In a world of North American McMansions and the enormous quantities of materials used to build personal ‘palaces’, increasingly designers and architects are starting to explore radically different types of buildings. Eco-buildings, tree houses, buildings made from bottles and now the small Friggebod or Mini House. Proving that good things really do come in small packages, we asked Swedish architect Jonas Wagell (recently named one of the world's top 50 hottest architects) to tell us a bit more about the Mini House project and Floating House concept he has been working on.
What is the Mini House?
Since January 1st 2008 Swedish property owners are allowed to build a 15m2 house on their land without a building permit, a so-called "Friggebod". The Mini House project arose from this and has, by taking advantage of the building regulations, grown to twice the allowed size, still with no permits needed.
The Mini House is a modern, functional and esthetical Swedish "Friggebod"-shed of 15m2, suited for both summer and winter living. In addition to the small house the concept provides an outdoor terrace with pergola, all within the framework of the permit-free Swedish regulations.
The Mini House is constructed to be easy to build. By prefabricating the walls as sandwich elements of plywood and styrofoam, a lightweight, sturdy and insulated construction is enabled. Also, critical details such as windows and electrical feeds can be prepared. The house is delivered flat-pack.
I work with a multi-disciplined focus on architecture and design. The Mini House concept is an attempt to treat architecture as product design by providing standardized house models in three sizes - 10, 15 and 20m2- which can be accessorized with customized options. Available add-ons are the kitchen/bath module, the kitchen/office module, a sauna module, a heater-kit with chimney or a solar power unit to provide the house with electricity.
When designing the Mini House concept I put a lot of emphasis on creating a house that is not built as traditional timber houses, since that would create a sort of error in scale. "Friggebod"-sheds often appear shrunken, like miniature houses, drained in details and odd proportions, since they are constructed with the same components as big houses.
I believe in a sort of design democracy. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience functional living with a good spatial quality.
Who is the intended owner/recipients of the Mini House?
Primarily people who need an "extra" house on their property. The Mini House can of course also be used as a small summerhouse. Initially the Mini House was meant for the Swedish market, but after showing it at 100% Design London a few weeks ago, I have learned that there is a huge demand for these houses in other markets as well. The planning rules differ between countries, though.
Also, on request we have started looking at developing a house model suited for disaster areas, such as Darfur in Sudan.
Have any of the Mini Houses been built yet?
Mini House has just started being sold in Sweden after almost a year of product development. Currently 5-10 houses have been built and sold in Sweden.
It is no more expensive to build something good than something bad.
How much would a Mini House cost?
The standard model 15m2 is delivered as a flat-pack for 12,200 euros (approx. $16,500). Shipping, build-up and tax excluded.
Is the Mini House concept a green project?
The concept started as a master degree project at Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm in 2007. As such, the concept had to be investigating and developing and creating a sustainable house as a matter of course. The Mini House is prefabricated in all details and the flat-pack consists of only seven pieces. The walls consist of plywood and EPS (expanded polystyrene) glued together with a phenol resin glue. EPS consists of 2% polystyrene and 98% air securing a high insulation value. The product properties of thermal insulation remain stable through lifetime. EPS is non-toxic, easy to handle and does not release any harmful gases into the atmosphere. EPS has low water absorption due to the structure of the enclosed cell. Therefore, the effectiveness of the thermal insulation remains high.
Insulation saves energy for heating or cooling of our buildings. For example when one kilo of oil is used to produce EPS insulation an average of 200 kilo of oil is saved for heating over a 50-year period. EPS can be recycled and used for production of new products or as energy contribution in connection with waste combustion where 1 kilo of EPS contains the same amount of energy as 1.3 kilo of oil. Skin contact is harmless. EPS does not contain any harmful fibers and there are no emissions from the material causing health problems.
Why do we need affordable housing?
I believe in a sort of design democracy. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience functional living with a good spatial quality. This doesn't mean luxury homes, but well planned, thought-through living spaces. It is no more expensive to build something good than something bad. Also, good buildings (and products) are sustainable since they create a value on an emotional level. There is a reason some buildings and products are considered classics.
Why do we need smaller, more sustainable spaces?
I don't know if that necessarily is the case everywhere. I'm attracted and challenged by the thought of space efficiency, maybe because I have moved from a three-room apartment to a one-roomer when I started studying. I also think cities with a high architectural density feel more interesting, exciting and dynamic. Maybe that can be achieved by paying a greater interest in the small spaces.
Would you live in a Mini House?
As a summerhouse or as an office - absolutely! Actually, I have played with the thought of putting a Mini House on a floating platform and have it as an office in the middle of Stockholm. This would probably be a very affordable considering the location.
Where did the idea for the Floating House concept come from?
I live in Stockholm where the square meter prices for condominiums are among the highest in Europe, especially considering the level of wages. The city of Stockholm is built on a few big islands with water everywhere. This is a perfect place for living on a floating house. Existing boathouses are very conventional; either a refurbished boat or a floating platform with a square box. The Floating House concept is an attempt to create something clever, exciting and fun.
I think any project today has to consider climate change issues and meet those requirements.
Who is the Floating House for?
A single person or a couple could live in my Floating House or it could be used as an office. With a stunning view! I'm also challenged by the thought of creating a floating neighborhood with jetty walkways with small bridges crossing water streets for boats.
Would the Floating House be cheap/easy to build?
The Floating House would be prefabricated the same way as the Mini House concept but with slightly different materials. Prefabrication allows for high quality in details. Also, they would be quick to build-up on site and no more expensive than traditional houses. The floating platform/pontoon is made of blocks of styrofoam cast in concrete that makes it very stable and wave resistant, but is a bit on the expensive side, at least compared to the house itself. The platform would probably constitute 30-40% of the total cost. But on the other hand, this should be compared to price of a building lot.
Is the idea to make the Floating House with green products?
It has to be sustainable and environmentally acceptable, but the project primarily addresses a living issue.
Will the Floating House double as a boat?
It will obviously be mobile, but it is not intended for weekend cruises.
Is the Floating House a climate change project?
No, not really. The project addresses space efficient living in two aspects, both as compact living with a quality consciousness and as an alternative living solution for crowded cities and more. However, I think any project today has to consider climate change issues and meet those requirements.
How does the environment inspire your work?
The environment debate becomes fuel for research and development of new materials, such as paper/plastic composites, cornstarch plastics, vegetable fiber felts, new high-pressure laminates, energy saver bulbs, led-lights etc. These are very exciting development that I follow intensely. I find a lot of design with new materials a bit forced since it is based on the material, not a need of function. I try to set up requirements for my projects and then research to find an appropriate ecological solution.
Are you a green guy?
I like to believe I'm fairly green, but not to the extreme. I buy green products when I can, recycle my glass, paper, metal and plastic and sort my garbage. And I take the subway or bus instead of driving a car.
To find out more about Jonas Wagell Design and Architecture visit: http://www.jonaswagell.se/
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