One of the many unique tiny house designs out there is an unusual egg-shaped floating house dubbed as the Exbury Egg. Conceived by artist Stephen Turner in cooperation with design studios SPUD and Perring Architecture and Design, the egg-shaped structure is a floating, off-the-grid workspace and home that was installed on the shore of Beaulieu River.
The Exbury Egg is a cross-collaboration with art, architecture and education with a special attention on the environment and sustainability from the design down to the final build completion. Inspired by the nesting seabirds in the area, it was built by boat-builder Paul Baker with cold-molded, reclaimed cedar-sheathed structure that is approximately 6 meters by 2.8 meters. Turner will be keeping track of the aging of the local Douglas Fir used in the construction of the supporting ribs and internal framing. Baker followed the age-old tradition of timber marine construction.
"I will seek to creatively map the inter-connection of life from the smallest invertebrates to the largest mammals and between fauna and changing flora during the course of four complete seasons," explains Turner. "During this time the Egg exterior will be scoured, scraped and bleached by sea, wind and sun, creating a natural patination which is in itself a calendar of the turning year."
Although primarily built as a work area, the Exbury Egg still provide the basic necessities that a tiny home needs. It has two cupboards shoe-horned into its small space. These features act as separate wet and dry lockers for Turner's clothing and belongings. The wet lock drains into the bilges, which will be periodically pumped-out. There is a wet room in between the cupboards, which contains a basic solar shower and portable toilet commonly found on boats or mobile homes.
The interior has a desk, hammock and kitchen with a paraffin stove and sink. However, there is no available running water so Turner has to rely on a nearby horsepipe back on land. One can access the floating egg on a small pontoon bridge. Since it is not connected to the power grid, the artist will have to rely on solar charger to keep his mobile phone, digital camera and laptop all powered up.
Aside from being used as a workspace and home all in one, the Egg is also used as an educational platform for local students invited to observe the design, building, and installation of the egg.
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