SEATTLE AVENUE

How to use structures that already exist to maximize living spaces. That’s a question that quite handsome German designer, Werner Aisslinger, had in mind when he envisioned Loftcube - a minimal mobile home unit designed for rooftop living. At his site, be sure to go to The Story and The Concept!

Werner’s view of Berlin from his 5th floor studio inspired an idea of rooftop communities inhabited by urban nomads. Flat roofs of high-rises could be used as a space for temporary living. Not many designers take advantage of the design potential on top of buildings. This is an opportunity to create a wonderful skyscape.

Werner is an international name in the area of furniture design. Working with another furniture designer came the idea of nomadic architecture, designs with portability in mind.

The rooftop aspect of the Loftcube makes portability a challenge. Plumbing and heating within the unit would require an extension of the host building’s utility lines making it also a parasitic architecture. Transport would be by freight helicopter or the modular shell could be dismantled and transported. There are challenges but Loftcubes weren’t thought of as a solution to any problem. Loftcubes started out as an experiment. It was a vision for a new way of living that Werner and the designers he worked with fell in love with and are trying to make work.

Loftcube was first exhibited in Berlin. It has traveled to Amsterdam and will find itself atop a roof of a department store in Paris. Seattle is not on the calendar.

Werner and his studio are exploring options for Loftcube. There’s been a lot of interest from people wanting it not only for their roofs but for their gardens and waterfront properties, too.

Learn more about Werner Aisslinger at Studio Aisslinger.

Each month I’ll introduce you to another player in the Small House Movement. Share these ideas with your friends and dream up some of your own.