22nd
3 Shelters
Let’s face it, the economy is in shambles and you are not Bear Gryls. Here are three readily available small structures that will keep you shielded from the elements lest you end up on the street or are chased into the wilderness by angry mobs.
Micro-Compact Home (pictured above)
Inspired by the intimate scale of a Japanese tea house and the compact efficiency of a smart-car, students working on a joint project between the Technical University of Munich and the Tokyo Institute of Technology have come up with a tiny, transportable dwelling called the Micro-Compact Home (m-ch). The lightweight structure is only 2.65 m cubed (roughly 77 sq ft), but incorporates everything a person needs in a home in its super compact design.
Pilo
Believe it or not, this translucent membrane is actually a tent. Created by Markus Michalski, the Pilo tent is designed to provide a secret retreat while expressing a sense of belonging and sensuality. Who ever said survival can’t be sexy?
Tepee
The classic tepee is perfect for outdoorsmen of all ages who want to have minimal impact on the surrounding environment. This particular tepee was crafted for Design Within Reach Tools for Living by Dave Ellis, who spent 10 years in the canvas business before developing his own line of tepees. His knowledge of materials is apparent in his tepee’s superior, simple construction that provides proper ventilation, flame resistance and reinforced stress points. The floor of the tepee is not waterproof, however this was an intentional design choice by Ellis since fabric that breathes won’t kill the grass underneath.
