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IWI Is an Adaptable Living Space That Extends or Compresses to Your Needs

03.27.23 | By
IWI Is an Adaptable Living Space That Extends or Compresses to Your Needs

Living in today’s times with people moving to smaller, more affordable housing, as well as the overall lack of affordable opportunities available, thinking outside the box is imperative. Options like tiny houses, recreational vehicles, and accessory dwelling units (ADU) are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to alternative housing possibilities and hopefully the choices keep growing. Architects Juan Ruiz and Amelia Tapia have dropped their hat in the ring with a worthy contender: IWI, a design project that offers users a modular living space that can adapt to their own needs. The duo used CNC milling (Computer Numerical Controlled technology) to build the wood structure, making it easy to be mass produced and universally used.

exterior side view of expandable shelter

IWI comprises two wooden modules that are connected with a folding structure resembling an accordion. The wood ends can be compressed together when space isn’t needed to act as a piece of furniture or storage. When expanded, the space can be used for just about anything, including an office, studio, yoga room, relaxation zone, workshop, guest room, etc.

exterior side view of expandable shelter being pushed in by woman

The front frame slides as it’s compressed thanks to built-in wheels, while the canvas folds up.

exterior side view of expandable shelter closed up

Ruiz and Tapia have designed and patented IWI in Ecuador, where the original resides on a rooftop terrace for use as a studio or workspace. The interior is outfitted with everything needed for two people to work, including two tables, two chairs, storage, and a mini kitchenette. The structure is also primed for electrical and water.

exterior view of expandable shelter looking into interior

The terrace still has plenty of room when the structure is expanded, but opens up more when it’s closed up and not in use.

exterior view of expandable shelter looking inside with two women sitting at table

The front module consists of two glass doors that rotate out to completely open the unit up to its surroundings. The back module houses all the facilities, like electrical outlets, lighting, and sink, in addition to the functionality. The two tables and chairs hide within the shelves when more floor space is required.

view inside expandable living shelter with woman putting something on shelf

view inside expandable living shelter with woman standing

view inside expandable living shelter with woman sitting at desk working

view inside expandable living shelter looking to side with woman sitting at table with laptop

angled interior view of expandable living structure with woman sitting at table with laptop

interior view of expandable shelter with two women sitting at table

exterior view looking into expandable living shelter

interior view of expandable shelter looking out with woman standing at entry

Between the glass front and the light canvas, the interior doesn’t feel claustrophobic.

closeup angled view looking through window of expandable shelter with woman inside locking door

angled exterior view of expandable shelter

angled exterior view of expandable shelter closed up

aerial view looking down at expandable shelter on roof

aerial view looking down at expandable shelter on roof

IWI can be manufactured in two weeks time and built in just two days, and with a $7,950 price tag, it might be a great option for alternative dwellings.

Photos by JAG studio.
Drone photos by Joel Heim.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.