Armadillohouse
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
We are looking for innovative intervention/housing solutions that are designed for temporary emergency needs but meet high standards of aesthetics and sustainability. These include modular solutions for dynamic ecosystems, such as residential houses with a low environmental footprint and a sense of beauty.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
In response to today's post-pandemic lifestyle, it is necessary to develop new types of design and architectural models. In this regard, the effects of restrictions and quarantine regulations on people’s life and psyche can be reduced by “Armadillohouse” - a self-movable small house that could also be used for safe socialising on the outdoors. This project is also in line with today’s tendency to prefer renewable energy to fossil energy.
Key objectives for sustainability
What is "Armadillohouse”? The idea is simple: it is a compact house that is moved by its own muscular power and brakes when it tilts onto one of 6 straight planes. Each of these planes can be used for its own type of daily activity. “Armadillohouse” is designed for holidays in the countryside in the middle of nowhere, but it can also have other functions. The caravan is like a new, mobile, take-away tent perfect for "holiday workouts" - a kind of vehicle for muscle training. And it doesnt leave trails in nature as well.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
- Shape - circular cube, two parallel circular rails on the outside
- Easy to move from the outside and also from the inside, walking on a double-floor grid
- Stoppable on any side
- See-through when moved
- Internal height approximately 2200 mm
- Can also be placed vertically if 3 extendable legs are built in - for creating a kiosk
- “Brīvmāja” has six 2,5 x 2,5 m floors, each of which can be used separately when moving the freestanding kiosk to the other side. Each of the 6 floors has its own functionality and load based on local culture and environmental awareness:
1. “God” - A floor for sleeping in a different place every time.
2. “Family” - A floor for conversation, meditation and dancing.
3. “Nature” - A floor for gardening tools. The immediate surroundings as one's own garden would need to be tended for.
4. “Work” - A floor for computers and phones.
5. “Food” - A floor for the kitchen. For preparing the bounty of the immediate surroundings - berries, mushrooms, nettles, dandelions, etc.
6. “Energy” - Solar and kinetic energy installations.
The interior of the house and the built-in equipment are created individually by each owner or entrepreneur.
Key objectives for inclusion
- Short-term goals:
Prototyping of the design and architectural product model "Rottary room". The aim is to present a prototype to the European architectural industry in 2021.
Opportunity for Latvian architects and designers to test the aforementioned prototype and create further prototype equipment. This will support the creativity of the design and architecture sector.
- Long-term goals:
An architectural and design prototype has been created and the production possibilities have been explored for “Armadillohouse” - a holiday house that will be easily accessible to a wide range of users in Latvia and in the European Union. The production of “Armadillohouse” has been developed according to the principles of slow construction. Guidelines and infrastructures for the use of “Armadillohouse” have been developed (transportation, equipment, purchase, rental issues solved). “Armadillohouse” is easily accessible for use not only in Latvia, but also abroad.
What is a ''Armadillohouse”? The idea is simple: it is a compact house that is moved by its own muscular power and brakes when it tilts onto one of 6 straight planes. Each of these planes can be used for its own type of daily activity. “Armadillohouse” is designed for holidays in the countryside in the middle of nowhere, but it can also have other functions. The caravan is like a new, mobile, take-away tent perfect for "holiday workouts" - a kind of vehicle for muscle training.
Innovative character
- Holiday home - is a home that can be moved and transformed so that a small space can serve a variety of functions. - much more than just living. This home is not tied to a specific location and can be connected to utilities and/or renewable energy sources in designated areas. Different “Armadillohouse” can be combined with each other to form housing communities. The house is adaptable to different environments and encourages people to design their living space in an unconventional way: similarly to a mobile phone, gives people a new sense of freedom.
- Rental house - Just like bikes, electric scooters and car rentals in cities, in the future it will be possible to set up rental houses in the most popular tourist destinations (e.g. the Latvian seaside). This can remove the burden of finding a good place for outdoor events with overnight stays.
- Ecology:“it leaves no trace in nature when in use. When rolling, it gently bends the grass, which easily stands up again. It is like the soft footprints of a lynx in the grass, like a snail that always has its house with it, like a hedgehog - so small but protected. We can learn from nature how to protect the Earth's surface without leaving heavy imprints of car tyres. also saves space on the ground, taking up only the minimum amount of space needed and making the most out of it. promotes a zero-waste and minimalist lifestyle with a positive impact on the environment, as its compact size invites to essentialism as a way of organising life, where there is no space for unnecessary things,Promoting people's health:
- Physical health. Transporting on the trackless roads of nature will help to improve balance, coordination, and body control skills. Moreover, it will train all muscle groups, reduce anxiety in everyday life, and build self-confidence.
- New experiences are vital for mental health and will easily bring them home allowing its owner to staying in a slightly different geographical location
