Amazing idea of a compact mobile home from 1986 – ‘De Markies’ (Dutch for ‘awning’). Designed by the Dutch architect Eduard Böhtlingk, ‘De Markies’ is a caravan that measures only 2 x 4.4 meters on the road but, arriving at its destination, it can be folded out by a motorized device to triple the floor area.

The side walls descend to create two new zones for living. One zone, the living-room/terrace, is covered by a transparent awning which can be left opened in the fine weather. The other zone, the bedroom, is covered by an opaque awning, and can be split into two parts. Kitchen, dining space, and bathroom are situated in the solid central area. The furniture was specially designed for this project and can be folded up in part.

‘De Markies’ was awarded the Public’s Choice Dutch Design Prize 1996. Since 2002, it is a part of the Vitra’s travelling exhibition ‘Living in Motion’.

This article is a part of the ‘Compact Living’ series. You can read about other designs of compact houses and apartments on this page.