IWI

Location: Quito, Ecuador
Architects: Juan Ruiz, Amelia Tapia
Year: 2023
Photography: JAG studio (we can share all the photos and at high resolution after your request)
Drone photography: Joel Heim

IWI is an architectural project that offers the user a living space that adapts to their lifestyle. It is a product
developed and patented in Ecuador by the architects Juan Ruiz and Amelia Tapia. The living space is
built in wood by Computer Numerical Controlled technology (CNC milling), creating an industrialized
product that allows its universality, mass production and easy assembly and disassembly.
The space can be extended or compressed, depending on the needs of the user. When compressed, it
behaves like a piece of furniture or a shelf. When extended, it becomes a living space that contains
everything necessary to fulfil its different functions, such as office/stud, 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 architects experiment with minimal space, equipped and designed to the millimetre so that each
experience is unique and comfortable. Through two modules connected by a folding structure, the space
is modified by compressing or decompressing it. The back module is made up of a "shelf" with everything
necessary for the use of space, chairs, tables, drawers, shelves, etc. In addition, it contains all the
facilities that each user determines, such as a sink, lighting, electrical outlets, electrical switches, etc. IWI
allows its use “On-grid” or “Off-grid”, depending on where it is located. The front module is the entrance to
the space and slides on wheels, unfolding the accordion-type structure, which is covered with a canvas
textile.

In this specific case, IWI sits on a terrace in the north of Quito, facing west, with views of the slopes of the
Pichincha volcano. Its specific use is a studio or workplace. The space has everything necessary for a
workplace for two people. The back module contains all the necessary elements and furniture for its
function. This module contains two tables, two chairs, space for a printer, drawers, a shelf and also a
cafeteria space with a hidden sink. It also includes electrical and water installations, ready to connect to
the existing network.

The space of the terrace is not lost, it is transformed, changing the exterior or interior space depending on
the activity that is carried out. The cabin can be fully extended, providing space for 2-4 people. It can be
extended to half, leaving outdoor space for any other outdoor activities. Or it can be completely closed to
be able to use all the outdoor space.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT:
Name of the architects: Juan Ruiz and Amelia Tapia
Website: www.iwi.design
Social media: @iwi.ec
Project’s localisation: Quito, Ecuador
Date of the original building: December 2022
Date of delivery: January 2023
Studies duration: overall, the ideation, construction system development and manufacturing process
took 1 year

Construction duration: 1 month for this first prototype. IWI can be manufactured in 2 weeks and built-in
2 days
Building area: 8,5m2 extended and 2,4m2 compressed
Construction’s price: You can purchase an IWI, from 7950 USD
Materials:
Cypress (cladding, front door frames and accordion ribs)
Plywood (furniture, back and front modules)
Glass (front door)
Sheep wool (floor and walls insulation)
Cork (envelope water barrier and heat insulation)
Furniture: The 2 chairs and 2 tables that can be stored in the back module were also designed by us.