Introduction to Double-wing Expandable House

A double-wing expandable house is an innovative modular building designed for high spatial efficiency and rapid deployment. It typically consists of a central 20ft or 40ft core with two lateral wings that fold into a compact, shipping-container-sized unit for transport and unfold on-site to triple the usable floor area. 

Key Characteristics

Rapid Assembly: Units are highly automated or pre-engineered; they can often be unfolded and ready for use in 10 to 60 minutes with a small crew.

Space Expansion: Once expanded, the usable area increases significantly. For instance, a 20ft unit expands from approximately 13 sqm (folded) to nearly 37–38 sqm (unfolded).

Integrated Utilities: Most models arrive with pre-installed electrical systems, plumbing, and basic amenities such as a bathroom and kitchen, allowing for "plug-and-play" functionality upon arrival. 

Applications and Trends

Versatile Use Cases: Beyond residential tiny homes or "granny flats," these structures are widely used for emergency disaster relief, temporary worker housing at construction sites, field offices, and tourism/vacation cabins.

Eco-Friendly Innovations: Modern 2025 designs increasingly integrate sustainability features, such as photovoltaic solar panels, energy storage systems, and rainwater harvesting for off-grid self-sufficiency.

Customization: Interiors are highly flexible, offering layouts from open studios to 4-bedroom configurations with customizable finishes like wood grain or metal wall panels. 

References

GB/T 7714:Kuo C G, Chiu C W, Chung P S. A New Approach to Expanding Interior Green Areas in Urban Buildings[J]. Buildings, 2025, 15(12): 1965.

MLA:Kuo, Chyi-Gang, Chien-Wei Chiu, and Pei-Shan Chung. "A New Approach to Expanding Interior Green Areas in Urban Buildings." Buildings 15.12 (2025): 1965.

APA:Kuo, C. G., Chiu, C. W., & Chung, P. S. (2025). A New Approach to Expanding Interior Green Areas in Urban Buildings. Buildings, 15(12), 1965.