Green and flexible

'Green' and flexible

MILAN (IT) - Vancouver-based molo design has earned itself an international reputation with its experiments with new materials and spatial concepts, in particular their 'soft' line, a modular system of flexible honeycomb structures made from textile (non-woven polyethylene) and kraft paper. The 'soft' elements can be used to construct complete and very flexible interiors – walls, furniture, lamps, the lot.

The concept for this interior design line is derived from the studio's 'softhousing' project for the homeless. The concertina-shaped textile room, which can be stretched and compressed, offers a novel solution to homelessness: the single-occupancy rooms can be easily and temporarily placed inside existing buildings. Softwall, softblock, softseating and softlight are based on the same principle although they are not intended specifically for the homeless. 'The soft collection combines abstractly poetic, sculptural form and pragmatic function to create spaces for modern life,' the molo design website explains.

An important aspect of this system is its flexibility. It allows for serial reuse and the materials are recyclable and ultra-light while also being tear-, water- and UV-resistant. What's more, the simple DIY walls and furnishings are actually attractive.

Molo's innovative system was on show at Face to Superstudio during the 2010 Milan Design Week. (Kirsten Hannema)