The ConHouse is a housing system created by Jure Kotnik from small containers that are manufactured for housing and/or working purposes. They can be combined in a variety of configurations, including Standard, Style and Prestige models. The ConHouse 2+ utilizes two containers that are stacked perpendicular to one another, resulting in app. 300 sf of living space on two levels with kitchen, dining and bathroom spaces on the first level and bedroom/working/living space on the second.
The perpendicular orientation of the containers is the distinguishing characteristic of the house and enables the upper container to provide shelter for the entry and back terrace. The roof of the bottom container acts as a first floor terrace off of the work/living space. The overall system design is based on the auto industry where a standard set of features is provided plus some opportunity to customize the project. This idea extends to the exterior, where “The pink-dotted façade illustrates the wide range of possibilities for tailor-made exteriors, the choice of which is as simple as deciding about which mobile phone cover to put on.” Further, the system allows for flexibility in the quantity of containers used can be added or subtracted as the users’ needs change.
Project successes include the simplicity and reasonable cost of the basic configuration as well as the flexibility of the overall system and its ability to allow customization.
Sources:
Kotnik, Jure, Container Architecture, Links Books, 2009, pp. 228-231
http://www.jka.conhouse.com/2plusEN.html
