Architects Juan Ruiz and Amelia Tapia from Ecuador specialised in the Netherlands and Spain “in the most advanced wood construction techniques”. Back in Ecuador, they put their knowledge into practice and developed an innovative project that offers ordinary citizens a versatile and dynamic space, albeit small, and, of course, built with wood. This is IWI, a flexible “dwelling” that makes the most of the available space and at the same time adjusts to the lifestyle and needs of each user. The result is so unique and innovative that its architects have patented it and it is now available for sale worldwide.
One of the fundamental characteristics of IWI is the compact design and the materiality based on sheet metal, textile, steel and solid wood. This design and these materials allow it to be manufactured in series and in an industrialised way, with digital production technology, according to its creators, by means of numerical control cutting (CNC milling). In addition to this ease of manufacture, it is also easy to assemble (and disassemble). As if that were not enough, to all of the above must be added the simplicity of use and, as can be seen in the images, its practical and functional nature to the extreme.
After manufacture, IWI is delivered folded and ready to use, with dimensions of 1.05 m long by 3 m high by 2.4 m wide. Once placed on the ground, on the ground or on a terrace, the front module is simply pulled to expand it. The 1.05 m long space becomes a 3.45 m long space or, if preferred, an intermediate 2.25 m space. Once unfolded, IWI contains all the elements necessary for its use with different functionalities. Therefore, it is easy to pull out two chairs and an extendable table, or to use the integrated drawers and shelves, or to assemble the bed, or to use the tap to access water from a small tank, or to plug different devices into the power sockets. It’s all there. When it’s time to fold up, the elements are housed in the compartments designed for this purpose and the space is free to disappear.
Similar to an accordion, IWI features a module at each end, both connected by a folding metal structure and a fabric cover. The front module is mobile and moves on castors. When extended, IWI offers space for 2 to 4 people. It only remains to add that the cabin can be connected to the mains electricity and water supply, or operate autonomously.
Source: IWI. Images: IWI and JAG Studio.
