Dwellii THOW

Authors’ Comment

Dwellii THOW / Dwellii

Project Description
Dwellii THOW (Tiny House on Wheels) is a mobile housing unit with a surface of 17 m², designed to accommodate a couple and a child. Built on a EU-certified trailer (2.5 × 6.6 m, H = 4 m), this compact dwelling proposes a model of temporary, adaptable, and sustainable living, with full energy autonomy in its off-grid version.

Spatial Organization
The interior is organized in a clear sequence of functions: a living area with an extendable sofa, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet, and a transverse bedroom positioned above the bathroom and enclosed by two sliding doors. Storage solutions are discreetly integrated into the fixed furniture, maintaining a fluid and airy space.

Materiality and Finishes
The construction is entirely prefabricated in a workshop, using a structure insulated with Rockwool basalt wool. Interior finishes are made of light-colored birch plywood, enhancing natural light and creating a warm atmosphere. The exterior features a ventilated façade of corrugated sheet metal painted in a dark green hue selected for visual integration into natural landscapes. Red-painted windows act as a subtle chromatic accent with an identity role.

Natural Light and Spatial Perception
Windows of various sizes – including porthole-type openings – allow natural light to reach all functional zones and establish a continuous connection with the outdoors. Despite its compact dimensions, the project explores diversified scales and details: furniture with different heights and depths, partial partitions, and architectural elements that introduce rhythm and amplify spatial perception.

Autonomy and Sustainability
THOW can function completely off-grid: it includes solar panels, batteries, a wood-burning stove, a rainwater harvesting system, and an incinerating toilet. This autonomy makes it suitable for remote locations, natural environments, or temporary urban use.

Project Strategy
The project proposes a realistic and scalable alternative for contemporary housing, in a context where space becomes increasingly expensive and resources more fragile. Dwellii THOW is not merely a design product but a reversible, replicable housing strategy that offers mobility, comfort, and spatial dignity in a minimal footprint.