| Video |
| About Alchemy |
| About University of MN School of Architecture Students Site technology: WEDGETechnologies |
| Project | LightHotel |
| Design | Alchemy |
| Build | University of MN School of Architecture Students Site technology: WEDGETechnologies |
| Containers | 1 x 20 ft |
| Area | 120 sq ft |
| Year | 2016 |
| Location | Minnesota |
The LightHotel, a one room mobile hotel, stands as a beacon for ecotourism and sustainable living in the Twin Cities. It moves as the flow of the city requires, occupying places both celebrated and ignored. The city itself is its lobby.
The interior is efficient and luxe, making the most of limited space within the salvaged 8′ x 20′ shipping container. Just like most hotel rooms, there’s no kitchen, so overnight guests order “room service” from nearby hot spots. Built for the year-round Minnesota climate, it features a spray foam shell, triple-glazed windows and doors, solar powered HVAC, LED lighting and hydronic in-floor heat. The water system is self-contained, with a 250-gallon water tank that supplies an on-demand water heater and a bio-filter producing re-usable grey water. A high-end, roomy shower and separate toilet keep a body happy.
Mechanical detritus and applied typographic overlays entertain and provide functional insight. To be realized: an online public digital dashboard to map guest experiences and the LightHotel’s itinerary, educating guests on conservation and sustainability.
Led by Alchemy and weeHouse® founder Geoffrey Warner, AIA, the LightHotel is part of an ongoing effort to celebrate and create new paradigms for efficient living.
In 2018, the LightHotel was sold to an entrepreneur in north central Minnesota who is forming a ‘circle’ of sustainable structures that will be rented out.
What is needed to use it immediately
Area + access. A solid, approximately level, ideally paved surface that allows for the LightHotel’s 8’ x 24’ footprint, and access to that spot by truck. Height is approximately 13’.
Water. Access to a water source (outdoor spigot) is helpful but may not be needed on a daily basis. The LightHotel accesses the water source with a garden hose. Its 250 gallon tank will last approximately 10-14 days with two guests.
Electrical. The LightHotel is intended to be fully off grid, but until it gets battery packs, it will need to be plugged in. A 100’ extension cord is provided.
240V outlet or site-wiring allows the solar array (3-240W panels) to power the condenser for the mini-split AC/heat.
A 120V power source will allow full use for everything but the condenser.
Gas: two 80# propane tanks are supplied to run the boiler.
Video
LightHotel FAQ
Q What is the lightHotel?
A The lighthotel is a one-room, mobile hotel and postcard for sustainability. Over 18
months it will occupy places both celebrated and ignored in the twin cities. It was
designed by geoffrey warner, aia, principal architect at Alchemy Architects
(St. Paul, MN).
Q Why build the lightHotel?
A Half of the energy use in the twin cities is consumed by buildings. The lightHotel’s
high-end design creates a positive, aspirational experience to inspire an alternate
way of consuming both energy and space.
Q How much did it cost?
A This was built as a one-time public art project by Alchemy + University of Minnesota
students. We’re not exactly sure what it would take to replicate it, but it would be in
the range of an deluxe RV. The break down of this pricing goes as follows:
Subtotal Fabrication Costs-External: $50,100
Subtotal Design + Build Costs-Internal: $70,435
Subtotal Donations: $50,450
Total Expenses To Date: $170,985
Q Can I order one?
A At this time, no, alchemy is not taking orders for lighthotels. We are, however,
planning and designing a new product called the lighthouse that takes some queues
from the lighthotel. The lighthouse is 3x bigger than the lighthotel, has on- or off-grid
potential, and is a fully functioning home that sleeps up to 4 people. We hope to
price it between $75-$125K “all in”. It can be used as an adu, studio, cabin, retreat,
student or assisted living. Stay in touch with us at www.weehouse.com for updates.
Q What makes the hotel green?
A The most sustainable part about lighthotel is its potential to inform people about the
effcient systems that make it work. A digital dashboard plots water and power
consumption and displays guests’ photos and experiences as the lighthotel travels.
Q What was the concept for the design?
A The lighthotel embraces the luxury of less. It has been crafted within a 120 square
foot, salvaged shipping container. We encourage you to live large and pack light.
The twin cities is your lobby and the lighthotel is your personal retreat.
Q What’s the big deal about energy?
A The average american home utilizes 900kwh each month. By adopting the same
systems that power, heat and cool the lighthotel, most american homes would spend
closer to 100kwh.
Q What is an energy pool?
A Think of the total amount of energy like a pool—it has many sources: coal, gas,
nuclear, wind, solar, and hydro-electric power. It also has many drains: transportation,
industry, buildings, and your laptop and phone. But buildings by far are the largest
consumer of electricity, accounting for half of all energy usage in the state of
Minnesota.
Q How about “green” energy?
A Coal and gas each contribute a third to the “pool” of energy sources. Renewable
sources, like wind and solar, are rising in contribution. The us has goals to produce
half the nations’ electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and minnesota has
embraced that endeavor with initiatives like the made in minnesota solar incentive
program.
Q Where does the water come from?
A The water that ows throughout lighthotel comes from a large reservoir underneath
the bed. The reservoir holds approx. 250 Gallons of freshwater at a time. The water
is then pumped through the utility closet and is heated and transferred to both the
shower and sink.
Q What is greywater?
A Greywater is essentially wastewater that has low levels of contaminants and if ltered
can be applied for non-potable uses. In the lighthouse, the greywater comes from
both the shower and faucet. It is then stored in the utility closet in a greywater lter
where any bacteria or contaminants that may be present are removed. Once the
water is ltered it can be used to water plants or reused for non-potable purposes.
Q Why should I care?
A Most water systems in use today combine both the greywater and blackwater further
contaminating the greywater and requiring professional water treatment. If more
homes and businesses adopted greywater systems, they can take advantage of other
ways of reusing greywater for applications such as dishwashers, laundry machines,
and toilet water– minimizing freshwater waste.
Specs
Design
Geoffrey C.Warner, AIA, Alchemy LLC
Build
Alchemy LLC + University of MN School of Architecture Students Site technology: WEDGETechnologies
Shell
8’ x 20’ steel shipping container from SuperCubes
| Address | Super Cubes LLC, 9240 Hillsboro Way, Savage, MN 55378, USA |
| Phone | +18773745452 |
| +19522832783 | |
| Fax | +16124554029 |
| sales@supercubes.com | |
| Website | https://www.supercubes.com |
Windows & Door
Andersen Windows
| Address | Andersen Corporation, 100 4th Ave. N. Bayport, MN 55003, USA |
| Phone | +18004264261 |
| +18009333626 | |
| +18553378806 | |
| +16512645150 | |
| Website | https://www.andersenwindows.com/ |
Wood wrap ( Door/wall/ceiling)
WD Flooring
| Address | WD Flooring, P.O. Box 368, Laona, WI 54541, USA |
| Phone | +18776742210 |
| Fax | +17156744411 |
| heidi@wdflooring.com | |
| Website | http://wdflooring.com/ |
Bathroom Tile
Daltile
| Phone | +18004493591 |
| +18775565728 | |
| Website | https://www.daltile.com/ |
Bathroom and Sink Fixtures
Dornbracht
| Address | Dornbracht Americas Inc., 1700 Executive Drive South, Suite 600, Duluth, GA 30096, USA |
| Phone | +18007741181 |
| +17705643599 | |
| Fax | +18008998527 |
| dornbrachtam@dornbrachtgroup.com | |
| Website | https://www.dornbracht.com/ |
Toilet
Separett Villa (waterless)
| Address | Separett-USA/EcoServices, PO Box 226, Barrington NH, 03825, USA |
| Phone | +18006828619 |
| info@separett-usa.com | |
| Website | http://www.separett-usa.com/ |
Sink
Alape provided by Montaggio
| Address | MONTAGGIO, 150 N 2ND AVE, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55401, USA |
| Phone | +16123336264 |
| info@montaggio.net | |
| Website | https://montaggio.net/ |
Greywater Filter
Biolan
| Address | Lauttakyläntie 570, FI-27510 Eura, FINLAND |
| P.O. Box 2, FI-27501 Kauttua, FINLAND | |
| Phone | +358025491600 |
| Fax | +358025491660 |
| sales@biolan.fi | |
| Website | https://www.biolan.com |
Furniture + Bedding
Room & Board
| Phone | +18003019720 |
| Address | Room & Board Los Angeles, Helms Bakery Building, 3231 Helms Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA |
| Phone | +13107369100 |
| Address | Cherry Creek North, 222 Detroit Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA |
| Phone | +13033226462 |
| Address | Westside Provisions District, 1170 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA |
| Phone | +14046825900 |
| Address | Downtown at Rush and Ohio, 55 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA |
| Phone | +13122220970 |
| Address | Located at Newbury and Mass Ave., 375 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA |
| Phone | +16173510020 |
| Address | Across from Galleria Edina, 7010 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435, USA |
| Address | Chelsea, 236 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011, USA |
| Phone | +12122047384 |
| Address | Pearl District, 380 Northwest 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209, USA |
| Phone | +15032006900 |
| Address | Knox-Henderson District, 4524 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205, USA |
| Phone | +18003019720 |
| Address | University Village, 2675 NE University Village Street, Seattle, WA 98105, USA |
| Phone | +12063364676 |
| Website | https://www.roomandboard.com/ |
Mattress
Restwell Mattress Factory
| Address | Restwell Mattress Factory, 8229 Highway 7, St. Louis Park, MN 55426, USA |
| Phone | +19529083348 |
| Address | Restwell Mattress Factory, 7835 Southtown Center, Bloomington, MN 55431, USA |
| Phone | +19528818871 |
| Website | https://www.restwellmattress.com/ |
Toiletries and Lifestyle products
Intelligent Nutrients
| Address | Customer Service Intelligent Nutrients, 983 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, USA |
| Toll Free | +18003115635 |
| Fax | +16126172005 |
| customerservice@intelligentnutrients.com | |
| Website | https://www.intelligentnutrients.com/ |
Shower Door
Minneapolis Glass Company
| Address | 14600 28th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447, USA |
| Phone | +17635590635 |
| Website | https://minneapolisglass.com/ |
Signag
Archetype
| Address | 9611 James Avenue S., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55431, USA |
| Phone | +19526419600 |
| +18885121272 | |
| Website | https://archetypesign.com/ |
Solar Panels
Itek Energy
| Website | https://www.itekenergy.com/ |
Tankless Water Heater (Boiler)
Navien
| Phone | +18005198794 |
| Address | 20 Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618, USA |
| Phone | +19494200420 |
| +19494200420 | |
| Website | https://www.navieninc.com/ |
Heating/Cooling
AEI-Applied Energy Innovations
| Address | 4000 Minneahaha Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA |
| Phone | +16125320384 |
| Website | http://www.appliedenergyinnovations.com |
Lighting
Juno recessed lighting, Hennepin Made chandelier from JTH Lighting and Room & Board
Light Switches + Outlets
Legrand
| Address | 60 Woodlawn Street, West Hartford, CT 06110, USA |
| Phone | +18772953472 |
| Address | 9024 Keele Street, Vaughan, Ontario L4K 2N2, USA |
| Website | https://www.legrand.us/ |
About Alchemy
Philosophy
Our distinct hands-on approach to architecture and design combines a playful design process, collaborative relationships with clients, and partnerships with builders and fabricators, to create a harmonious blend of site, building, and community. With sustainable practices as a mainstay of our daily work, Alchemy utilizes recycling and reuse along with building strategies that reduce waste. Our multidisciplinary team draws inspiration from art, literature, history, and leading creative thinkers to create alternative and atypical project solutions. Alchemy’s innovation on the weeHouse prefab system and “tightwad panache” renovations has gained recognition on an international scale.
Design Services
While Alchemy is known internationally for our design of the weeHouse, a large portion of Alchemy’s business is more traditional architectural design services including new builds, commercial projects, remodels, renovations, and general design consultation. As architects, our job is to solve design problems and help bring your ideas to reality.
Alchemy’s completion of the first weeHouse in 2003, then just an inexpensive prefab cabin, gained international attention as a symbol of architectural optimism. Since then, Alchemy has widened its scope, developing the weeHouse as a prefabricated answer for cabins, houses, offices, rooftop studios, and multi-unit developments, and has completed over 3 dozen prefabricated projects around the United States.
Whether you are looking to build a single site-built 200 square foot studio or a 75 unit prefab condominium, be sure to contact us and we will further evaluate your project needs. We work on both a project fee and hourly basis depending on project specifics.
| Address | 856 Raymond Ave, Suite G, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114, USA | |
| Phone | +16516476650 | |
| info@weehouse.com | ||
| Website | https://www.weehouse.com/ |
About University of MN School of Architecture Students Site technology: WEDGETechnologies
We build foundations for marketing, web, and IT services. Clients leverage our integrated approach to meet their strategic goals in a whole new dimension.
Quirky
“If it ain’t broke: don’t fix it!” We hear this one a lot. Just because something works doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be tested, evaluated, and challenged. We’re big into this. To find areas of improvement, we challenge what we should expect from the world around us. Our curiosity and exploratory souls drive the way we work.
Innovative
When we challenge our worldly expectations, we find patterns of opportunity. Where a tool or solution doesn’t exist or provide the best experience, we take it upon ourselves to build it! We dream-up new ideas, systems, and approaches to solve problems every day. The typical needs the atypical to move forward.
Renaissance
We dabble in it all. We study the intersection of technology and creativity because we believe therein lies an untapped potential for problem solving. It’s challenging to do this because it requires we hold conflicting goals. Technology seeks to optimize and drives structure while creativity seeks emotions and drives humanity.
Wedge’s Vision
We desire to design a world where everyone can realize their happiness. In a world where reliance on technology is only increasing, we seek to abstract technical concepts so that everyone in business can access, understand, and leverage the powerful parts of technology. This is key to build space for creative problem solving.
| Address | 2406 James Ave N, Suite B, Minneapolis, MN 55411, USA | |
| Phone | +16514310666 | |
| Website | https://wedgeus.com/ |
More shipping container homes in Minnesota:
LightHotel - 120 sq ft Shipping Container Tiny Home, Minnesota
LightHotel - 120 sq ft Shipping Container Tiny Home, Minnesota