Alternative housing on show for Design Island

Two transportable housing alternatives are on show at Salamanca Place in Hobart as part of Design Island 2009.

The Castle, an adaptable micro-dwelling designed to assist youth at risk of homelessness, is a collaboration of the University of Tasmania School of Architecture and Design Launceston, Youth Futures and Studentworks.

The MOD V.02 is a fully fitted out shipping container, powered by solar cells that can operate as an autonomous entity: collecting its own water, dealing with its own waste, and generating its own power.

The latest "Castle" prototype uses a sustainable construction system and was assembled by participants in a skill development program.

Richard Burnham , from the School of Architecture and Design, said that space limitations at home can interfere with a young person's growing need for independence.

"This can become a contributing factor to family tension, relationship break-down and ultimately to young people contemplating leaving home prematurely," Mr Burnham said.

"A 'Castle' deployed in the driveway or backyard is intended to temporarily relieve the stress."

The touring schedule for the Castle is:
1-2 May Salamanca Place Hobart;
5-6 May Brisbane Street Mall, Launceston;
8-10 May Agfest;
15 May Civic Centre Plaza, Burnie; and
16 May Rooke Street Mall, Devonport

MOD V.02 is a robust, sustainable, highly flexible, comfortable and low cost housing solution.

It is open for the public to experience until May 6. Room11 architects will be on-site daily from 10am to 4pm, to answer questions and discuss the process behind the development of the prototype.

Design Island is an annual program administered by arts@work presenting exhibitions, events, workshops and talks to support and promote the Tasmanian design sector. This year's program includes more than 50 designers, across 30 venues around Tasmania.

For the full Design Island program, refer to: www.arts.tas.gov.au/designisland

[ IMAGE: There was a lot of interest in the Castle when it was unveilled at Salamanca Place - click to view ]

[ IMAGE: Harry Tams from Youth Futures shows the design pattern template for the Castle - click to view ]

[ IMAGE: The interior of the compact Castle - click to view ]

[ IMAGE: MOD V.02 operates as an autonomous entity - click to view ]