Micro Space for Nomadic Living

A tiny home created to be off-grid; promoting sustainability and a minimalistic lifestyle.

Project Details

Spring 2023 // Elisava Barcelona School of Design

Semi Permanent Tiny Home

  • Group project with Alexa Fuster and Olivia Jobe
  • School project, fictional
  • 30 m² residential micro home
  • Digitally created using AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Enscape

Design Approach

The micro space for nomadic living is intended to be a portable living space that promotes sustainable, off-grid living. The use of polycarbonate on at least 60% of the facade was required, which meant much of the space had no visual privacy. In order to effectively divide the space and provide privacy, half of the micro space is the public zone characterized by large polycarbonate facades. The other half is the private zone, constructed with wood to provide privacy. The public zone provides storage, kitchen space and a decompression area while the private zone houses the bedroom and bathroom.

The design was created for a tropical, humid location therefore ventilation was extremely important. The large polycarbonate facade in the public zone is completely flexible, allowing air ventilation throughout the space. In the private zone, smaller polycarbonate windows are operable and can increase air flow.

Sustainability

In order to be completely off-grid, water collection was a major design consideration. In order to efficiently collect potable water, the roof is angled inward, allowing water to collect in the middle. An electrical pump, powered by solar panels, then brings this water into a freshwater tank located above the bathroom. Once the water is used, it enters a grey water tank to be later disposed of.

The used of polycarbonate allows for huge amounts of natural light to enter the space and it reduces the need for electricity. The material itself is lightweight and a 100% recyclable alternative to glass. The wood panelings throughout the design is FSC certified, which means it is economically and environmentally viable for use.