The Origins of the Orb

The Orb™ was born of Philip Simpson's desire to have an inspiring and affordable outdoor space for his own family to enjoy. His starting point, as a designer, was to reject the box-like structure and unnatural colours and contours of the classic caravan. He wanted something that would enhance the user's appreciation of the outdoors, from both inside and out. His initial sketches (on backs of envelopes and restaurant napkins), inspired more by gypsy caravans and yachts, won the support of his dream team of architects and designers, and the list of potential customers grew.

Together with architect David Miller, (who designed the award-winning Media Centre at Lords' Cricket Ground while at Future Systems) and a leading structural engineering practice, the idea is fast becoming a reality. One of the UK's top interior design consultancies, Real Studios, has created a range of inspiring interiors to highlight the lifestyle potential of these unique units.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to design and produce a new generation of mobile structures aimed specifically at a more youthful, design-conscious market and to be enjoyed by all ages. These structures will be manufactured to the highest standard, fit for their specific purpose - whether for holidays by the sea or to create an attention-grabbing corporate presence at outdoor events.

Strategy and Strengths

The Orb™ is being marketed across three key segments - commercial mobile structures, holiday park homes and garden offices. The distinctive oval design gives intrinsic strength, sustainability and transportability to each segment.

Our target consumer segment is the design and brand conscious, 20- to 40-something market, most likely urban professionals with a need for more space - whether in their own back gardens or on a rural hilltop. They are looking for more elegant and aspirational solutions than those currently offered by the traditional holiday home park or garden office. Our corporate customers are likely to be any brand targeting this specific customer group.

The Orb is manufactured using marine technology with an integral chassis making the overall structure very tough, long lasting and adaptable. It is manufactured to a standard far beyond that of any other mobile structure.

Managment Team

Philip Simpson Director and inventor

Philip Simpson is the creator of The Orb. He is a professional design consultant with 17 years experience, currently heading up a team of designers at the UK's largest and most innovative agency in the exhibitions sector. He has been responsible for creating award-winning projects both large and small scale, from the Earth Gallery at the Natural History Museum in London to the multiple award-winning Peace Museum at Ypres in Belgium. He has been involved in new build as well as conversion projects and has extensive experience of working with architects, structural engineers and 3D Designers. His eye for detail and his own sense of style have combined to create this unique and desirable dwelling. His own situation - as a father of two young children, seeking an affordable and inspiring bolt-hole as a contrast to life in an inner-city borough of London - inspired the idea in the first place.

As well as having strategic mentoring Orb Properties Ltd are looking to strengthen the board to enhance and forward the growth of this unique product. If you may be interested please get in contact.

Design team

Some of the UK's best architects, engineers and interior designers have been working on this inspiring project. Architect David Miller is an expert in portable buildings and modern composite technology. He was project architect at Future Systems for the design and build of the Stirling Prize-winning NatWest Media Centre at Lords' Cricket Ground where the accuracy and detail of his 3-D technical drawings enabled the architects to build this ergonomic structure off-site and ship it direct from Falmouth to London. Real Studios directors Yvonne Golds and Alastair McCaw have created inspiring interior designs, drawing on their extensive experience with hotel and restaurant clients such as Le Meridien, for whom they created the Art + Tech bedroom blueprint. Structural engineers ACL have ensured that the Orb will be fit to travel and house its clients in the utmost security and comfort. They have been advised in key areas by leading environmental engineers Fulcrum.