Living the Skip Life: Your Guide to London's Most Unconventional Abode
Forget fancy apartments and overpriced shoeboxes – London has a new contender in the quirky housing market, and it's not what you'd expect. Brace yourselves, because we're diving into the world of skip houses.
Skip What? You Read That Right...Skip!
Yes, you read that correctly. Skip houses are exactly what they sound like: homes built inside those giant metal bins you usually see overflowing with construction debris. But hold on, before you envision yourself knee-deep in drywall scraps, this is a surprisingly innovative (and slightly bonkers) take on tiny living.
The Mastermind Behind the Madness: Enter Harrison Marshall
The mastermind behind this skip-tastic creation is artist/architect Harrison Marshall. Faced with London's sky-high rents, Marshall decided to take a stand – and a skip – to create his own affordable living space. This wasn't just some thrown-together shack; Marshall spent four weeks transforming his skip into a fully-functional mini-mansion (well, maybe not a mansion, but definitely a step above a cardboard box).
Inside the Skip: Surprisingly Not Full of Rubbish (Mostly)
So, what exactly goes into a skip house? Well, Marshall's creation boasted all the essentials: a bed (although we wouldn't recommend inviting the in-laws over for a sleepover), some clever storage solutions, and even electricity. He even managed to squeeze in a skylight, because who doesn't love a bit of natural light, even if it's coming through the roof of a giant metal box?
Living the Skip Life: Not for Everyone (But Definitely Interesting)
Now, skip house living might not be for everyone. Imagine explaining your address to a delivery driver ("Yeah, just look for the giant skip with fairy lights, you can't miss it"). But Marshall's project sparked a conversation about the challenges of affordable housing in London, and hey, it's certainly an eye-catching way to live.
Skip Houses: FAQ
How to build a skip house?
While building codes might not be too keen on skip dwellings, Marshall's project offers inspiration for tiny home design. There are plenty of resources online for DIY tiny homes, but skip-specific instructions are a little hard to come by (for now).
How much does a skip house cost?
Marshall's skip house cost around £4000 to build, a fraction of the cost of a traditional London flat. Of course, you'll need to factor in the skip itself, which might involve some creative bartering with local builders.
How long does it take to build a skip house?
Marshall's skip transformation took around four weeks. But that was with some serious DIY skills. For the average person, it might be best to factor in some extra time for troubleshooting and trips to the hardware store.
Is it legal to live in a skip house?
Legality can be a grey area when it comes to unconventional housing. Marshall's skip house was more of an art project than a permanent residence, but it's always best to check local regulations before embarking on your own skip-based housing adventure.
Are skip houses the future of London living?
Probably not the mainstream future, but Marshall's project certainly got people talking. As London's housing crisis continues, innovative and affordable solutions will be needed. Who knows, maybe skip houses will become the next big thing (although hopefully with slightly less of an industrial aesthetic).
