Dumpster diving for urban housing
In any place besides one of the nation's biggest ecologically minded communities and most expensive real estate markets, a dumpster turned house would turn heads the wrong way. But for seven months in San Francisco, Gregory Kloehn worked on converting a dumpster into a space suitable for living.
Taking shipping container architecture to extremes, Kloehn managed to fit a kitchen, toilet, shower, and living and sleeping areas into the space of an eight foot wide by twelve foot long dumpster. The 'utilities' are provided via an extension cord, propane tank, and a small water storage system. The toilet can be connected to a septic system. The home's roof and windows can be lowered for sleeping and a makeshift security system--who would rob a dumpster?
A designer, artist, and veteran of repurposing shipping containers, Kloehn thought dumpsters resembled houses with their slightly pitched roofs. Although the exterior may seem low rent, the interior is tricked out with all the niceties of modern living including granite counters, a stainless steel sink and back splash, commercial grade appliances, and hardwood flooring. The walls are insulated and covered in carpeting for acoustics. A mini-bar, stereo system, grill and roof top deck (with dance pole) easily allow for entertaining.
Originally an installation piece for San Francisco's Fringe festival, the dumpster house named 'Elite Waste' drummed up enough serious interest that Kloehn is offering to design and build dumpster homes for about 8000 USD. Watch videos of the artist in his habitat:
Related on SmartPlanet: Shipping container architecture delivers relief in Japan, In Seattle food desert, pop up grocery provides an oasis
Via: The Daily Mail
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com