The Bunkie is a new prefabricated design that is meant to be a "spare room" but gives a great simple living concept to a small home. It allows for three different modes, open, play and sleep, all in the same space, with quite a large feeling since all the furnishings are stored in two walls. It will appeal to people who need an extra space at home or a recreational vacation getaway.
It is all glass on two opposing sides and can be positioned in the yard in such a way that you can look right through it. It forms perfect lakeside or mountainside views and integrates well with the landscape. It is built in the factory and assembled on site with minimal waste. A computer numerical control (CNC) router creates a precision-cut wood frame, just like in furniture production.
Measuring 12.5 feet by 8.5 feet by 11 feet tall, its total square footage is 106.5 square feet. In some places in the world, including some of the states in the United States, houses under a certain square footage do not require a building permit. In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where the Bunkie originated, that threshold number is 108 square feet. Thus the size of the Bunkie makes it planning permission exempt in Toronto. There is no such magic threshold number in the Greenville, South Carolina regional counties. All sizes must be permitted and inspected.
View the slide show and link to the websites for more pictures to get a better understanding of how the space converts. In open mode, the beds are all closed up, the furniture is folded and stored in the wall, and it looks like a studio for zen meditation or yoga, or a party or gaming space. For play time, a modern looking wooden folding table and chairs slip out of the wall, providing a wine and dine area. One solid wall has a fireplace and bookshelves for a romantic interlude, plus stores the table and chairs. When it is time to sleep, a queen-size bed drops down out of the wall opposite the fireplace, and, if you need it, a second queen-size bed is in the top bunk that folds down from the pitch of the roof and is reached by a ladder.
The Bunkie arrived from the collaborative efforts of Nathan Buhler's BLDG Workshop architectural firm and Evan Bare's 608 Design industrial design firm located in Toronto. They both consider sustainability with reduced impact materials in holistic interior, industrial and landscape design.
This is a brand new concept so there are no prices on the websites as yet. It will be offered as various models with prices related to more or fewer bells and whistles. As far as delivery specifications, it can be shipped on a flatbed truck.
For more information, view the Bunkie website, email Nathan at info@bldgworkshop.ca or telephone 416.877.4741. On the website you can add your email to their list for updates as more details become available.
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