Housing does form an important element of our overall economy. Figures alone speak in support of it, as according to moderate estimates the United States housing bubble made an unprecedented loss of $400 billion by 2009. This adverse effect did take its toll on traditional housing facilities along with the associated mortgages. But that shouldn’t stop the more innovative (and perhaps rich) among us to take the unconventional route of designing and living in alternative forms of shelter. Aircraft homes allude to such a fusion of fervent capriciousness and efficiency.
So, without further ado let us check out five most unusual aircraft homes and shelters that can prove to be our future saviors in the field of housing.
1. The Boeing 727 fuselage suite
Hotel group Costa Verde has ingeniously refurbished a vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe and turned it into a 2 bedroom suite in Costa Rica. Originally it was a passenger plane which journeyed from South Africa to Columbia. But the designers have managed to salvage the whole component by assembling its one part at a time. The fuselage is mounted atop a specially constructed pedestal to allow commanding views all over the scenic location. Coming to the interiors, the space is volumetrically distributed among two air conditioned bedrooms, private bathroom, kitchenette, dining area foyer and an ocean view terrace. The cost rates per night ranges from $250 to $500, varying according to tourist seasons.
2. Bruce Campbell’s 727 Home Project
Set amidst a plot of land surrounded by 3,500 Douglas Firs, Bruce Campbell’s Boeing 727-200 is certainly a grand sight to behold. Costing more than $100,000 to the owner, he has decided to call it a home, albeit with an aircraft feel. Salvaged from a 1967 model, the constructional process is still ongoing to make it comfortable enough for living. The spatial distribution of the inside will be extended along a open tube without any wall or panel divisions. The main electrical system will correspond to the aircraft’s original lighting, while a separate system will be installed for additional utilities such as kitchens. Other supporting structures like concrete piers will also be placed beneath the tubular component for enhanced stability.
3. Dave Drimmer’s Boeing 307 Home
A wondrous fusion of an aircraft and a boat, Dave Drimmer’s habitable Boeing 307 is interestingly unique, both historically and spatially. Originally made in 1938, the aircraft was bought by none other than billionaire Howard Hughes. Hughes designed the interior according to his own preference by including a master bedroom, two bathrooms, a galley, living room and stand-up bar. But the good times didn’t last for long as the aircraft was sold as scrap in a public auction for a paltry $62. It was during that time that it got its wings and tail cut off. Finally, in 1981 Drimmer came to its rescue by converting it into a full fledged boat. And now after $150,000 dollars and 30 years, the boat-plane is still going strong with revamped teakwood flooring and advanced control systems.
4. Red Lane’s DC-8 Home
Originally built for and delivered to Eastern Airlines as N8605 on April 9, 1960, this DC-8 model was sold to Air Spain in 1971. After a service of seven years, it once again changed hands with Aerovias Quisqueyana – a Dominican Republic carrier. Finally making its way into America (in Ashland City, Tennessee) through the purchasing power of Red Lane, the aircraft was fully converted into a habitable home, with all the other components like wings and tail being kept intact. Remarkable, according to sources it is still used by a family after 20 long years.
5. The Boeing 727 Hunting Lodge
Located in a forested area on 4,000 acres of mostly timbered land, this Boeing 727 was converted into a full fledged hunting lodge by three members of a local hunt club of Leflore County. The $20,000 conversion process took around six months to complete, but the end result was surprisingly impressive. The whole structure was refurbished using sturdy wooden paneling. The cockpit area was transformed into a living room (with TVs and stereo systems bedecking the original control panel). Other spatial features include a big kitchen, another bedroom (at the rear end), a lavatory section and most importantly – a gathering place for hunters with complete beer stalls and barbecues. Moreover, the whole electrical setup was rewired at 220 volts, along with a central air conditioning system.