The National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) is excited about a new home design for which all the building materials fit into a single portable-storage unit. The architectural plans for SunShower SSIP house, which can be run off the grid in the wake of an emergency, recently won a design contest for its innovative design, created by Tulane University professors Judith Kinnard, professor of architecture, and Tiffany Lin, assistant professor of architecture.
We see more and more architects experimenting with portable storage units, said John Finnessy, NPSA executive director. This home may not be built from containerized storage, but its meant to fit into a portable storage unit for shipping. Imagine if you could ship a container and unfold it as a home. That could be the future.
The 1,000-square-foot home uses two roof forms: A sun roof collects solar energy in photovoltaic panels, while a shower roof is sloped to gather water. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and is made from energy-efficient steel insulated panels.
The NPSA is dedicated to the advancement of the portable storage industry, including those who rent, sell or lease containers, trailers and mobile offices. The NPSA assists members with industry, regulatory and workforce issues, and offers networking, marketing and legislative support at national, state and local levels.