Design Cubed

The sexiest mobile home on the market

April 11, 2007—Self-styled Hollywood renegades like Matthew McConaughey notwithstanding, most people don't actually choose to live in a mobile home. Werner Aisslinger's Loftcube is the latest in a design-forward, eco-friendly movement that's hoping to change that. Aimed at people "who like to be in nature while still enjoying all of the comforts they like," in the words of company spokesman Christian Friedrich, the pods are designed to be equally at home in the unspoiled wilderness or perched on an urban rooftop. (Large, energy-efficient windows offer equally panoramic views of either environment.) While the customizable glass, timber, and steel spaces are far from spacious—sizes range from roughly 400 to 550 square feet—each includes a bathroom, kitchen, and quarters for work or sleep. Intrigued? You can see a version next month in Aisslinger's home base of Berlin. Or, head to next week's Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, where the Loftcube makes its official debut. "For us, Milan is not just a furniture fair, but also a big party," Friedrich says. This year, it's shaping up to be a house party.

Salone Internazionale del Mobile, April 18–23, Cosmit Spa, Foro Buonaparte 65, Milan, +39-02-725-941, www.cosmit.it; Loftcube, www.loftcube.net