Directory:All-Terrain Cabin
From PESWiki
OFF-GRID PORTABLE DWELLINGS
The All-Terrain Cabin
The BARK "All-Terrain Cabin" in a literal Container is a modular design encompassing expandable space for off-grid living anywhere that a sufficient "footprint" can be found to place it, and where there is a nearby source of water (or where a device to extract water from the atmosphere - already invented - can be set up).
A Canadian daytime talk show gave the audience a tour through this, making much of the compact design features included. <http://www.cbc.ca/gill/blog/episode/friday_january_19th.html> That page had a further link to <http://www.barkbark.ca/projects_atc.html>. BARK is a non-profit collective of designers and businesses registered British Columbia, which prepared this as a prototype to send to exhibitions. One hopes that the concept will be well enough received to stimulate interest in making more.
Both long walls drop open. On one side, the wall becomes a wide sun-deck, while a tent-room which can serve as a bedrooom opens out on other side. Insulated kevlar makes for strong tent walls, which are further insulated with a straw-based material. Some photos are online at: <http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/10/all_terrain_cab.php#ch03> That page does not give much detail.
Lighting
Electrical load is low for this "fully-loaded" home. Overall this setup can be powered adequately by the included solar panels which can mount on either end. The prototype also includes a diesel/biofuel stove. A super-efficient small fridge unit needs only 24 volts, and all lighting consists of white LEDs. I've been waiting a long time to see LED lighting installled for regular home use. MP Lighting, the company which supplied these fixtures for the "All-Terrain Cabin" exhibit, shows several different designs on their website <http://www.mplighting.com/en/html/LED.html>. However, they do not offer any screw-in LED lighting for existing fixtures, which limits this product to new or renovated homes. What about apartment dwellers?
Though the industry doesn't seem to think it's important, I see a niche for a "transitional technology" as well: screw-in white LED lights could replace both energy-wasting incandescent bulbs, and those mercury-laced mini-fluorescents which have to be disposed of as toxic waste. This could take the form of a single LED in a small flame-shaped bulb like those used in a chandelier; the development of strings of LEDs for winter-holiday decoration seems to tend in that direction. I believe that it should be a priority to develop in a screw-in package an array of five to seven white LEDs - which might be directed to fan outward and/or be spread using a quesnel lens - in a larger bulb for a general household lighting. These would be real energy savers as well as being extremely long-lasting, a worthwhile investment for both home-owners and renters.
Plumbing
In the ATC, the "wet-wall" components - kitchen and bath - are both built into the metal container at one end. Because it's designed to be independent of the grid and to not need to attach to the sewer system either, this unit could be set up out in the country with minimal disturbance of the environment -- as long as there's a source of clean water nearby. Though small, the bathroom incorporates shower space without using a dedicated shower enclosure. There's a composting toilet, of course.
This is an interesting concept. Such a structure might a viable option for young people (or those of any age) who need to be able to move around for their careers. The container can be closed up and shipped without much packing up of goods, as everything is built in. With not much space for possessions, knick-knacks, etc., this design is perhaps limited in appeal for people with a Zen-like mindset and lifestyle.
And some re-zoning might be needed if cities will allow these to be set up in their jurisdictions apart from the usual "trailer park" stigma. If such cabins were available for lease or purchase this might offer an option for a family to install for limited-term needs: a "granny flat" for as long as the family elder can maintain a separate household, or a semi-independent space for young adults in the family while they are attending university. Then rather than build a permanent structure in the yard, which might affect re-sale options for the home later, the portable dwelling may be returned to the company or depart with the young person to the location of new employment.
Many other designs of modular homes and trailers are being offered for sale, such as at <http://www.inhabitat.com/category/prefab-housing/>
