The unit was born out of a larger initiative to research into homes in extreme environments, challenges of rising costs of land, and the unprecedented draw to live in cities like London. The goal included implementing the most innovative ideas of form that adapt to transform underutilized sites into beacons of collaboration between construction and design, sustainability and resiliency.

Though the idea of micro-living is not new, it is a specific challenge faced by London, so a courtyard in Shoreditch presents a great canvas to explore this prototype. The Living Unit is a sustainable self-contained wooden shell, which is flexible and adaptable to different locations, climate conditions and terrains. The innovative sleek design stacks as triple-height pods, allowing for a small footprint in this compact urban location.

The Living Unit is also up for sale on Ebay in a 10 Day Auction running from 17 - 27 September 2018. Bidding started at £5,000 with the highest bid standing at £7,000 as of 3pm on Friday 21 September.

The unit will be exhibited throughout the month at AKT II’s headquarters in Old Street Yard, adjacent to the White Collar Factory, where visitors will be able to explore the compact interior and get a taste for sustainable, small-scale living.

Find out more on the Architectural Foundation Website.

Photo credit: © Edward Bishop, courtesy of AKT II