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| Portable
& Modular Micro-Dwellings |
construction
materials and plans at N55 > Manuals > Micro-Dwelling |
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MICRO DWELLINGS
is a system for making low  cost
dwellings of variable sizes for any number of persons. It consists
of movable housing modules that can form different configurations
on land, on water and under water. The system allows for a diversity
of materials as well as changes and adaptations. They are modular
& can be scaled up and down. |
 The
MICRO DWELLINGS can be built onto rooftops of existing buildings
or be suspended from a bridge or a wall. The modules can be mounted
on wheels to become mobile or be connected to form floating constructions.They
can expand and grow together with other modules into small communities.
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Low-Energy
Small Truck |
construction
materials and plans at N55 > Manuals > Small Truck |
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 SMALL
TRUCK is a lightweight, lowcost, combo manpowered /electric vehicle
that enables persons to move loads up to about 300 kg at low speeds.
By transporting things using a SMALL TRUCK, the driver gets physical
exercise while working. By combining these activities, time is also
spared for other things. |
 SMALL
TRUCK provides shelter from wind and rain and can be equipped with
various systems: platforms and trailers that can support micro-economical
initiatives, like for example, a transport company, a small shop,
restaurant, cinema or office, or it could be equipped to offer an
unfoldable concert scene, public library, or a mobile home. |
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| Space-Frame
Dymaxion Dwelling |
construction
materials and plans at N55 > Manuals > Spaceframe |
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 The
N55 SPACEFRAME is a low-cost, movable lightweight construction that
can easily be transformed. It is dimensioned as a living unit for
3-4 persons and demands practically no maintenance. The construction
can be erected by anybody in a short time.The N55 SPACEFRAME is configured as a truncated tetrahedron with an indoor ground floor of approx. 20 m˜. According to needs and economy, the size and configuration may be changed, and extra floors and rooms may be included: it is easy to add to the construction in stages. |
 The
entire unit is constructed from small lightweight components which
all can be handled without the use of cranes or other heavy machinery. All components are materially minimised, have a low degree of manufacturing and are produced by a few simple machines, which anybody can operate. When stacked, the components take up very little space. The construction is assembled by hand. It can be erected directly onto the ground, since a cast foundation is not necessary. The structure can be dismantled and rebuilt many times over without damaging any of the components. The construction can be moved either fully assembled, or partly dismantled. |
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| Small
and Efficient Fish Farm |
construction
materials and plans at N55 > Manuals > Small Fish Farm |
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 The
SMALL FISHFARM enables persons to raise fish for their own consumption.
It requires access to a sea, a river or a lake with clean water.This system can provide a good supply of fish protein for a limited number of persons, while avoiding adverse effects on the fish and the surrounding waters. |
 The
SMALL FISHFARM is constructed for extensive (rather than intensive
or semi-intensive) cultivation techniques. The fish are not generally
fed artificially, but live from algae, plankton, weeds and detritus
that occur naturally in the water and on the sea floor.The SMALL FISHFARM is modular, allowing multiple units to be joined together. Three polyethylene pipes are fixed in a triangular arrangement, end to end, using rubber corner fittings. They provide the floats that hold the fish nets. Three thinner pipes erected from the corners meet in the center to provide support for the top net while also adding further rigidity to the construction. All the materials are non-corrosive and non-toxic. |
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Dual-Tetrahedral
Dynamic Chair |
construction
materials and plans at N55 > Manuals > Dynamic Chair |
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 A
new principle is applied in the construction of the DYNAMIC CHAIR.is
constructed of two tetrahedra made of stainless, acid-resistant
steel struts. One of them rests on the floor and sustains the other,
which is movable. They are connected via a steel sphere. This enables
the person who uses the chair to move the hips and back far more
freely than is possible with conventional chairs. |
At the same time, the user will achieve a better posture, as one
compensates for lack of balance by straightening the back. The simple
construction of the chair has made it possible to employ few and
light components with a low degree of manufacturing while ensuring
considerable strength and durability.The DYNAMIC CHAIR can replace conventional chairs in every instance. It gives the user a wide reach as the seat turns both vertically and horizontally in all directions. The user can make the seat more or less movable by regulating the tension of the rubber straps situated at the bottom of the chair. They have four positions. The height of the chair can be adjusted to fit the individual user. |
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Urban
Gardening Systems |
plans
& info at N55 > Manuals > City Farming Plant Modules
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 CITY
FARMING PLANT MODULES enable persons to grow plants in cities. The
plant modules can be arranged in multiple formations directly on
pavement, squares, etc. The plant modules consist of soil, which
is wrapped up in semitransparent, semi-permeable fibre cloth made
into flexible forms. Water is introduced into every module by hoses
that can be connected to drain pipes on buildings or to other water
sources. |
 The
parts of the hoses that are inside the modules are perforated, which
allows the water to seep out into the soil. Rainwater will also
penetrate the fibre cloth, which will retain moisture while allowing
excess water to escape.Vegetables may be harvested whenever they are ready to use. If the modules are handled carefully, the cloth can be used several times. However, the soil may need to be fertilized with compost, etc., before reusing. |
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Floatable,
Rollable Micro-Dwelling / Shelter |
plans
& info at N55 > Manuals > Snail Shell System |
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 The
SNAIL SHELL SYSTEM is a low cost system that enables persons to
move around, change their whereabouts and live in various environments.
One unit supplies space for one person. It is mobile both on land
and water. One person can move it slowly, either by pushing it like
a wheel, walking inside it or on top of it. On water it can be rowed,
moved by a kite or hooked up to a vessel, for example, a ferry.
The unit rests on one flat side and can be anchored in lakes, rivers,
harbours or at sea. On land, it can be placed in city spaces, fields,
forests etc. |
 The
SNAIL SHELL SYSTEM is constructed from a cylindrical polyethylene
tank. The tank was chosen for its non-toxic material, low weight
and its ability to roll. A spherical tank would also work, but standard
tanks of that shape are rare and expensive. Various devices are
attached to the tank, adding different functions. Caterpillar tracks
of rubber are fixed to rubber knobs on the tank. They protect the
tank during transportation, add friction and make it easier to steer
the unit. They also function as protective fenders when the system
is moored. The caterpillar tracks can be removed. |
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More
Designs at N55
MANUALS |
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