You might think that designers would have run out of new things to do with tiny houses by now, but there always seems to be another interesting idea on the horizon.
The latest example, built by students and researchers at Spain's Institute for Advanced Architecture in Catalonia (IAAC) for their thesis, is called the MO.CA (or Mobile Catalyst) and ups the game for those seeking to fully embrace the great outdoors.
It's based on a double-axle trailer and has a length of 5.4 m (17.8 ft), and its diminutive size helps it to comply with local towing laws, which require the structure to stay under 3,500 kg (7,716 lb). The house is primarily made from locally sourced cross-laminated timber, and its exterior is finished in lightweight water-resistant cotton. When the weather is suitable, the fabric facades can be raised using a manual pulley system, to open up the home to the outside.
The mobile home obtains all of its energy from the sun and is equipped to sustain 24 hours of use without recharging.
The main living space is flanked by two areas that the team calls "Toolboxes." Toolbox A is the area closest to the trailer hitch, and contains a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet, plus there's an adjacent kitchen unit with a stove and a fridge. Over on the opposite side of the home is Toolbox B, which is simpler and just hosts storage space. Above both Toolboxes are two loft-style bedrooms reached by removable ladders that can be stowed when not needed.
There's no word yet on whether the MO.CA will go into production or how much it may cost, but it's definitely something to keep an eye out for if you're after an off-grid, go anywhere, tiny house.