Minima

DESIGN EXPLORATION

in this design i researched into the way that nature deals with collapsable and portable housing - snails, cocoons, clams, sea shells. my final design resembles the shape of a clam and collapses in the same way. from observing shells as homes most of them had a 'stopper' at the entrance as a solid object closing the entrance. i have incorporated this into my design as well.







the material for the external envelope that i chose to use was a light gore-tex material which catered for both heating and cooling - this material allowed complete water protection whilst also allowing for breathability - to let water vapour out, reducing condensation (a major problem with tents that i wanted to eradicate). Using gore-tex allowed for the easy collapse and relocating of the capsule.

the floor and back door are made of a thermoplastic material that is waterproof, recyclable, durable and lightweight.

the capsule was self-contained - biomass toilet was installed which was accessable from the back. not much lighting was needed due to the light material allowing plenty of light to pass through to the interior - LED lights were also running through the plastic tubing creating a 'glowing' effect in the dark.

sleeping arrangements - a hammock attatched to the plastic tubing making use of circulating space above the low table.

there was an internal collapsable wall attatched to the plastic tubing around the toilet to create privacy and to sepearate smells.

washing/bathing - minimal requirements for washing is water and drainage. so the entire capsule is raised for drainage and there is a hole cut into the floor for run-off. there is no shower or bath - you simply wash with a cloth with basin water.




FINAL