The Brief:  Design two container homes that must function as Airbnb units (while doubling as a space for seminars, and entertaining family & friends). One 20' container needed to sleep a family of four, one container to sleep two people. These new farmhouse units had to blend within existing structures on this organic, urban micro-farm. When sketching the basic's of of a 20' L x 8' W x 9" H space, you must make every single inch count. Integral planning and highly functional design details are compulsory. The goal is creating the illusion of spaciousness, coupled with maximized storage, then create extra space on the exterior footprint if you have that luxury. Tricking the eye with a monochromatic color scheme helped these units appear larger. Under bed and couch drawers added storage, and under step (between backs of units) became the perfect spot to tuck guests' luggage. In the bathroom I had to get very creative. I placed a hand-cast concrete sink on the back wall , so this slim profile room could fit all the components of a fully functional bathroom. I was continually amazed as the local contractor (Ashok Maheshwar and his team, executed my crazy ideas on the fly. They fabricated hand-forged handles for the cabinets and iron work for the windows and doors. They welded the porch railing to my drawings, and custom built the doors & windows. They created the built-in beds, couch and cabinets, the porch swing I pushed so hard for (which no one thought was important, but I knew would became the fan favorite of the owners & guests. I had the idea to place the two containers back to back, with a corridor in between for the utilities, wifi, etc. This allowed for undisturbed guests  (with workman's access to electrical's/plumbing for any maintenance needed in future). I suggested creating an upstairs roof veranda for classes, entertaining and extra space to just lounge outdoors, making this little home-away-from-home feel expansive. It's nice to have areas to escape to and recharge when on vacation.

two tiny farmhouses for guests...

chennai, india