UboatWhen we were given this project I came to the realization that I should always cross-pollinate everything I learn about design. I decided the best way to truly answer the task of creating something sustainable was to apply my knowledge of architecture and product design in a way that could be mass produced and still be based on the user’s and the environment’s needs.
The ideaIn most large urban areas there is always some sort of body of water. Whether it is a canal, river, lake or ocean. As a way to combat commuter and residential pollution, parts of these waterways can be utilized as ‘off the grid’ marina style living spaces.
DevelopmentI started off very broad, thinking of very retro-future scenarios, but I realized that the super streamline egg shapes would not cater to a broad group of tastes. So, I chose to go with something that combined aesthetics which mesh with its urban context.
How it worksIn order to create a form of living that had no dependence on the city grid for resources, I had to utilize a number of different advanced technologies. The first was electricity. The entire boat is powered by 3 Schüco 180 Watt 16 Volt Solar Panels. To solve the issue of sewage, the boat is equipped with an incinolet toilet which burns waste instead of creating more sewage. The inner temperature of the boat is regulated by a geothermal pond loop which runs from the bottom of the water source through a piling supporting the dock and into the floor of the boat.Finally, the water comes from 2 different sources. The grey water will be collected from the water source the vessel is located in using a Heavy Duty PAR pump at the bottom of the vessel. The drinking water is collected from rainstorms and filtered into a tank which partitions space inside of the boat. This tank will hold enough water to sustain one person for at least one year.
The interiorThe inside space consists of 3 simple partitions dividing the living, kitchen, bath and bedroom. When I was laying this space out, it was very important that the space feel very open and roomie considering how small it actually is. The cistern reservoir dividing the kitchen and bath is made of solid glass. This material choice was integral because it divided but also allowed light to pass through it, conveying visually that the space is more open than it really is.
The final productThe final idea is a completely independent form of living that requires no energy from the city. It is designed to positively contribute as much to the user and their urban lifestyle as it does to the environment in which it is used.
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