Andy Dutton
United Kingdom
456 sq. ft.
All the way from the UK, deemed as an adaptable mobile living project for "first time housing for people who are struggling to get on the property ladder especially in cogested urban centres". I like the thoughtfulness of this project; that a whole new generation of young designers are emerging to solve the short sited planning of urbanist planners of the past.
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
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