Neverwas Haul Jumped from Science Fiction Novels

We are a generation growing up with science fiction books, movies, and computer games. It is not possible if we do not include science fiction elements in our dreams or designs. Shannon O’Hare is a science fiction novel admirer who was inspired by H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. Neverwas Haul is a three-story mobile Victorian house designed by O’Hare. Yes, you read it well. The house is mobile and built in Victorian style.

Andy Pischalnikoff

Shannon O’Hare found volunteers to build the Neverwas Haul at the Berkeley Shipyard art space in 2006. The material of the house is 75% recycled materials. Because O’Hare built Neverwas Haul over 15 years ago, he needed to replace some worn-out parts. But the design is still the same as the original.

Obtainium Works

You may think about the dimensions of this mobile house. The dimensions are 24 feet high, 24 feet long, and 12 feet wide. As the Neverwas Haul has a Victorian style, everyone thinks that the vehicle runs on steam power. But the truth is that steam power could not work well. Therefore, the creator used a diesel engine. With the final design, the house can move 5 miles per hour. In addition, the house needs a ten-person crew in order to run the vehicle properly. The mobile house can move with a pickup truck as well. But in this case, the creator must take apart the top structure and fit it into the building.

Samuel Coniglio

About Shannon O’Hare

The creator, Shannon O’Hare, owns the Obtanium Works in Vallejo, California. The company has a “do it yourself” (DIY) philosophy. The group has inspirations by Victorian-Era authors who wrote about imaginary worlds. In these imaginary worlds, steam technology was cutting-edge. Therefore, the explorers could fly to the moon with gunpowder.

Obtainium Works

The ones who would like to see the Neverwas Haul can go to the Mare Island Art Yard. The Obtanium Works exhibits the mobile house for four months out of the year.

Andy Pischalnikoff