by Tafline Laylin

Desert life is definitely not for the faint of heart, but Christopher Daniel makes it easy and stylish with the amazing California Roll House. A conceptual design that seeks to discover the ultimate modular housing solution to harsh living environments, the prefabicated cube is wrapped in an energy-efficient material that deflects sunlight and – combined with electronically-controlled glass panels – ensures that very little heat is able to penetrate the home’s interior. Hit the jump and peruse our gallery for a look at Christopher’s striking renderings and more high-tech details.

The California Roll House is designed to be assembled and disassembled in record time. This makes it incredibly mobile, which might not be a bad thing if life in the desert becomes unbearable. Made from fibre-reinforced plastic and supported by carbon trusses, the material that is wrapped around the shell extends out onto the ground as a kind of platform for activities, night time dining, and in general to distinguish between the cube and its surrounding landscape.
To maximize space, doors are automated using hydraulic power, and bedrooms are separated using either curtain dividers or bookshelves. In addition to being very interesting to look at, this home’s microclimate – controlled electronically – is actually very comfortable. During the heat of the day, the glass panels’ transparency can be manipulated to let in very little light, and later, when it’s cooler, daylighting can be extended. Modularized skylights permit even further light. Christopher Daniel has only just publicized this design, but we’d love to see it realized.
(Source: www.inhabitat.com )