Two Years Ago In TreeHugger: Whatever Happened to.....
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 12. 9.07
Whatever happened to the MiniHome, first shown two years ago this week? Andy tells us that he and his new partners at Altius Architects have booked a pile of sales, and are, after the usual startup struggles, finally going into production. The Mountain Pine Beetle continues to devastate western forests, although the David Suzuki Foundation thinks that clearcutting it like mad is the wrong solution; "Instead of clearcutting affected trees, the Suzuki Foundation believes that any management plan for the mountain pine beetle, other bark beetles, and forests in general, must be based on a sound ecosystem-based approach." We first raised concerns about the Alberta Tar Sands, which continue to be ignored by all levels of government as they race to extract more and more for the American market, no matter what the environmental cost. And remember the Loon, the solar powered pontoon boat? This summer it did the Erie canal from Oswego to Albany, "first solar-powered watercraft to navigate the New York State canal system" ::More
I like the way the MiniHome looks. But.......
It is basically a "park" or "destination" trailer. The type of trailer that people tow to those camper parks on ponds next to highway interstates in the Midwest and leave them for the season. Sort of a cheap cottage or summer home.
Problem with those trailers is that almost no towns will allow you to park the thing anywhere as a permanent residence. You're stuck putting it in a camper park or a trailer park. Who will spend a hundred grand on a mod trailer AND live in a trailer park? Nobody I know.
For a lot less than 100,000 dollars you could purchase a brand new Airstream Safari or Airstream Classic. Complete with solar panels and batteries, full bath, fancy appliances, Satellite tv/radio etc. etc. And the trailer would retain most of its value and last literally a lifetime.
I think the MiniHouse will wind-up being used a weekender by people who either live in cities or already own a house but don't have the cash to build a full size second home.