Tiny Houses

Accordion-like micro-cabin folds in on itself for between-use storage

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At its largest size, the Iwi measures 8.5 sq m (91 sq ft), while it's just 2.4 sq m (almost 26 sq ft) when compressed
JAG Studio
The Iwi prototype shown is installed on a rooftop terrace in Quito, Ecuador
JAG Studio
At its largest size, the Iwi measures 8.5 sq m (91 sq ft), while it's just 2.4 sq m (almost 26 sq ft) when compressed
JAG Studio
The Iwi took a year to develop and was designed using a CNC milling machine
JAG Studio
The Iwi, shown fully compressed to its smallest size
JAG Studio
The Iwi is made from a mixture of cypress and plywood, with a glass front, plus cork and sheep's wool for insulation
JAG Studio
The Iwi really opens up to the outside with its large double doors
JAG Studio
The Iwi prototype pictured is configured for use as a home office for up to two people
JAG Studio
The Iwi includes an office area with seating, as well as drawers, a shelf, and also a kitchenette space that includes a hidden sink
JAG Studio
The Iwi can be manufactured in two weeks and built in just 48 hours, says the team
JAG Studio
The Iwi is up for sale and starts at US$7,950
JAG Studio
The rear of the Iwi's compact interior is taken up by storage space
JAG Studio
Though the Iwi prototype model pictured is used as an office space, but the team says it can also be used as a guest bedroom or yoga studio, for example
JAG Studio
View gallery - 12 images

Here's a novel take on tiny living, courtesy of architects Juan Ruiz and Amelia Tapia in Ecuador. Named the Iwi, the structure could be a good fit as a home office or guest accommodation for those with limited space thanks to its concertina-like design, which means it can be collapsed in and stowed away when not in use.

The Iwi was created using a CNC milling machine and is made from a mixture of cypress and plywood, with glass double doors that open it up to the outside, plus cork and sheep's wool for insulation. The design is vaguely reminiscent of Cabin Anna, which makes sense because Tapia is actually involved in developing that project.

At its largest size, when fully extended, it measures 8.5 sq m (roughly 91 sq ft), however it's just 2.4 sq m (almost 26 sq ft) when folded in, or it can be set halfway if the owner prefers. The upper frame is sat on wheels so should close with relatively little effort.

This particular prototype model shown is installed on a rooftop on a terrace in Quito and is set up as an office for two. It contains a desk area, two chairs, plus some space for a printer, drawers, a shelf, and a small kitchenette space with a hidden sink. It also has electrical and water hookups, but the team says that an off-the-grid setup is feasible too.

The Iwi is made from a mixture of cypress and plywood, with a glass front, plus cork and sheep's wool for insulation
JAG Studio

"The space can be extended or compressed, depending on the needs of the user," explained Ruiz and Tapia. "When compressed, it behaves like a piece of furniture or a shelf. When extended, it becomes a living space that contains everything necessary to fulfill its different functions, such as office/studio, yoga studio, relaxation space, workshop, meeting room, guest room, etc. It allows flexibility of use both inside, and the use of outdoor space (by compressing it), being respectful of its surroundings."

The rear of the Iwi's compact interior is taken up by storage space
JAG Studio

The first Iwi prototype took a year to develop and a month to manufacture. Moving forward the team says that it can be manufactured in two weeks and built in two days.

As to how the the structure copes with the elements, the company told us that "for now Iwi works perfectly for mild weather conditions, like in Quito, Ecuador, with temperatura variations between 10 and 25 °C. Its envelope is weather resistant (rain, wind and sun). We are working on an Iwi for extreme weather and hope to launch it this year."

Pricing starts at just US$7,950, though we've no information on shipping availability or costs.

Source: Iwi

View gallery - 12 images
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6 comments
pete-y
looks bonkers parked in front of existing patio doors.
BlueOak
Interesting concept, but clearly have to work on the door design to eliminate those in-elegant 2x4 door props. Will also be interesting to see if enough use cases support a market for it.
jerryd
Not too bad. It's rather more of a tent than a house. A main concern is how do you keep it clean on the outside, especially in the city from all the diesel, oiler, etc soot, other grime?
The cypress will go naturally gray. Obviously this one is brand new. Come back in a yr and see how good it still looks. A floral, etc pattern on the fabric would help.
ljaques
Or you could spend $99 and grab a 9 person tent with tall center, saving $7,851, which would store better.
Marco McClean
This:
https://www.vintag.es/2023/03/folding-garage.html
BanisterJH
When I think if the garages where there's no room for a car anymore, I wonder how long it takes before a thing like this is just extended all the time. But, if you had the discipline to keep it empty and a compatible climate, it could certainly be nice, and also useful.