Planet Mechanics

Heavy Metal House (1x7)

: 18, 2008

Dick Strawbridge and Jem Stansfield, travel to Liverpool, England, to try to find a solution to Britain’s affordable housing crisis. They have been invited by Professor Kronenburg, Head of Architecture at Liverpool University to help turn cheap and plentiful shipping containers into the economical and sustainable homes of the future. There are enough shipping containers in existence to circle the Earth more than twice if laid end-to-end. In just six days, with a budget of U.S $20,000, Dick, Jem and six architecture students try to transform three 6-metre metal shipping containers into a habitable home. The heat and hot water come from a wood burning stove and thermal store, power for the ultra-efficient LED lights comes from solar panels and the electricity for a house computer comes from an old gym exercise bike! The Planet Mechanic’s can-do approach and eco-expertise combined with Professor Kronenburg’s design input illustrates that a solution to a major social problem is within our grasp.