Modern Shed Dwelling on Wheels

Small but perfectly formed is a phrase that is bandied around a lot but seldom is it more fitting than for the brilliant looking Dwelling on Wheels from Modern Shed. Seattle-based studio, Modern Shed, has taken their backyard shed design and given it a new lease of life by adding wheels and adapting the design to make it their first-ever portable dwelling.

At 220-square-feet, The DW (Dwelling on Wheels) is a contemporary, self-contained structure that’s roomy enough to make it a home, yet compact enough to take it on the road. It really is the best of both worlds in our opinion here at The Coolector. There is a classic, vintage vibe to this design but one that has plenty of modern flourishes to it so as to deliver the ideal small dwelling that you can take on the road with you for the ultimate in road-tripping adventures.


Travel in Style


Needless to say, you’re going to considerably ramp up the luxuriousness of your next outdoor adventure if you’ve got Modern Shed’s Dwelling On Wheels in tow. It has been designed with a traditional gable form and a wall of windows at one end to make the most of any views and allow abundant natural light to bathe the interior.

A dark, low-maintenance exterior is outfitted with a solar array on the roof that’s comes equipped with batteries. On the inside of Dwelling On Wheels from Modern Shed you’ll find a wood stove which is utilised for heating, allowing the DW to go off-grid. It also comes with two electric wall heaters as backup, if required.

Despite its minuscule footprint, Modern Shed have planned the interior so as not to feel cramped or claustrophobic. Sight lines are kept open with a floor-to-ceiling window positioned at the end of the hallway, opposite the end wall of windows. At the front end of Dwelling On Wheels, a deck extends out which allows space for a couple of chairs and a small table to enjoy the outdoors with a craft beer or two and some al-fresco dining.


Great Value for Money


Modern Shed’s estimate for a build of a Dwelling On Wheels is 4-10 months with a cost starting at $129,000. They’ll also work alongside you to customise the unit to your requirements and design specifications, whether you want to use it as an office or a year-round home. You’ll have creative control over the materials and layout of the structure.

The efficient design is built with slim, high-intensity insulation paneling in the walls and can accommodate water tanks or a composting unit for a more eco-friendly vibe. The Dwelling On Wheels from Modern Shed has an interior which is clad in light with pre-finished birch-faced plywood and sustainable linoleum flooring. The pitched roof makes the interior feel more spacious than it really is, as does the side window that extends up to the roof. A great example of Tiny Living.

Leo Davie