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A Space-Saving Extra Room, in the Form of a Collapsible Cabin
Iwi, by architects Amelia Tapia and Juan Ruiz
Ecuador-based architects Amelia Tapia and Juan Ruiz have developed a collapsible cabin called Iwi.
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
It's essentially an on-demand extra room—"a place to work, relax, read, meet, etc."—composed of a fixed rear module and a front module on casters, with the two connected by an arrangement of structural ribs joined with scissors mechanisms. A weatherproof canvas cover keeps the rain out.
Closed up, it occupies a footprint of about 25 square feet. Deployed, it offers roughly 90 square feet of space.
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
The prototype is sited on a terrace in Quito, Ecuador's capital, and intended as a workspace for two, that can conveniently shrink when it's time to entertain outdoors on the limited terrace space.
Image: Joel Heim Photo
Image: Joel Heim Photo
Image: Joel Heim Photo
The rear module contains a built-in housing two nested tables, two nested chairs, open storage compartments, drawers, and a modicum of counter space. An electrical hook-up to the main structure provides juice for a coffeemaker and printer, while a plumbing hook-up loops into the sink.
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
In Tapia and Ruiz's vision, all of Iwi's pieces are CNC-cut and the unit would either arrive flatpacked for on-site assembly, or pre-assembled on a flatbed.
Obviously the unit is designed for a climate like Quito's—which is to say, mild—but Tapia and Ruiz told New Atlas that "We are working on an Iwi for extreme weather and hope to launch it this year." The retail price, not including shipping, is USD $7,950.
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
Image: JAG Studio
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Comments
Insulating it for colder climates could be as simple as adding a secondary layer to the fabric, creating an air gap from the outside. It wouldn't be as good as true insulation would be, but still effective enough for slightly chillier days. A reflective interior such as standard insulative foil on the wall side of the interior canvas would improve this even more, but that would kill the indirect lighting the fabric walls provide. On the other hand, a quick websearch shows that Quito isn't exactly a balmy location, so the complaint about weather may be moot.
edit: Huh I thought the altitude would affect it more, but apparently given it's location on the Equator it's still near tropical despite being at 2,800m. Bonkers! Crazy amount of rain too.