sean godsell architects: picnic table house

australian firm sean godsell architects was one of 19 firms to design a concept for the 1:1 architects build small spaces exhibition currently on display at the V & A, london. the ‘picnic table house’ is a picnic table during the day that converts into a homeless shelter at night. the table top folds down and is supported on the bench seats to make a roof. a woven stainless steel mattress and protective frame is supported between the legs of the table. survival kits, packed remotely by volunteer workers or emergency relief agencies can be locked into position under the bench seats either side of the mattress. the survival kits would contain separately food, bedding, hot drinks, a light and a first aid kid.

model of  ‘picnic table house’

once emptied a survival pack becomes secure stowage while sleeping. the picnic table house would be the next in a series of prototypes produced by my office. future shack is an emergency house made from recycled shipping containers, park bench house is a park bench during the day and a basic bed and shelter at night and bus shelter house is a bus shelter until public transport stops for the night. it converts into a bed and the advertising hoarding houses blankets and hot drinks, as well as being a mini display space for artists who are un-represented by a gallery.  the architects are currently working on the dignified rubbish bin which is a bin that has a food container that allows restaurants to package and distribute leftover food to the homeless.

model of  ‘picnic table house’

drawing of  ‘picnic table house’

how the design converts from a picnic table to a house/shelter

being used as a picnic table

when the design is a house

the survival kit

1:1 architects build small spaces exhibition
victoria & albert museum, london
on now until 30 august 2010