ME:LU
Santa Barbara
AB Design Studio, Inc.
DESIGNER: AB Design Studio, Inc. BUILDER: AB Design Studio, Inc. BUILD DATE: Design Only
LOCATION: Santa Barbara, United States PHOTO CREDITS: AB Design Studio RATING: 3 Stars
ME: LU stands for Modular Expandable: Living Unit and is based on a concept of providing a housing module that can work for a single person, a couple, or even a family of four. It’s (design only) is made from 2 shipping containers and designed by Clay Aurell and Josh Blumer. AB design studio, inc was the firm responsible for this project.
Build Method
The design is made from only two 20ft (6M) High Cube ISO shipping containers built on block skirting foundations. But the expandable feature is in using a shipping container with identical openings. This allows for the interior to be (re)structured in various ways and added to the initial two containers to provide for more sleeping, bathing modules etc. as the needs of the owners change.
For example, if a single person starts off living in the home and slowly grows a family, the house will grow and expand with them. With the simple addition of another module, the place can then be adequate for kids, home office/workout area/art studio, or even guest rooms with more bathing facilities.
Interbode Thoughts
As housing gets costlier, this can be a relatively inexpensive solution for someone who is just starting out or (with another module) a small family with options to grow. Shipping containers give a solution similar to trailers except with ME:LU, the space in your home can be expandable according to need.
We like the design because of the yellow flat bar steel window treatment on exposed white containers creating a modern, almost artic, industrial feel. Also interesting is the use of 20ft containers connected but a small glass walk way. Most designs push them together to create a larger volume or, in warmer climates, use them to create a central deck surrounded by an L shaped configuration. It’s a cool prototype.
CASA L DESIGNS
Me:LU Plans
High Level Architectural plans of Me:LU by Interbode’s Design Workshop.
BUILD OR BUY
