You know the feeling when you’re just hiking along and all of the sudden the world reveals itself?
The feeling that takes your breath away.
The feeling that makes you feel, dare I say, small.
A common misconception with small architecture is the idea that one will have to sacrifice their physical belongings, personal relationships, or comfort. To one extent I believe that there is an overabundance of unnecessary items contributing to environmental degradation and human health related issues. However, I also believe that placing limits on one’s lifestyle with the goal of achieving small architecture is easily avoidable. The solution to the problem of balancing necessity and desire lies in the function, or in this case functions, of a space. There is no limit to how many functions a singular space or object can serve. A material can be an art piece. An art piece can be a chair. A chair can be a table. Basically, the material can transform into whatever the designer and user intend it to, whether only for a moment or a lifetime.
The Crate House seeks to be the mediator between ourselves and the natural environment, acting as a platform to experience both the special moments and the moments in-between. The prefabricated and modular structure can be quickly assembled and disassembled in various locations and climates. A photovoltaic canopy slides to reveal a hydroponic greywater treatment system and an adaptation of the Harold Hay Roof Pond that produces both food and oxygen. Additionally, the structure itself doubles as its packaging, limiting the amount of total waste material to zero.
