I have always loved this concept.
With the building code being what it is in New Zealand, I always imagined that this would be an easy and surprisingly elegant solution providing modular living spaces with minimal building permit requirements due to their removable properties (In NZ only buildings that are permanent and over certain dimensions need to pass the regulations).
I figure If you have one structure that is considered permanent and create a back to back kitchen and bathroom (the Two rooms that require hard plumbing, sewer, etc.) and then create several other rooms with other containers.
For instance a basic layout would be the bathroom/kitchen container, a bedroom and a living area connected via fully insulated walkways or merely by placing the container side by side and creating a traditional open doorway. As more rooms are required more container can be added.
This would definitely be a more minimal existence and I am guessing that the lack of bathrooms might be be a challenge to fans of the modern American household where there seem to always be more bathrooms then bedrooms, However i think it would be particularly effective for a minimalist and cost effective retreat, lake house, mountain house type of structure.
Anna Schuleit - Bloom (2003)
28,000 potted flowers installed at a Massachusetts asylum slated for demolition
beautiful.
(Source: likeafieldmouse, via maddylouboo)
—Bouroullec collection This was just one of the incredible modular and heavily textured room dividers features in the collection. Heavily conscious of space, form and sustainability these singular forms link together using simple tab and slit construction and are designed and manufactured to give and incredibly interesting, fluid and dynamic way to enhance, divide or sound proof a space.
Bouroullec “algue” sculptural modular room divider, artistic accent and all-round attention getter, with Bouroullec chairs, made with traditional technique enhanced by modern form and design.
link to the distributor here; http://www.vitra.com/
A view across a room dominated and divided by the conceptual and real-life design works by the Bouroullec brothers from France. Taking inspiration from simplistic form, cultural architecture, societal and natural form the brothers produce highly simplified works that exhibit a complex design aesthetic and highly functioning practicality and and understanding and appreciation for both traditional form and manufacturing process. This combined with their extensive, innovative and sometimes surprising use of new technologies and materials shapes and intriguing and beguiling design portfolio of items within reach of all design lovers not just the exclusive luxury buyers.
link to the “Algue” modular room divider (and the Vitra website, distributor for some of the Bouroullec collection) in the immediate foreground; http://www.vitra.com/
By far