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Matt Hickman

The little red shipping container home that could

The marvelously mod Mobile Dwelling Unit (MDU) is a wee bit less claustrophobic than other shipping container homes thanks to inventive fold-out elements.

Wed, Dec 16 2009 at 9:59 AM EST

 
Last week, I featured nifty M112 Pod Miniatures from Paris Renfroe Designs — a great gift idea for pint-sized green architects-in-training as well as design-obsessed adults — so I thought I’d follow up with a post on a remarkable human-sized shipping container home, the Mobile Dwelling Unit (MDU) from New-York-based prefab powerhouse LOT-EK.
 
And while we’re on the topic of size, it’s worth immediately pointing out the most distinguishing feature of the MDU: its width. 
However green or tricked-out, shipping container homes like other mobile dwellings, suffer from the “long but narrow” syndrome. Sure, a standard, prefabricated 40-foot long shipping container home might sound spacious but you might forget that they’re awfully darn tight. The ingenious engineering of the MDU remedies the cramped curse of shipping container living with eight pop-out elements that fold out from the 8-foot wide core of the home, accordion style, when the home is stationary. When the home is in transit, the elements — a kitchen, full bathroom, reading nook, bed, desk, sofa, and storage space — can be folded back in to their slots.
 
Not only do the folding elements of the MDU add much-needed square footage to the highly customizable interior of home but they also add textured flair to the exterior; a distinct departure from the plain rectangular shape of shipping container dwellings. And I’m a huge fan of the simple, modern plywood paneling and cheery red accents.
 
Living and/or working in a salvaged shipping container (or any kind of dwelling that’s built to be moved) certainly isn’t for everyone despite their efficiency and flexibility. But kudos to LOT-EK for making the concept that much more appealing. What do you think of the MDU?
 
Via [Ecofriend] via [Dornob]


Photos: LOT-EK
 
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anonymous
Sharon Jackson 08/18/2010 03:29 AM

I think the containers could/should be used for homeless /womens shelters. We are forced to pay for so many things in life by the goverment why not Homeless/womens Shelters. Especially in the winter months. If the homeless people had a permanent address they could possibly collect Medicare/Medicaid/Unemployment to those that have lost their Jobs and homes or any other aid they might need that has forced some of the to the streets. There are many Families with children that woudl welcome a.... More

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anonymous
Harsha Prabhu 02/24/2010 21:51 PM

Enter your comments here
Great idea. How much does such a container cost, in US dollars?
go2harsha@yahoo.com.au

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