The folding caravan 'De Markies'
Architect Eduard Böhtlingk developed the folding caravan 'De Markies' in the 1980s, which triples its living space when expanded. The original never went into series production but has been exhibited at the Vitra museum since 2002. Since 2023, Turkish manufacturer Ortsan Outdoors and French company Beauer have been producing series models based on a similar principle.
A tiny house from a box truck
Morgan DeCanio converted a box truck into a functional tiny house on wheels with a kitchen and a lift bed. She bought it two years ago and now leads a nomadic lifestyle after health issues ended her military career. According to consumer centers, tiny houses are not necessarily more environmentally friendly due to high material and energy consumption.
Caravan as a housing alternative
Caravans are being considered as a budget option for permanent residence in Germany. Legal use requires compliance with traffic regulations, obtaining a long-term parking permit, and meeting building codes. Autonomous water and energy systems increase mobility.