Polydrops P21

Polydrops P21: A Space That Embodies the Philosophy of Two Designers

-Introduction: Redefining Independent and Sustainable Living Spaces
Polydrops was established by two architectural students who immigrated from South Korea. Tired of designing spaces for other people, the SCI-Arc student decided to build their own space. Their vision is simple: "Your Own Space." This space is not merely a physical area but an independent zone where users can fully control the environment, including climate and energy usage.
An Idea Inspired by the differences between American and Korean design philosophies
The founders discovered significant differences between the residential design philosophies of the U.S. and South Korea. In Korea, insulation—its type, thickness, and placement—is considered a critical factor in energy management, serving as a key determinant of housing quality. In contrast, U.S. residential design prioritizes oversized HVAC systems to compensate for insulation inefficiency.
This difference stems from the historical and environmental contexts of each country. Korea, where energy supply is a matter of national security, has developed a design culture that values energy efficiency. On the other hand, the U.S., with its abundant resources, has historically faced little pressure to optimize energy use.
However, these traditional design philosophies are easily found in the U.S. and struggle when applied to RVs. RVs are small, independent living spaces where energy production and storage are highly constrained. As such, the conventional energy-intensive approach makes RVs inefficient and limits their sustainability.

-Exterior Design Process: Form with the reason
The distinctive exterior design of the P21 is the result of merging three seemingly conflicting elements: aerodynamics, insulation performance, and affordability. Unlike concept products that merely showcase technology, the P21 is crafted as a practical, real-world solution. This means it must deliver exceptional performance while remaining competitively priced with existing products.
To achieve this, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations were integrated from the initial design stages, enabling the P21 to surpass the aerodynamic efficiency of traditional trailer shapes. Simultaneously, advanced insulation panels were employed to optimize both thermal performance and cost-effectiveness.
In essence, the design goal of the P21 was to balance these three elements, which are inherently challenging to combine. By reinterpreting the aerodynamic "harpoon" shape into a polygonal form, the P21 achieves a unique exterior design that seamlessly integrates superior aerodynamics with high-performance insulation materials.

-Thoughtful Interior Design for Modern Travel
The interior of the Polydrops P21 is designed to maximize functionality within a compact space. Its multi-purpose lounge area serves as a space for dining, relaxing, or working during the day and easily converts into a queen-size bed at night. A smaller bed at the front of the trailer accommodates children or can be used as an additional lounge area. With carefully placed storage compartments throughout, the P21 offers practical solutions to keep belongings organized during trips. A kitchen is optionally located between the two beds. Additionally, the shower and toilet are concealed under the front sleeping area to maximize space and can pop out when needed.
Comfort in the P21 is ensured through high-performance insulation and an off-grid climate control system, allowing the interior to remain comfortable in varying weather conditions. Large windows, positioned for both ventilation and views, bring natural light into the space while maintaining airflow, making the interior feel open and connected to the surrounding environment.
The P21 also includes a dedicated workspace equipped with essential power outlets, supporting those who work or stay connected while traveling. Simple and adjustable LED lighting enhances the atmosphere, meeting the needs of both practical use and relaxation. The P21’s interior reflects a balance of thoughtful design and practicality, suited for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in a compact, mobile living space.

-Solar powered off-grid system
The Polydrops P21 is equipped with a 5kWh LFP battery as the primary power source. It comes standard with a 920W solar panel, with an optional 1300W solar panel developed in collaboration with Aptera Motors.
Thanks to its outstanding insulation, the P21 can operate its air conditioning for up to 19 hours on battery power alone. All interior amenities run on electricity, allowing for a 100% off-grid lifestyle without the need for additional energy sources, as long as sunlight is available during travel.

-A Final Note
"Polydrops P21 is not an RV. It is the result of a study in exploring new philosophies in residential design."