Markies and Opera - the awning in focus

Two projects - seemingly similar, because in both cases the starting point was the idea to replace permanent walls with fabric. But the effects are extremely different. Opera and Markies are two design concepts that allow you to look at caravanning differently.

A caravan, however large it is, will always turn out to be too small during a longer stay at the campsite . In terms of size and comfort, it would probably be better to rent a tourist cottage, already equipped with all amenities. What if you imagined a house on wheels? Small, two-room ... It could also have a glazed terrace.

Theoretically, it is possible if we turn a truck tractor with a trailer into a motorhome. Even a balcony is possible if sliding walls are used. However, it cannot be denied that it is a very expensive solution, and besides, it will not be possible to navigate by TIR on many tourist routes.

Free terrace

Dutch designer Eduard Bohtlingkt approached the subject completely differently. His starting point was an angular caravan of fairly standard dimensions (2 x 4.5 m). You can simply attach it to any passenger car and no one will even suspect what it hides.

It turns out, however, that this is not a typical caravan. Once we park it on the campsite, just press a button to triple its volume in a few seconds!

Awnings extend from the caravan on both sides, creating two additional rooms with dimensions similar to the main part of the caravan. On the one hand, we get a sleeping room, and on the other, a "glazed" terrace (with foil instead of glass). On sunny days, the terrace may be without a roof, and the landing itself can be used, for example, for fishing .

The concept itself is not new, as it was born in 1985. However, in the '90s it was revived again. In 1996, "Marquesas" received the audience award as part of the Rotterdam Design Prize event.

Opera on wheels

Another noteworthy project is called the Opera House, which is named after the famous Sydney Concert Hall building. This association appears the same if we just look at the unfolded caravan. The roof of this original structure looks impressive.

Anyway, when we look at this trailer, we may have the illusion that there are ordinary walls under the thick canvas. After all, you can see the wheels on two axles protruding from the bottom and a fragment of the body. And yet it is not true! This trailer has only a strong double canvas roof!

The folded trailer itself looks more like a regular cargo trailer. This is where all camping accessories are hidden - including a fridge, sink, double bed and even air conditioning. It turns out that in order to have it all, you don't have to drag a tall and uncomfortable trailer with you. The roof and walls can only be conjured up on the spot, when we reach the desired goal.

Designer Axel Enthoven says the Opera House resembles a luxury hotel. Perhaps a lot of exaggeration in this, but the designer emphasizes that the interior of his dream caravan should be made of materials and devices of the highest class.

Inside, you will find wooden floors and cabinets , a toilet, water heating, two beds, LED lighting, and thanks to the fact that the tent is larger than it would appear from the size of the caravan, a shaded vestibule could also be an additional benefit.

Well, he could ... This caravan also won awards for design, but like Markies, it has no chance of mass production. It's a pity because these are very interesting projects.