them is their business. Although aimed at the construction industry, you the buyer will need to verify with your area what permits etc. are required.

Some suggested uses are: hunting cabin, guest cabins, mother-in-law cottages, retreats. These are very affordable with the 8 x 20 starting at $16,500 and the 8 x 40 starting at $23,500. Plus shipping to your destination.

Additional options such as solar are available.

Visit their site for a virtual tour and a movie by CBS news.