Maximizing usable space – Elastic Living creates space where and when it is needed. By means of an easy to use manual or electrical mechanism, moveable furniture modules slide together or apart, quadrupling everyday living space. When a room is not occupied, its space is added to the room currently in use. Elastic Living can be installed in any interior space (min 20m²) and geometry. Sufficient space remains for individual design, so that a personal atmosphere can be achieved. It may sound like interior design, but in its implication, Elastic Living is a relevant contribution to contemporary urban development.

The philosopher Peter Sloterdijk has said „“... we ask ourselves why there are no simple floor plans which one can use in one way and later in another, for example, in that the furniture is pushed aside. And where a kitchen is a kitchen if one needs it to be; but otherwise it is neither there nor a kitchen. These are ideas, however, that are not even being approached in current major furniture exhibitions“ (Magazine: Fair 04-2009)

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Elastic Living is possible in both new and existing constructions: from permanent living, for example in public housing, to the luxury segment and holiday living space. As a temporary usage solution for vacant properties, it also answers questions related to our day and age. This new living facility has no thresholds, is barrier-free and adaptable, making it suitable for people of all age groups and abilities.

elastic_LIVING® was distinguished with the Austrian State Prize "Outstanding Artist Award - Experimental Trends in Architecture 2014".

AFFORDABLE LIVING

The cost of leasing and purchasing respectively are based on the size of the living space. If we take 40 m² as an example, the usable space with Elastic Living becomes 160 m². Every section of the total surface area is expandable, and unused areas can be minimized by sliding them together. The added space is fourfold, but the area paid for and heated is only 40 m².

HOMEOFFICE

is a sensible approach for reducing traffic volume and energy consumption. The classic office job with mandatory attendance is being replaced; today every fifth employee is performing job-related tasks at home. The question is no longer if people work from home, but rather how they want to work from home. An office, or several work stations, can be opened in an Elastic apartment, and it will not be noticed that someone also lives there. Additionally, the tax advantages can be checked with simple arithmetic: the explicit double use adds up as the activities take place concurrently, and office hours can be included in the calculation of operational use.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Energy efficiency is a central argument for Elastic Living. One needs to heat, cool, ventilate, light and clean a space of only 40 m², but occupies a much larger area. Heating, cooling, ventilating, lighting – all installations are for one room only.

URBAN PLANNING

On a net surface of 160 m², FOUR apartments can be built, each consisting of 160 m² usable living surface - a reduction in built area of 75%. The converted space is also reduced accordingly. This type of building development can be integrated to scale in districts, with the built areas exhibiting a healthy population density and thereby enriching the urban space both socially and economically. Building density remains the same, but the number of apartments is quadrupled, leaving more space for the community. Expansion into green areas is limited, and the problem of land grab counteracted.

ELEMENTS

Lech

The luxurious apartmentment hotel Kar in the skiing ressort Oberlecht was equiped with an Elastic Living Unit. Glossy technical surfaces contrast the dark brown wooden boards, an open fire place and large dining area create a subtly luxurious ambiance in the stunning surroundings of the Austrian Alps. Photos: Darko Todorovic

Schlossbräu Dornbirn

Affordable living is the priority in social housing. Elastic Living makes generous living possible on 50 m². The tenant is very happy.

Wald Wohn Werkraum

The key to future living is unused space. The mobile living box is temporarily implanted in unused barn houses in the Bregenzerwald area of Austria. www.wald-wohn-werkraum.com Photos: Dietmar Stiplovsek

 

Awards

• outstanding artists award - Experimental Tendencies in Architecture, Austria, 2014
• Nominated for the "Mies van der Rohe Award 2009", Barcelona. 2009
• Vorarlberger Holzbaupreis 2009 „Innovative Applications of Wood“ (1. Price)
• 1. Preis Architektur Biennale BAB Bukarest, 2008
• 1. Preis "Freiraum 02", Wien, 2004
• 1. Preis "Sichtsitze" zur 100-Jahr Feier Dornbirn, 2001

Exhibitions

• "Getting Things Done" Worldwide Travelling Exhibition, 2015
• "outstanding artists award" AZW Wien, 2014
• "I Saloni - interiors of tomorrow!" Milano, 2013
• "artBodensee" Dornbirn, 2011
• "Das Spiel der Mächtigen" MAK Wien, 2010
• "Architecture Biennale" Bukarest, 2010
• "Wohnbaumodelle weltweit 9x9" vai Dornbirn, 2009
• "Architekturbiennale BAB 2008" Bukarest, 2008

Press

• Neue am Sonntag, 26.7.2009
• Vorarlberger Nachrichten, 22.9.2012
• Salzburger Nachrichten, 5.10.2013
• Der Standard, 10.10.2015
• ST/A/R 48, 2015

Kontakt

E-Mail: mail@elastic-living.com
Mobil: +43 699 12802840
Tel: +43 5572 28284

Technical Details

• Energy Efficency Statement
• Taxation Example

elastic_LIVING® is copyright protected. All rights reserved by Arch. Angelo Roventa.