Incredible images of some of the most bizarre mobile homes from around the world
Designs include a walking tent, a camper shopping trolley, a bike trailer and a park bench bubble
V W CAMPER vans might be considered the height of travel sophistication by Jamie Oliver, but he’s clearly never clapped eyes on a walking tent or a park bench bubble.
A new book called Mobitecture: Architecture on the Move celebrates some of the craziest and most unique mobile homes ever invented – and they put Jamie’s retro blue van to shame.
The architectural designs have all been created with one thing in mind – to provide shelter wherever a wanderer decides to lay their head.
Designs that roll, inflate, unfold, pop-up, slide on sleds and float across water have been designed for everything from deserts and oceans to beaches, mountains and cities.
Read on to discover some of the most inventive ways to live and travel in style…
The Walking Shelter by Sibling
The walking shelter unpacks from hi-top shoes, which contain a brightly coloured cloak that unfolds and zips up to form an instant raincoat.
Instead of traditional tent poles and strings, the wearer forms the human frame that gives the garment its shape.
Its zipped window entrance evokes the traditional tent door, while the reflective silver lining provides a tiny bit of insulation.
The Park Bench Bubble by Thor ter Kulve
Park Bench Bubble is Thor ter Kulve’s take on contemporary urban life.
His project creates a public-private space that transforms a modest timber park bench into a solo inflatable retreat, with a solar-powered USB charger.
The Camper Bike by Kevin Cyr
Powered by pedal and large enough for one, the camper bike by artist Kevin Cyr is formed from a tall, narrow shell mounted on a standard-issue Chinese tricycle.
The structure is seen as more piece of art than functioning mobile home.
The Bicycle Teardrop Trailer by Matthew Hart Designs
This portable, aerodynamic dwelling was towed by Matthew Hart’s bicycle as he cycled across British Colombia.
The structure includes a folding table, fridge, sleeping space and a cooker just big enough to brew coffee.
Hart simply settled it down by parks, beaches or hill-tops to enjoy life on the move in prime real estate spots.
The Camper Kart by Kevin Cyr
The Camper Kart by Kevin Cyr was fashioned from a normal steel shopping trolley.
Its robust form renders it superior to many tent options and includes storage for food, a retractable sleeping deck and a durable roof.
Demounted, the trolley becomes navigable, with the wooden base, mattress and canvas packed away.
To open, users simply turn the crank and raise the roof.
The Ecocapsule by Nice Architects
Offering a comfortable, self-sufficient lifestyle, the Ecocapsule is designed to run off-grid and can accommodate two people.
It generates electricity through its integrated solar panels and wind turbine.
Inside, the pod includes a kitchen, living-dining area and a sleeping space, as well as bathing facilities and a composting toilet.
It is light enough to rotate or push along on wheels.
The A-Z Wagon Station by Andrea Zittel
The Wagon Station Encampment occupies part of Andrea Zittel’s A-Z West compound near the Joshua Tree National Park.
Twelve steel and aluminium wagons designed by the artist offers Spartan accommodation and visitors can stay twice a year in exchange for an hour’s labour each day.
Set in the desert, the cabins contain a mattress, clothing hooks and a ventilation hatch.
The pods are easily collapsed and reassembled elsewhere
by Rebecca Roke is published by Phaidon 17 April 2017 and available to pre-order now