THE CONCEPT Roderick James Architects have designed over 1000 houses, cabins, tree-houses, and houseboats over the past 30 years and have wide experience of life in small spaces and where and how buildings deteriorate.

 One of the problems with pre-fabricated buildings is that although they can be dismantled, the damage to the structure often makes it un-economic. Timber also degrades, and although it has many advantages, (on which we have built our reputation), the AirShip is designed to eliminate many of its drawbacks.

The Airship can be almost any length as it is a modular construction, and can be supplied either 4400mm wide, or 6000mm wide with 2 bedrooms.

The standard model is 9200mm x 4400mm wide and 3950mm high.

THE STRUCTURE The AirShip Home uses high quality, heavy duty aluminium and stainless steel components which will not rust, rot, or be affected by weather. All the components of the robust frame can be carried by two people so the AirShip can be constructed anywhere, regardless of road access. The AirShip can also be dismantled and moved to an alternative location if circumstances change.

The AirShip is lightweight (weighing about 3.5 tons) and depending on ground conditions can simply rest on four concrete paving slabs, sunk into the ground. It is wholly recyclable and manufactured by Syspal Ltd.

The frame has been engineered by world class structural engineers, Atelier 1, and incorporates several thousand specially manufactured components designed for rapid, strong assembly.

The standard insulated cladding panels are made of aluminium with a core of 100mm polyisocyanurate foam. Thicker insulating panels can be substituted if required at additional cost.

The floor panels are heavy duty aluminium chequer-plate with a tongue and groove pine floor to the central section if required. Floor panels can also be lifted to provide a large insulated storage area underneath, and provide space for storing rainwater channelled from the roof.

The basic internal finish is aluminium which can be clad with timber boarding. We recommend timber ceiling boarding as this is cosier and makes the installation of LED lighting less obtrusive.

High quality aluminium pivot-tilt portholes from Spain provide ventilation and views whilst the ends are double glazed k-glass panels professionally sealed into the aluminium frames with silicone.

LAYOUT

THE LIVING AREA. The sofa in the saloon can be converted to a 1500mm x 2000mm double bed, or a double bunk. Other features include a Clearview Pioneer woodstove with twin wall insulated flue; an island worktop with shelves; two built in shelf/cupboards; galley worktop and sink; a refrigerator and propane gas cooker if required. It is possible to use the woodstove top for limited cooking. Main entrance door in timber.

THE SHOWER ROOM. For stand alone locations without mains power or water,  the woodstove can be fitted with a back boiler for hot water for washing and showers. This  also needs a hot water storage cylinder and a 24v electric pump. Alternatives are a thermal solar system or a gas heater running on propane. The AirShip roof is designed to collect rainwater which is gravity fed into storage containers under the floor.

The AirShip can have photovoltaic electric panels and batteries, or a small Honda petrol generator, or a combination of the two.

In most cases waste water can be run into a simple soakaway as there is no contaminating sewage and the water would have fallen on the ground as rain in any case!

For locations which have mains water and electricity the AirShip can be supplied witha Mira wall mounted electric shower, and under sink water heater.

The high performance, well-proved compost toilet by Separet, needs little attention and has a 24v fan running continuously to prevent smell. Every now and again the internal container is removed and replaced by another one. The composted contents can be safely spread round fruit trees or on the land.

Sometimes, if convenient,  it may be appropriate to run all waste into an existing septic system and in this case a conventional flush toilet is suitable.

THE BEDROOM The full size double bed with storage underneath, can convert to a double bunk and there is a wall mounted shelf/cupboard unit. There is ample space for a table, two small occasional chairs, and/or an additional child’s mattress if needed. There is another door direct to the outside.

LOCATIONS AND USE LAND. GARDENS, WOODS AND SHORELINE. FLAT ROOFS IN CITIES, LOCHS, LAKES, CANALS AND RIVERS The AirShip can be used as a home, office, workshop, hideaway, classroom, bothy or holiday rental accommodation. It is also potentially suitable for flat roofs in cities, subject to loading confirmation.

With floats it can also be used on waterways, lochs or lakes.

It can be placed in a garden subject to local planning regulations, but has been specifically designed below the 4000mm height restriction.

In Scotland, providing it can be removed between October and March, it is permitted to have up to three AirShips for rent providing you own at least 2 acres of land.

The AirShip can have wheels to permit movement. The AirShip can be supplied with just the basic insulated shell for you to equip,  or complete with fixtures and fittings as described.

It will be delivered to the nearest road access and our Managing Erector  and assistant will put it up on your prepared site.

We are developing the 6000mm model at present and this will have two bedrooms and a substantial living space.

THE SECOND RENTABLE AIRSHIP IS NOW AVAILABLE IN A STUNNING LOCATION OVERLOOKING THE SOUND OF MULL, AND WAY OUT TO SEA (PA80 5XZ). ACCOMMODATION COMPRISES, CURTAINED DOUBLE BED, SHOWER, DESK, GALLEY KITCHEN WITH FRIDGE AND MICROWAVE, SPRING WATER, MAINS ELECTRICITY, FLUSH TOILET AND OUTSIDE BALCONY.