Airstream partners with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to release the Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer, a 28-foot mobile living space inspired by Wright’s architectural principles. Only 200 units are scheduled to be produced until 2027, each one merging Airstream’s traditional riveted aluminum shell with design elements drawn from Wright’s Usonian vision—compact, efficient homes built with a strong connection to nature. Developed collaboratively between Airstream’s design team in Jackson Center, Ohio, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation at Taliesin West in Arizona, the trailer combines mid-century modern aesthetics with adaptable interiors suited for travel, camping and everyday use.

all images courtesy of Airstream

Usonian Principles Applied to Mobile Living

Wright coined the term Usonian to describe a distinctly American architectural approach: modest, well-crafted homes with open layouts, built-in furniture, and a strong relationship to the surrounding environment. This design philosophy shaped the interior layout of the Usonian Limited Edition trailer, a collaboration between the Ohio-based team at Airstream and the Arizona foundation dedicated to Frank Lloyd Wright.

The result is a highly adaptable living space that reflects Wright’s principles and Airstream’s emphasis on efficient, mobile design. A rear sleeping area features twin beds that convert into a king-sized bed at the push of a button, with custom slipcovers and bolsters that transform the room into a daytime lounge. At the front of the trailer, a modular lounge serves as a dining area, workspace, or secondary sleeping area. Chairs and a stool collapse and stow within custom cabinetry, maximizing use of space without sacrificing comfort.

Airstream’s traditional aluminum shell meets design elements drawn from Wright’s Usonian vision

Design Details: Materials, Light, and Layout

The trailer interior emphasizes natural light and open views. A total of 29 windows, including two skylights and circular portholes, offer more glass surface than any other Airstream model to date. Overhead storage was reduced to make room for windows at sitting and standing height, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection central to Wright’s designs.

The color palette is based on Wright’s 1955 Martin-Senour Paint Collection, featuring earthy reds, mustard yellows, ochres, and turquoise tones drawn from the American desert. Floating shelves, open floor plans, and a custom slatted ceiling light fixture—inspired by a Taliesin West design—contribute to the trailer’s visual continuity and mid-century atmosphere.

only 200 units are scheduled to be produced until 2027

Historic Patterns and Limited Edition Features

Wright’s influence appears not only in the layout but also in the detailing. The Gordon Leaf Pattern, a geometric motif originally created by Wright associate Eugene Masselink, is used throughout the trailer—in lighting, cabinet panels, and doors. Each trailer is numbered and features special edition badging, including Wright’s signature Taliesin Red tile on the exterior. Interior furnishings also reflect Wright’s style, including deep, high-back lounge cushions and shelves designed for displaying books or travel keepsakes. USB charging ports are discreetly built into shelving for convenience.

The trailer has a GVWR of 7,600 lbs, making it towable by many full-size SUVs and trucks. It is available through Airstream dealers nationwide, with pricing starting at $184,900.

Wright’s influence appears not only in the layout but also in the detailing

the unit features a total of 29 windows, including two skylights and circular portholes

the highly adaptable living space reflects Wright’s principles and Airstream’s emphasis mobile design

the trailer interior emphasizes natural light and open views

overhead storage was reduced to make room for windows

the color paletter includes earthy reds, mustard yellows, ochres, and turquoise tones

interior furnishings also reflect Wright’s style

project info: 

name: Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer
company: Airstream | @airstream_inc
in collaboration with: Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation | @wrighttaliesin

The post frank lloyd wright x airstream trailer brings usonian design on the road appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The listening minibar MIDORI roams around Tokyo, Japan, using a bright green 1977 MINI Clubman Estate car with a renovated off-grid trailer. The pop-up concept bar parks in a location, plays vinyl and CD records and remixes, and serves drinks to the public. designboom interviews its owner, Shiori Tanaka, who tells us the project begins when she inherits the 1977 MINI vehicle from its previous owner at an unplanned moment. ‘The moment I saw its shape, I came up with the idea of turning it into a mobile listening bar around Tokyo,’ the owner shares.

While she thinks of the concept of playing records wherever MIDORI stops around Tokyo, it is Shogo Jimbo, the Drivethru magazine director, who brings in the idea of a listening minibar. ‘He renovates an off-grid trailer called Mobile SS into a listening room. He launches it as a sustainable project that incorporates culture,’ Shiori Tanaka explains to designboom. With the towable trailer at the back, the owner drives the MINI car around Tokyo. She follows the tour schedule then that the team shares on the Instagram page of the listening minibar MIDORI.

all images courtesy of minibar MIDORI

Vintage 1977 MINI Clubman Estate as the roaming bar

The 1977 MINI Clubman Estate serves as the minibar of MIDORI. Shiori Tanaka transforms the passenger seats at the back as the place to serve cocktails and drinks. She flaps the back doors open for extra space and ventilation. The owner also replaces the rear window with a flap-style acrylic to act as the serving counter. After the Tokyo music fans stop by to get drinks at the listening minibar MIDORI, they can move to the off-grid trailer with solar panels on top for some tunes. Since it’s bigger, the trailer can accommodate a couple of people inside.

Shiori Tanaka tells designboom that the design team strips down most of the trailer’s interior to a skeleton. They apply wooden panels ‘dyed in the same color as the steering wheel’ inside. On one end of the listening minibar MIDORI in Tokyo, there’s audio equipment for the DJ or music producer. ‘I use an old HITACHI boombox, a portable Bluetooth speaker from BOSE, and a TDK BOOMBOX for louder sound. The last time we collaborated with a DJ, we connected turntables to play records on the street. The sound experience is enhanced by custom vacuum tube amplifiers designed by Komatsu Sound Lab,’ the owner shares with us. 

bright green 1977 MINI Clubman Estate car as the minibar

larger car for a project called ‘Bigbar’ in the future

The owner adds that, at times, they work with DJs to remix the records they have on board. They can even play their own music for the crowd. In this way, visitors can enjoy music and have drinks. This means they can do so whether it’s inside the trailer or just beside the refurbished MINI Clubman Estate. Shiori Tanaka lets us know that for the minibar, she deliberately goes for a vintage car instead of a typical food truck. For her, it brings charm to the visitors and it’s more accessible. ‘Also because I really love cars,’ she says. Then, another reason she brings the listening minibar MIDORI in Tokyo to life is because she wants visitors to feel stimulating joy in their lives.

‘For example, when traveling to unfamiliar places, people might stumble upon a stall on the street, where fun music is playing, and stop by casually,’ she shares with us. ‘They might make friends there, and that experience could become one of their most memorable moments of the trip. However, living in Japan often makes such spontaneous and exciting experiences harder to come by since everything can be found via Google Maps or social media. I hope to offer that kind of serendipitous stall experience for people living in Tokyo and Japan with the listening minibar MIDORI.’ So far, it’s a pop-up concept mobile bar that stops by around Tokyo. ‘However, I might consider using a larger car for a project called Bigbar in the future,’ Shiori Tanaka tells designboom.

the vintage MINI tows a refurbished off-grid trailer called Mobile SS

the rear part of the MINI car acts as the minibar with a serving counter

the off-grid trailer can accommodate people inside so they can listen to the records while drinking

there are solar panels on top of the off-grid trailer, which can power up the vehicle

the listening minibar MIDORI stops around different streets in Tokyo

the team also works with DJs for the music playing inside the trailer

view of the records inside the off-grid trailer

view of the drinks served and prepared in the MINI car

so far, the minibar stops around Tokyo

project info:

name: Listening minibar MIDORI | @minibar_midori, @oasis_kyoju

owner: Shiori Tanaka | @shiorino0

trailer: Mobile SS with Shogo Jimbo | @shogojimbo, @drivethru.jp

location: Tokyo, Japan (locations on Instagram page)

The post interview: vintage MINI with off-grid trailer roams around tokyo as listening minibar MIDORI appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Airstream introduces its first fully electric travel trailer, the Basecamp Xe, which runs on solar power and batteries. Suitable for off-grid camping, the aluminum mobile unit comes with a 3,000-watt inverter that generates electricity to all outlets. On the surface of the vehicle lie 600-watt solar panels that harvest energy directly from the sun. The fully electric travel trailer features a 10.3 kWh lithium battery bank that powers up the appliances in the vehicle.

There’s even what the company describes as a Truma Combi Eco Plus system. It combines the water heater and furnace functions and can operate on multiple fuel settings, including all-electric, all propane, or a mix of both. The company adds a small, hitch-mounted propane tank to the fully electric travel trailer as well. With this, travelers can set up their outdoor grill while treating the tank as backup fuel for the furnace and the hot-water heater.

all images courtesy of Airstream

Configurable interiors with benches that turn into bed

For the interiors of the fully electric travel trailer, Airstream makes Basecamp Xe configurable. There are two benches that seat up to five people and span the inside of the rear door. Travelers can turn this space into their remote workstation as well. There’s an ethernet Smart Plug port on the exterior that connects to satellite internet providers. At the end of the day, these benches convert into a bed for two, covering the whole rear of the fully electric travel trailer. If wanted, the travelers can also just unfold one bench to create a single bed and retain the other seating.

The Airstream Basecamp Xe comes with a U-shaped small dining space that can accommodate up to four people with ‘room to spare,’ the company says. The design team makes the tabletop swivel-ready, so it rotates without bumping into anyone sitting around the dinette. It allows for easy entry and exit, especially for those sitting in the middle of the bench. For storage, the company says there’s a large hidden rear door that acts like one. The configurable living space of the fully electric travel trailer also opens up to plenty of space in the center aisle. In this way, the traveler can bring their gear and equipment, especially the ones they want to use for outdoor sports.

Airstream introduces its first fully electric travel trailer, the Basecamp Xe

towable with a variety of midsize SUVs

In the galley of the fully electric travel trailer, Airstream adds a single-burner induction cooktop that’s also portable and removable. With this, travelers can use it for outdoor cooking. The sink features a cutting board cover that expands prep space, an optional microwave, and a 12V fridge with freeze. There’s also extra storage for utensils and pantry items. Airstream says the Basecamp Xe is easily towable with a variety of midsize SUVs because it is lightweight. The fully electric travel trailer comes with large wheels to weather different road conditions as well as side skirts and wheel flares to help prevent gravel and debris from damaging the vehicle.

The Basecamp Xe features a standard 3-inch lift, rugged tires, and black protective-coated aluminum stone guards for extra protection against brush and branches while on the road. Just like Airstream’s other travel trailer, the fully electric Basecamp Xe has an aluminum superstructure. Its aerodynamic body and roof profile help increase its fuel efficiency. Then, panoramic windows clad the front parts of the model, so travelers can see the outside as the cruise.

the towable vehicle runs on solar power and batteries for off-grid camping

there are two benches inside that seat up to five people and span the inside of the rear door

these benches unfold into a two-people bed

the Airstream Basecamp Xe comes with a U-shaped small dining space

the aluminum mobile unit comes with a 3,000-watt inverter that generates electricity

panoramic windows clad the front parts of the model

rear view of the towable trailer

the model has an aluminum superstructure

project info:

name: Basecamp Xe

company: Airstream | @airstream_inc

The post airstream’s first fully electric travel trailer ‘basecamp Xe’ runs on solar power and batteries appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) takes on the mission to explore the role of design in creating a more equitable and inclusive future with its itinerant podcast DesignXCommons. Hosted by Matilde Losi, a designer, editor, and curator, the podcast takes listeners on a journey through IED’s locations in Milan, Turin, Florence, and Rome – all from the comfort of a camper van. In each episode, Matilde welcomes a diverse range of guests – from sociologists and economists to designers, curators, and artists – who share their insights through thoughtful discussions, breaking down complex concepts while delving into how design might help us navigate today’s interconnected and often unjust world.

‘We live in an era of impasse – but extraordinary at the same time – because for the first time in human history there is a planetary culture. That is, we must start to recognize that, beyond all the violence and the tragedies that may have led to this situation, we have created platforms that allow us to communicate. Users can start from different assumptions but still, there is a culture that is shared by everyone. Which means that any cultural production can only be planetary,’ says Emanuele Coccia, philosopher and lecturer at École des hautes études en sciences sociales and guest of episode 0 of the DesignXCommons podcast: RESET.

Matilde Losi, the host of IED’s original DesignXCommons podcast during episode Play with historian Domitilla Dardi and architect Sabrina Morreale (Lemonot) | all images courtesy of IED

EDUCATION INTO ACTION: DRIVING SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

DesignXCommons embodies the belief that design is a transformative platform, capable of driving regenerative change for both society and the environment. This approach is rooted in the idea of ‘common goods,’ which refers to shared resources like land, water, forests, but also more intangible assets like knowledge, the internet, and social services. How we manage, share, and distribute these resources is a process known as ‘Commoning’ – a dynamic relationship that continually evolves between the resource and the community caring for it.

The podcast extends the design thinking embedded within the institute’s Master of Arts courses. These specialized two-year programs foster a continuous, dynamic learning environment where students actively engage in interdisciplinary projects with experts across various sectors. The curriculum emphasizes participatory governance models and sustainable practices, which are essential for managing shared assets and creating meaningful societal change.

DesignXCommons engages diverse guests to discuss how design can drive positive change

DESIGNXCOMMONS CHALLENGES THE BOUNDARIES OF DESIGN THINKING

Each episode provokes thoughtful discussions, covering essential and important questions like: What happens when we view knowledge as an interconnected system beyond traditional disciplines, how can we shift our perspective to see the world differently, and how do we ensure that today’s designs don’t become tomorrow’s problems? By challenging existing norms, DesignXCommons encourages listeners to rethink education, relationships, and systems – offering insights on how design can play a key role in navigating the complex, interconnected challenges of the modern world.

Ready to dive deeper? Tune in to the DesignXCommons Podcast for insightful conversations.

the conversations take place in a camper van, traveling between IED’s locations in Italy

video still from DesignXCommons Ep. 0 – Reset, with Beatrice Leanza and Emanuele Coccia

video still from DesignXCommons Ep. 6 – Experience, with Derrick de Kerckhove and Gregorio Comandini

each episode dives deep into how design can drive transformative social and environmental change

project info: 

name: DesignXCommons

organization: Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) | @ied_offical

host: Matilde Losi

guests: Beatrice Leanza, Emanuele Coccia, Yuri Kaban, Simon Beckerman, Suor Giuliana Galli, Michael Kaethler, Angela Rui, Massimo de Angelis, Marco Da Re, Didem Gurdur Broo, Domitilla Dardi, Sabrina Morreale, Derrick de Kerckhove and Gregorio Comandini

The post IED’s designxcommons podcast tackles global challenges in a camper van across italy appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

E22SSPIU! trailer by 2001 unfolds as sleeping hut in Luxembourg

The architecture company 2001 offers an innovative approach to mobile living with the Esch 22 Space Station (E22SSPIU!) in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. In its compact form, the E22SSPIU! appears as a streamlined stainless steel trailer equipped with essential amenities, including a bath, kitchen, and dining area. This minimalist base allows for transport between locations. Once stationed, the structure undergoes a dramatic transformation: two lateral wings unfold to create a circular nine-meter platform atop the trailer, featuring a cork surface for comfort and sustainability. A double-shell pneumatic dome is then inflated above the platform, creating a spacious, climate-responsive sleeping habitat. 

all images by Ludmilla Cerveny, courtesy of 2001, unless stated otherwise

questioning architecture’s reliance on soil, water, and energy

Created by the Esch-Alzette-based team of 2001 to immerse participants in the cultural and environmental diversity of Esch-sur-Alzette during its tenure as European Capital of Culture, E22SSPIU! can host up to six occupants. This compact sleeping hut reflects on architecture’s relationship with natural resources while facilitating engagement with the evolving contexts and environments of the city. Beyond its functional versatility, E22SSPIU! raises critical questions about the reliance of society and architecture on resources such as soil, water, and energy. The lightweight, sustainable structure and transformable design of the project highlight the importance of adaptive solutions in architecture to address ecological and cultural challenges.

2001 offers an innovative approach to mobile living with the E22SSPIU!

in its compact form, E22SSPIU! appears as a streamlined stainless steel trailer equipped with essential amenities

the structure includes a bath, kitchen, and dining area

this minimalist base allows for transport between locations

once stationed, the structure undergoes a dramatic transformation

two lateral wings unfold to create a circular 9-meter platform atop the trailer

a double-shell pneumatic dome is then inflated above the platform

creating a spacious, climate-responsive sleeping habitat

immersing participants in the cultural and environmental diversity of Esch-sur-Alzette

The post mobile sleeping hut combines stainless steel trailer with double-shell inflatable dome appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Wagner hits the road in 2025 with the Airstream Roadshow, an immersive experience that inspires new perspectives on office spaces. Under the motto ‘It’s time for bespoke interior design,’ the traveling exhibition highlights the iconic 1962 Airstream Bambi, converted into a mobile working space to showcase Wagner’s D2 bespoke interior system, designed by renowned studios Gonzalez Haase AAS and Stefan Diez. As the Airstream travels across Germany, design enthusiasts are invited to explore the lightweight aluminum construction and witness live 3D printing in action.

Wagner’s transformed Airstream embarks on a roadshow across Germany in 2025 | all images courtesy of Wagner

WAGNER’S VISION FOR FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES ON DISPLAY

Founded as a traditional chair brand, Wagner has always prioritized well-being through design, movement, and health. The converted Airstream trailer, unveiled at Orgatec 2024 in front of Design Post Cologne, embodies the company’s holistic vision for the future of workspaces – places where collaboration, creativity, and interaction thrive. Reinforcing this vision is the D2 bespoke interior system, featured in the Airstream. Whether in an office, conference room, or home office, the lightweight D2 system adapts to different environments, creating movement and opening up space.

sleek aluminium panels define Wagner’s mobile working space

AIRSTREAM TRAILER TRANSFORMED INTO A MOBILE WORKING SPACE

The Airstream Bambi caravan, once a symbol of classic American design, now serves as Wagner’s mobile working space, embarking on a nationwide tour across Germany. The carefully curated space inside the Airstream highlights the versatility of the D2 bespoke interior system, designed by renowned studios Gonzalez Haase AAS and Stefan Diez. With its aluminum honeycomb panels, the room concept demonstrates how lightweight, sustainable materials can be used to craft a durable yet flexible space. 

In collaboration with Heavn – Human Centric Lighting, the interior atmosphere of the Airstream is optimized with dynamic desk and ceiling lighting. Additional key features include an integrated home office workstation, a coffee counter, and the W-Lounge Nesting Sofa mini. Attendees of the traveling exhibition can explore these modern office solutions and witness the live 3D printing of Wagner’s W3D stool, providing a real-time demonstration of the company’s forward-thinking approach to furniture design.

Heavn’s human-centric lighting brings a dynamic atmosphere to Wagner’s mobile working space

The Airstream Roadshow 2025 offers a unique opportunity for visitors to step inside Wagner’s mobile working space. This traveling exhibition allows guests to explore the design concepts first hand, providing a collaborative space for design professionals to network, share ideas, and engage with the future of work environments. Keep an eye out for the Airstream Roadshow 2025 dates in your city and get ready to experience the next chapter of office design.

once a classic American caravan, now serves as a mobile woking space for Wagner’s 2025 roadshow

visitors step inside Wagner’s Airstream for a hands-on tour of modern office concepts

inside the mobile working space: the versatile D2 bespoke interior system

project info: 

name: Airstream Roadshow 2025

company: Wagner | @wagner_living

collaborator: Heaven | @heavn_lights

The post wagner transforms airstream trailer into mobile working space, touring germany in 2025 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Lightship unveils the AE.1 Cosmos edition, an aero-electric travel trailer that expands and elevates with a single button. It’s the sibling of the AE.1, and both of them can transition from Road Mode to Camp Mode in a touch. When that happens, the aero-electric travel trailer rises upwards with more than seven feet of extra headroom and expands sideways for more space inside. Aside from the button, Lightship’s AE.1 Cosmos travel trailer has ‘lookout’ cameras.

These three ultra-wide lenses allow the driver to see the vehicle’s surroundings, so it’s easier for them to park, reverse, and navigate tight spaces (or see who’s knocking at the door). There’s also an AirRight Climate Control System installed, which keeps the travel trailer at the ideal temperature regardless of the conditions outside. On top of Lightship AE.1 Cosmos, 1.8 kW, heat-tempered solar panels clad the entire roof. They’re built directly there so that the design team can fully integrate them into the vehicle and create a direct channel for the electricity. These solar panels can still absorb and supply energy to the travel trailer even on cloudy and shaded conditions.

all images courtesy of Lightship

3D-knit upholstery for convertible lounge and dining areas

When driving through steep inclines or downhill slopes, the Lightship AE.1 Cosmos has an intelligent assist called TrekDrive that can give the vehicle a boost or a hand. The design team says that because of the travel trailer’s Aero-Electric design, meaning a combination of aerodynamics and battery technology, there can be near zero-range loss for towing vehicles, delivering up to 300 miles of extended range. Inside the trailer, there are nearly a dozen panoramic windows and half a dozen skylights to bring the natural light and scenery in. They are shatterproof, impact-resistant, and can weather extreme conditions to keep AE.1 Cosmos at a suitable temperature. 

The lounge area, crafted with BYBORRE 3D-knit upholstery by combining recycled polyester and wool, is transformable into a pre-made bed, making the owners easily switch from hosting guests to calling it a night. Even the dining table, which is also made from 3D-knit upholstery, is convertible to a comfortable bed for two. There’s a kitchen with a dual-burner induction stovetop, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator that doubles as a freezer. For the bathroom, the Lightship team draws inspiration from spas for the design, including the modular mirror, which slides to reveal hidden storage for toiletries.

the aero-electric travel trailer rises upwards with more than seven feet of extra headroom and expands sideways

Customizable cargo system for overheaD storage

For the AE.1 Cosmos travel trailer, Lightship adds a customizable cargo system for storage, and it includes hangers, bins, and shelves. Extra storage is also found under the vehicle in case the campers want to bring additional baggage or means of transport like a foldable bike. Accessories are also available, such as the overhead storage. 

This comprises cube-shaped boxes that the owners can hang near the ceiling if they want additional spaces to put their things in. A rugged, water-resistant, portable Wi-Fi sound system can also be installed on board, as well as the upper window blackout shades if passengers want to sleep in for a long time. There are only 50 units available, and the shipping of the Lightship AE.1 Cosmos travel trailer begins in the summer of 2025.

Lightship’s AE.1 Cosmos travel trailer has ‘lookout’ cameras so the driver can see the surroundings

the AirRight Climate Control System keeps the travel trailer at the ideal temperature

on top of Lightship AE.1 Cosmos, 1.8 kW, heat-tempered solar panels clad the entire roof

the Lightship AE.1 Cosmos has an intelligent assist that can give the vehicle a boost or a hand

there are nearly a dozen panoramic windows and half a dozen skylights

the modular mirror in the bathroom slides to reveal hidden storage for toiletries

Lightship adds a customizable cargo system for storage, and it includes hangers, bins, and shelves

there’s a kitchen with a dual-burner induction stovetop and a dishwasher

project info:

name: AE.1 Cosmos Edition

company: Lightship | @lightshiprv

The post lightship’s AE.1 cosmos has a button that expands and elevates the aero-electric travel trailer appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Ukrainian-German company LEMKI Robotix, in partnership with 3D printing constructor iScale3d, introduces DISCOVER 3D—the world’s first fully 3D printed mobile home. Made from an eco-friendly composite of recycled polypropylene, equivalent to 7,400 plastic bottles, and fiberglass, DISCOVER 3D is a lightweight, durable, and easily transportable home on wheels, with 80% of its materials being recyclable. Designed for sustainable, off-grid living, it features autonomous batteries and the option for solar panel integration.

images courtesy of LEMKI Robotix

DISCOVER 3D can accommodate a family of three

DISCOVER 3D showcases a leap forward in large-scale 3D printing by cutting production costs and construction time, making it more accessible to a broader audience. LEMKI Robotix company aims to scale this technology for mass production, promoting eco-conscious living through innovative design solutions. Equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, water levels, and battery charge, DISCOVER 3D is adaptable to various climates. Each component is printed to ensure efficient assembly and thermal insulation—ideal for a family of three seeking outdoor comfort.

LEMKI Robotix, in partnership with 3D printing constructor iScale3d, introduces DISCOVER 3D

DISCOVER 3D is the world’s first fully 3D printed mobile home

made from an eco-friendly composite of recycled polypropylene, equivalent to 7,400 plastic bottles

DISCOVER 3D is a lightweight, durable, and easily transportable home on wheels

80% of the materials are recyclable

designed for sustainable, off-grid living

the mobile home features autonomous batteries and the option for solar panel integration

DISCOVER 3D showcases a leap forward in large-scale 3D printing

equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, water levels, and battery charge

project info:

name: DISCOVER 3D
designer: LEMKI Robotix | @lemkirobotix3d, iScale3D

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

The post 3D printed mobile home reuses plastic bottles for sustainable off-grid living appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

With Moncler, Rick Owens constructs a demountable steel house named Refuge, inspired by the architecture of Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé. Dubbed as an all-weather accommodation, the fashionable lodging draws mainly from the house that Charlotte Perriand designed in the French Alps, the one owned by Hun’s family. The designer taps Hugh Broughton Architects during the process to make sure that the demountable shelter can function off-grid while having modern technologies installed and still being durable, efficient, and easy to transport.

The steel shelter, which may remind viewers of the designer’s previous monolithic steel sleeping pod, is powered by solar panels placed on the roof as well as ground-based solar arrays and even a wind turbine. In this case, the electricity running around the portable mobile unit is autonomous. There’s also a battery with multiple redundancies so that if the owners take it to remote locations, they can still have power from the energy stored in this battery.

all images courtesy of Moncler

20 engineered and thermally insulated panels around refuge

The Charlotte Perriand-inspired demountable steel Refuge by Rick Owens and Moncler comes to life by using a stainless monocoque shell with 20 precision-engineered and thermally insulated panels. These parts support the structure of the shelter as well as keep the cabin at a room temperature level. There are even adjustable stainless steel ‘legs’ with ball-and-socket joints under Refuge for its footing to help stabilize it on uneven terrain. 

When the designer and brand talk about modern technologies for Refuge, they can mean the water and waste systems. Yes, it’s collapsible, but that doesn’t mean that the movable shelter can’t have snowmelt collection, graywater reclamation, and a removable waste storage tank. There’s a log-burning stove too, as well as electric heaters for extra warmth in case owners stay in icy environments. It’s not a Rick Owens and Moncler collaboration without the former using the latter’s collection, and that’s evidenced in the interior. 

with Moncler, Rick Owens constructs a demountable steel house named Refuge

Rick owens lines the shelter’s interior with moncler collection

When owners step inside, they find it lined with Moncler duvet nylon and felted wool blankets, which are a nod to Joseph Buys, the German artist Rick Owens considers his ‘art hero’. It’s a coordinated design inside the cabin, which is based on soft organic cotton long johns layered under duvet bodysuits. These suits zip into sleeping ‘cocoons’ so the owners can hibernate in a felt and duvet-lined steel cave.

The shelter has an atmospheric environment because of the large panoramic windows wrapping its rear side, held up by steel edges. Rick Owens calls his shelter a mountain ‘Refuge’ because it is also a low-consumption, off-grid shelter. It can stand on its own and be surrounded by graphic light, smoke, and fog (the last two depend on the owner’s preference). For those who want to step inside, the demountable steel lodging is accessed using an entry ‘airlock’ to protect the movable mobile unit from harsh weather conditions.

detailed view of the demountable steel shelter

Steel seems to be Rick Owens favorite, and the material fits right home with his recent demountable Refuge shelter with Moncler. Making it collapsible, therefore portable, is the designer’s direct reference to many of the similar architecture setups in Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé’s ouevre. The difference is that the interiors are lined and felt with the Italian brand’s duvet, including the wardrobe as well as the soundproof bed.

Because it is an all-weather refuge, there’s insulation to protect the owners from extreme cold. When viewers see Rick Owens’ steel refuge, the image of a mausoleum may come to mind by the boxy exterior it exudes. Before entering the shelter, owners take the flight of ladderzied steel stairs typically used in scaffolding (but with winged ends) until they reach the entrance, whose upper part seems to bow towards their heads. Inside, their glass-covered lives begin, possibly see-through from the outside because of the landscape-esque windows, perhaps a hint too at the late French architect’s approach to her exterior designs.

Moncler’s duvet nylon and felted wool blankets line the interiors of the Rick Owens shelter

there are even adjustable stainless steel ‘legs’ with ball-and-socket joints under Refuge

the exterior ma resemble a mausoleum

the shelter has an atmospheric environment because of the large panoramic windows wrapping its rear side

the shelter is made of stainless monocoque shell with 20 thermally insulated panels

project info:

name: Refuge

design: Rick Owens | @rickowensonline

brand: Moncler | @moncler

architects: Charlotte Perriand, Jean Prouvé

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During Dutch Design Week 2024, Superuse and Vattenfall showcase the discarded wind turbine part they’ve transformed into a furnished tiny house powered by solar panels. The design studio and energy company convert a nacelle, which is the top part of a wind turbine or the container of the engine, into a compact and movable furnished home, and visitors to the Dutch event can see it firsthand between October 19th and 27th, 2024, in Eindhoven.

The design teams receive the discarded nacelle from the Dutch company Business in Wind after they’ve acquired it from the wind farm the turbine was once used at. The nacelle was a part of the Vestas V80 wind turbine, which generated green energy in Austria for 19 years until October 2023. The tiny house was conceived and designed by Superuse Studos and executed by Blade-Made, its spin-off company, and Woodwave.

all images courtesy of Vattenfall and Business in Wind

Superuse and vattenfall electrify tiny house with solar power

The tiny house slash nacelle is 3.5 meters wide, 10 meters long, and 3.6 meters high. It comes with four solar panels on the roof that can generate 1,800-watt peak power, which is enough to power up the compact home. Each panel functions on its own and has its own micro-inverter for 230V alternating current.

In this way, the power still continues to flow even if one panel breaks down or needs repair. Because it is powered by solar panels, the design teams add a charging socket on the side of the tiny house, so users driving an electric or hybrid car can recharge their vehicles using the discarded wind turbine nacelle, with up to 22 kW charging capacity.

the four solar panels on the wind turbine tiny house can generate 1,800-watt peak power

equipping wind turbine tiny house with smart features

It’s not a functional tiny house without furnishings. In fact, the wind turbine nacelle, which is named Nestle, is complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Superuse Studios and Vattenfall go for wood and earthy interiors to bring lightness inside the home, and they place a solar power boiler with 50 liters of hot water so the owners can shower, wash, do their dishes, and more. With this boiler, it uses the energy coming from the solar panels. The setup stores the surplus of green energy in the boiler and does not feed it back into the grid.

The design studio and the energy company also have a ‘heat pump’ alongside the air conditioning for heating. It does what it says – pumping heat – to keep the tiny house warm, even if the temperature outside is around -15 degrees Celsius. Because it’s a small space, there’s a need for proper ventilation. The design teams plant a ventilation grid onto the wooden wall. It extracts used air from the inside, then blows back fresh air from the outside. It comes with heat recovery technology, so even when the air is cool outside, the air it brings back inside is warm. 

outside view of the wind turbine nacelle turned tiny house

Insulation comes next for Superuse and Vattenfall. They seal the insulation within the repurposed wind turbine nacelle to create an almost airtight construction. The setting allows for the air freshening system and for the ventilation on the wall to work well. The nacelle has a few large windows, and to improve the insulation the design teams opt for triple-glazing glass. The tiny house can be movable, so long as there’s a crate that can lift it up, and it doesn’t take up so much space, as visitors see in the Dutch Design Week 2024.

The design teams say that in the next few years, thousands of wind turbines may be demolished or replaced. Most of their parts are made of metal or concrete – such as the foundation, tower, gearbox parts, and even the generator – which makes it easy to recycle them. ‘Steel, for instance, can be melted down and reused, but the downside is that this takes a lot of energy and creates emissions. It would be better if the materials could be reused with as little processing as possible,’ say Superuse Studios and Vattenfall. One way they’ve suggested so far is transforming one of them into a livable tiny house with modern technologies for some green living.

inside the wind turbine nacelle turned tiny house

the design teams plant a ventilation grid onto the wooden wall, which extracts used air from the inside

Nestle, the wind turbine turned tiny house, is complete with a kitchen, bathroom, and living space

view of Nestle during Dutch Design Week 2024

socket for owners to recharge their electric or hybrid vehicle

view of the wind turbine nacelle before Superuse Studios and Vattenfall turn it into a tiny house

view of Nestle during Dutch Design Week 2024

project info:

name: Nestle

company: Vattenfall | @vattenfall

studio: Superuse | @superuse_studios

nacelle part: Business in Wind | @businessinwind

event: Dutch Design Week 2024 | @dutchdesignweek

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