I've been obsessing over this project for a few weeks now. It's some combination of the Boxhome's simplicity, extraordinarily thoughtful design, rational and spare use of materials, all combined into a near-perfect teeny tiny space. Unnecessary floor area is kept to a minimum, natural light is the primary source of interior illumination, and most of the furnishings are built in. There are four rooms: kitchen/dining area, bathroom, living room, bedroom.
bedroom & bathroom
exterior
side exterior
dining area
One of the things I find so fascinating about the Boxhome, even as a pre-fab, high-density living prototype (which it is), is that it draws from a wide variance of design ideologies, and marries them almost seamlessly. There are elements of Bucky Fuller's Dymaxion House -- energy efficiency, low-cost, and (theoretically) the opportunity for mass-production. In other elements, including a distinct vernacular aesthetic, craftsmanship detailing, and inventive use of space there's some pretty basic Wrightian overlap. On a different note, there's also an Ikea-esque sensibility: the lofty goal of tasteful, interesting, and affordable design. It's an easy comparison to draw, considering the project's design team was led by Scandinavian architect Sami Rintala, but there it is just the same.
I love the idea as a high-density living alternative. Its not functionally efficient to the point of detachment, nor aesthetically efficient to the point of discomfort; the design is equal parts useful, beautiful, comfortable, economical, and, to an extent, ecologically benign. Not that this is the answer to everyone's prayers, but, well... that just seems like a lot of grace for a 19 square meter (205 square foot) structure.
Here's a link to the Dwell article that spurred my interest.
