Harrison Marshall struggled to find an apartment when he returned to London after working abroad. Consequently, he developed solutions for living in small spaces to save money!
He stated that a one-bedroom apartment in Southwark, a neighborhood south of London, costs about $1,850 a month, representing over 75% of his income as an architectural designer. He is not interested in moving to the suburbs.
Harrison, who runs an architecture studio called CAUKIN Studio, took his creativity to a new level by collaborating with SKIP Gallery, an organization that pays emerging artists to create artwork within the confines of a dumpster, as reported by NBC Bay Area.
His innovative ideas were embraced by an artistic foundation called Antepavilion, which granted him free greenfield space in the vibrant city of Southwark to build his solutions for living in small spaces, called Skip House.
Even more impressive is the fact that the costs of his dumpster base, which he rents from a waste company, amount to only $62 per month.
With his expertise as an architect and the help of friends, he completed the construction of this innovative project in just three weeks.
« It cost me about $5,000 to build the house, » said Harrison, adding that he used his savings for expenses.
The construction materials cost $4,620, while the furnishings cost $380. He also paid for the relocation service that transported the dumpster, $635.
« Water and electricity are included in my lease agreement, and my water supply consists of a garden hose provided by a neighbor, » said Harrison.
Internet connection is via a dongle connected to cellular data, costing $20 per month.
Harrison said he had to maximize the 25 square feet of the dumpster and make it habitable.
« I have always led a minimalist lifestyle and traveled a lot for work, so limited storage space works for me, » he said, explaining that he only has four built-in wooden crates where he keeps his clothes.
The tiny house has a loft bedroom, a small kitchen with a sink and windows on both sides, making solutions for living in small spaces less claustrophobic.
Harrison has a portable refrigerator with eight cans and an induction plate for simple meals, although he often eats out with his friends.
Due to limited space, there is no bathroom in the Skip House. Therefore, Harrison has to use a portable toilet outside his house.
There is also no shower, so he uses the shower at work and at the gym, and for laundry, he goes to a laundromat.
Harrison has been living in his solutions for living in small spaces for a few months and says he copes with the inconveniences and that everything becomes easier.
Furthermore, he is in a fantastic location in London, just a 15-minute bike ride from his home, and he can explore the city in his spare time and meet his friends.
Harrison said the biggest challenge he is currently facing is the attention he is receiving, as many people stop after seeing him in the news.
Harrison stated that it has been a unique experience, and he is grateful that the land on which his solutions for living in small spaces stand is sponsored. However, he does not recommend others to imitate him.
While he admits to hoping to move out of the Skip House soon, he said he wouldn’t trade it for an expensive, small, damp room.
« With its ups and downs, I turned my living situation into a work of art. It sheds light on the absurdity of housing shortage in London in a way that makes people smile and think.
Watch the following video to see how small Harrison’s Skip House is: