“Living in a tip” is a phrase most people use to describe a messy home.
But for artist Harrison Marshall, it’s far more literal.
The 28-year-old moved into a converted metal boat in Bermondsey, south-east Londonin January, as part of a project aimed at making a “statement” about “madness” living cost exist British capital.
His goal is to spend the rest of the year living in the standard eight-yard hopper normally used to store, move and dump waste construction material.
Mr Marshall aims to live on board for a year
“Is it possible to live on board?”
Speaking about the project, he said: “It’s crazy for me to live in the area and it’s the only option I have.
“When I got back to London, I started looking for rooms and obviously the prices had gone a little crazy in that time frame.
“People get hundreds of messages about a room … if you’re not willing to pay the deposit the same day you view the room, you really don’t stand a chance.
“So that’s when I started to have this thought again, about whether it’s actually possible to live on a boat?”
Mr. Marshall’s new home consisted of a standard 3.6m x 1.8m (12ft x 6ft) architecturally insulated timber frame and barrel roofed hopper.
The artist also has access to portaloo while he showers most of the time at work or at the gym.
He also wants to be connected to a power source so he can use the heater and cooker.
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The skip home includes a standard builder’s skip with insulated timber framing and barrel roof
The ‘crazy’ living in central London
The nominal rate for skip is £50 per month, with an initial build cost of £4,000.
“I don’t want anyone else to pursue it or replicate it,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s hard to replicate. So, really, it’s more of a statement, addressing or talking about this in a light-hearted way and highlighting how crazy it is to live in central London.”
Mr Marshall, who has decorated his new home with artwork from friends and gifts from family, described his neighbors as “very friendly” and even welcomed guests.
He added: “I’ve had friends over and everyone wants to see the new place.”
Skip House is part of Skip Gallery, a public art initiative that creates spaces and opportunities for emerging artists.