We've often wondered just how small you can really go when designing a tiny living space and the Solo 01 might be the answer. Designed by India's The Billboards Collective, the prototype project is a rickshaw-based micro-house that measures just 6 x 6 ft (1.8 x 1.8 m).
Bringing to mind the Elektro Frosch Pro, the Solo 01 is conceived as a micro-house, though you could just as reasonably call it a camper. It consists of a removable living area constructed from scrap metal that's bolted onto a typical three-wheeled rickshaw.
"It is a utilitarian design of a compact 6 x 6 ft space into a portable/detachable housing at the back of a 3 wheeler auto rickshaw that can accommodate a solo individual like an artist, traveler, homeless people or even a small scale vendor," says architect Arun Prabhu N G.
An impressive number of features have been shoehorned into that tiny interior. The first floor, such as it is, includes storage space, a kitchenette, a toilet, and even a tiny bathtub. The mezzanine area hosts a bed and a little laptop table.
Back outside, a small drop-down porch area can display goods if used by a vendor, while clothes can be hung on an extendable rack. The rooftop is accessed by a ladder and sports a small terrace seating area and an umbrella.
Though not specified, we'd assume that the rickshaw used as the basis for the Solo 01 build is not electric drive, though there is a solar panel installed for power needs. The micro-home also includes a water tank.
There might be issues with weight and stability in the wind, or even in tight turns, but these won't really be a concern as it was created to promote small-scale architecture and there are currently no plans to make it commercially available. This one is best taken for what is is: a fun and creative little project.
"Though unspoken about, small scale architecture is the most relevant in India and is often scrutinized for being underutilized in terms of space," adds the firm. "Our vision is to shine a light on how to constantly improve the way of life of people around us without space or budget as parameters. Solo 01 is our first step towards achieving that goal concentrating on temporary and portable housing concepts in India."
Source: The Billboards Collective
