Barcelona-based studio ERA Architects is raising the bar for sustainable camping with its Pinea Mobile Ecological RV. The RV, which uses natural materials in its construction along with other eco-friendly features, is a prototype currently located in Mas els Igols retreat in the Penedés winery region of Spain. The prototype uses built-in systems for solar energy and rainwater harvesting but adds a unique touch with its innovative green roof.
The RV’s single solar panel produces up to 50W retained in a battery to use for charging smartphones and various lighting inside. According to the designers, the battery system manufacturer in France gives a percentage of sales to a nonprofit in Africa. The architects supported collaborators from different parts of Spain in the project, using a company from Girona for the green roof, a textile manufacturer in Barcelona and metal works from Lleida.
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A specialized system of trays harvests rainwater for the RV’s green roof, which is full of Catalonian vegetation and substrate. The system holds 100 liters of water at a time. The outer fabric making up the exterior walls can be unzipped to let in the fresh air and sunlight or rolled down to provide privacy. The fabric, also made in Catalonia using a water-saving dying process, is both breathable and water-repellent. There is also a built-in mosquito net, perfect for camping in the evenings.
Inside, you’ll find a large bed, a table with chairs and some storage furniture using certified wood (the same certified wood used to build the walls) and sustainable cork material. Most notably, the floors are made up of cork, although there is also projected cork and cork stoppers inside the wooden furniture. The designers also chose to use cork stoppers instead of isolation gravel on the green roof.
Images via ERA Architects
