Georgian architect Dachi Papuashvili has developed a concept for a cross-shaped micro home built from shipping containers that would provide a compact residence for a member of the church.

Papuashvili, who is based in Tbilisi, wanted to design a residence that could accommodate either a cleric or a layman as a retreat for study. The intention is to use waste materials to produce a prototype that can be easily constructed and would be entirely self-sufficient.

"In Georgia the construction of monasteries and skits with stones and concrete is very popular," explained the architect. "My task was to plan a skit for one person, using waste construction materials and spending less labour."

Built from two shipping containers – one placed vertically and another balanced horizontally, the home would contain four storeys inside a cross-shaped structure. Papuashvili says the layout is designed for function rather than for its associations with Christianity.

"Despite the similarity of the cross form it is not linked with religious symbols," Papuashvili told Dezeen.

The exterior of the building would be clad with timber and the roof would be covered with corrugated iron sheets. Solar panels could provide heating, while rainwater would be collected for reuse and a composting toilet would be installed.

"I want to make it with materials that would be made before the building process, could be installed on difficult relief and could be easily transportable with hands. Finally I want to get an energy-independent building," added Papuashvili.

The project is just a concept at this stage, but the architect hopes to complete a prototype in Georgia by 2015.

Here's a project description from Dachi Papuashvili:

Skit

The skit is designated for one person usage. It is best for both: churchmen and laymen. Here are all conditions for a long-term living, but also may serve for short-term isolation (for fasting, scientific or translating works, icon paintings, etc).

The building represents an insulated, reinforced construction, covered with wood. Its details will be manufactured before, what will give opportunity to build it without heavy technics at any landscape condition.

Skit is an energetically independent building, producing any needed energy on solar power, and accumulating rain water. So it does not need any energy sources and communications, neither for building, nor for exploitation. There are separate spaces at skit, designated for different usages.

On the third floor, in one living space, there is a bedroom, a cabinet, kitchen and dining rooms (12 sq. m). On the fourth floor, there is a room for pray (4 sq. m). On the second floor there are a bio toilet and shower, and finally the first floor is for saving solar energy batteries, rainwater reservoirs and a warehouse for food and other staff.