Any Outdoor Site
1999
Patkau Architects Inc.
www. patka u a rch itects. ca
La Petite Maison du Weekend was constructed for the Fabrications Exhibition at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus Ohio. This prototype of a two person, self-sufficient dwelling, can be likened to the ‘concept’ cars to be found on the stands of forward thinking manufacturers at the Geneva Motor Show.
La Petite Maison is a working demonstration of minimalist accommodation. The unit was designed to be located on any unserviced outdoor site, providing the basic requirements to comfortably sustain life in a sheltered environment.
The shelter includes a raised loft for sleeping. A basic kitchen including sink, food storage and a small propane burner for cooking is contained in a hinged closet. The toilet and hand wash basin are located in a cubicle. A separately located gravity shower completes the ensemble.
The sophisticated design enables generation of electricity, collection and distribution of rainwater and the composting of waste.
The basic components of this prototype unit are shop manufactured forassembly on site. Fabricated steelwork forms the base and superstructure which is clad with a composite plywood and timber shell. The glass and photovoltaic canopy provides shelter from the rain and generates electricity for low voltage lighting and a high efficiency refrigerator. The slight fall on the canopy sheds rainwater into the canvas reservoir (Fig. 3).
As a prototype, La Petite Maison provides food for thought and diverse development potential from the pursuit of leisure to disaster relief. It also serves as a reminder that the bare necessities are often the mother of invention (Fig. 1 below shows two separate horizontal sections).
158 La Petite Maison Du Weekend | Any Outdoor Site | Fig 1 above | Fig. 2 opposite
