SOLO 01 is a portable housing concept built on the back of a rickshaw

with the goal of providing temporary and portable housing in india, designer arun prabhu n g presents the SOLO 01 concept. built on the back of a 3 wheeled auto rickshaw, the compact 6 x 6ft space contains all the necessary amenities for an individual to live. envisioned for the likes of an artist, traveler, homeless person, or even a small scale vendor, the project offers an affordable lifestyle alternative to modern nomads and societal groups under the poverty line. alternatively, the design could also offer emergency shelter during any natural disasters.

all images © arun prabhu n g

the structure includes both a residence and commercial space. the plan is open and flexible, and incorporates all the necessary functions, like kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, toilet, foyer, terrace area and also additional space for a sales vendor. the kitchen, bathtub, toilet, foyer and living area are located on the lowere level, while the sleeping area and workspace are on the mezzanine level at 3.5ft. there is also a solar panel (600w), a water tank (250ltrs) and a lounge space with shade in the terrace.

SOLO 01 utilizes reclaimed materials, such as scrap metal that had been thrown away from old buses and demolished buildings. due to the use of these materials, the construction cost has been vastly reduced. the golden yellow aesthetic was chosen to harmonize with the color of commercial vehicles in india. the interiors are kept as minimal as possible, with earthy tones, muted colors, and monochromatic shades used to decorate the space. additionally, due to the compact size, the house is designed with various nooks and crannies, all perfectly designed for their purpose.

the structure blends with the environment thanks to the openings, which blur the line between indoor and outdoor. SOLO 01 is properly ventilated throughout and built to tackle many constraints such as topography, material, aesthetics and weight balance. the structure is fixed with just 6 bolts to the vehicle which can be easily unscrewed and kept at a specific site for a period of time or fixed to any other vehicle. this detachable feature makes the structure more efficient for various circumstances.

project info:

name: SOLO 01

design: arun prabhu n g

photography: arun prabhu n g

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom