THE MAYFLOWER, ROTHERHITHE

This project was a submission for the Volume Zero Tiny House competition in 2021.

Recent discoveries have highlighted that human society may be drawing closer to a more ‘nomadic’ lifestyle; though whilst adventuring to ‘New Lands’, we must also explore ways of living which reflect and support the environment in which we already reside.

My clients for this project are two avid rowers also working as professionals in the City of London. By towing their Tiny House via boat, they are able to moor at prime rowing locations along the Thames in their spare time. Reminiscent of the Mayflower ship, this structure floats upon the river and features three core masts, the function of which allow the building to either dock bankside within a fixed steel frame whilst in the lower position or be transported when raised. Through using a corkscrew mechanisim, the masts can be manually transformed vertically through the building by means of a turning cog as seen in the detail drawing.

Celebrating 400 years since the Mayflower departed from Rotherhithe to the ‘New World’, this Tiny House incorporates elements of the original ship for the modern user. The house features elements which pivot around the masts, creating transitional spaces (see diagrams).

Internal space covers 294 sqft and materials have been considered for their weight and sustainability properties whilst giving suggestion to the historical concept.