The Hermit Crab | Minimal Living

Other Projects Around the World

A page featuring minimalist homes light enough to be pulled by hand, bicycle, donkey, whatever! Looking at these other projects is what gave me inspiration to start my own, so I can't be grateful enough. Deep respect to all these people! If you want to share a project or have one of your own, please do tell me about it.

Bike RV Project by Alexander Main

The roof serves as door, this home includes solar panel and 12v current. Includes outside and inside lights, and has shelves for storage. The floor's made of thick plywood and walls are fiberglass and Styrofoam, well insulated. Plans are given for free and open to improvements

Zambulance

A trailer made by the Zambikes company in Zambia. It’s purpose is to be a human-powered ambulance to carry Zambian patients to the nearest hospital, but it gets you thinking… can I be a full-time patient? Little modification would be needed to turn it into an awesome mobile home. Price: 1000$.

Barry Howard's Micro Gipsy Wagon

Mostly wood, aluminum, and glass contruction. Can fold down to half the height for cruising, a lot of fancy equipment and furniture inside, like small sink and small burner stove. Current Status: Barry Howard is "available for hire if anyone needs a gypsy caravan of their own". Sounds good!

Paul Elkins' Burning Man Camper

Built for Burning Man festival. The comfy seat can tilt back to become a bed, and it includes solar power, hot water, desk and storage drawers, and a bubble dome to put your head in when you sleep! It's mostly made of aluminum and plastic, recycled from everyday junk and items, making it a nice solution for the coming apocalypse.

The Caravan, by The Environmental Transport Association

The fanciest way to be a hobo. I'd even call it a proper British home. You can make tea inside! It's in production and on sale for £ 5500 Great Britain Pounds.

Brian Campbell’s Motorbike Home

Features a solar panel and small motor. One was ever built, and lived in by Brian Campbell for more than 30 years all over the world. Respect! Recently, he built another version (see below).

Brian Campbell’s Bicycle Trailer

Very insulated, water proof, spacious. Weighs only 40 kg (80 pounds). Interesting building technique involving Poly-Iso panels. Wonder how it would behave against wind, though.

Midget Bushtrekka by Kamprite

The tent folds into a very compact trailer. 180 Litres (41 Gallons) of Storage beneath the Tent. 499$, sold to USA, Australia, France, and Norway.

Room-Room Camper

Many funky ways to use it and directions to use it in. Space to sleep, space for storage, and transformable into a house. Can be pulled by bicycle, hand, or donkey! Visit the website for more information. Located in France. Currently in development, planning to sell them and use in disaster relief.

UFO Camper

Solar panel with rechargeable batteries, plenty of storage space and conveniences. UFO stands for Urban Freedom Outlander, this thing doesn't fly. Currently in development, in need of support. Intending to sell and make several different models.

Camper Bike by Kevin Cyr

One piece ever built. He's the only one I know who fused the camper and the bike, allowing both rear wheels to be driven, making it more all-terrain than a one-wheel-drive.

R-Escape Bike Camper

Made by Trans Canada Trailer Company. The camper can fold flat to make an aerodynamic hard shelled trailer behind the bike. Looks pretty awesome with the unfolding shades and all.

Gunter Lorenz Chuckwagon trailer

Comfortably sleeps one person. This inspired Andre Mantz (right), also in Germany, to build his own fold-down chuckwagon with changes to reduce overal weight. Both used their chuckwagons extensively during bicycle tours through neighbouring regions and around the country.

Andre Mantz’s Chuckwagon Trailer

Probably the lightest chuckwagon I know. Rolls up closed at the front. You can click here for the German website (sorry, non-german folks!).