The Moxy 5.5 House: An Innovative Living Design Blending Simplicity, Flexibility, and Sustainability
Studio 5.5 and the Transformation of Everyday Products into Innovative Living Design
The Paris-based Studio 5.5 launched a unique initiative by transforming Moxy’s everyday products into furniture pieces and installations. This initiative created a new living space characterized by flexibility and adaptability. The project was showcased during Milan Design Week. It served as a practical model for utilizing simple, accessible elements in a cohesive architectural design.
Flexible Units and Innovative Components
The home consists of six flexible units, each containing a set of elements made from Moxy products such as storage boxes, baskets, hangers, and kitchen tools. Among these innovations are chairs made from drawer sets, screen doors crafted from box lids, shelves built using wooden trays, and a creative kitchen sink made from a plastic basin.
Encouraging Creativity and Production Efficiency
The project aims to promote a culture of craftsmanship and personal innovation. Founders Claire Renard and Jean-Sébastien Blanc provided detailed step-by-step plans for creating 12 unique pieces. These guides allow anyone to locally recreate these pieces using pre-existing products, thereby reducing overproduction and minimizing waste.
Innovations in Home Accessories by Moxy
The ready-to-use Moxy collection demonstrates how classic products can be transformed into innovative, multifunctional home accessories. Examples include a magazine cart made from file organizers. Another example is a creative birdhouse crafted from an inverted drawer. Shelves can be built using wooden trays, and a lamp placed inside a storage bin. Additional creative details include a bell formed from an upside-down bowl and spoon. There is also a coat rack assembled from breast pump bottles and trash bin lids.
Designing Integrated and Specialized Home Units
The Moxy 5.5 house was exhibited during Milan Design Week in an indoor garden in the Brera district. It consists of six interconnected units arranged in a linear sequence. The design emphasizes matching each unit’s size with its function. The first unit features a bathroom equipped with a wooden bathtub inspired by Japanese style. The second unit serves as an entry terrace, featuring built-in seating that provides shoe storage. It also includes custom hangers for hats and coats — striking a balance between practicality and innovative design.
Central Units: The Kitchen and Flexible Work Area
The central units of the Moxy 5.5 house include the kitchen and a multifunctional area that serves as both a workshop and a dining space. The kitchen features a compact pantry equipped with stackable jars. It also includes wall-mounted metal grids used to hang pots, pans, and utensils. These features maximise space efficiency and ensure easy access to essential tools.
Sleeping Area and Plant Cultivation
The sleeping area is designed with a traditional Japanese tatami mat floor. It is enhanced with cushions for added comfort. The final unit is dedicated to shelves planted with edible greens and herbs. This combination merges elements of relaxation, sustainable living, and self-sufficiency.
Design Flexibility and Sustainability Principles
This modular design is highly adaptable; the number of units can be reduced to three or four depending on varying needs. This reduction makes the home flexible and responsive to different lifestyles and priorities. Sustainability plays a central role: the structure is raised off the ground to prevent moisture, and walls are insulated using recycled fabric blocks. The sloped white roof reflects sunlight while capturing rainwater. This reduces the home’s environmental footprint while offering a practical and comfortable living environment.
Design Philosophy: Simplicity and Flexibility in the Face of Urban Challenges
The philosophy behind the Moxy 5.5 house reflects values of humility and frugality. There is an emphasis on creating a calm environment amid the noise of the city and the limitations of small spaces. The modular design of the house allows for easy addition or removal of prefabricated units. This gives users the freedom to adjust the size and interior layout according to their lifestyle and personal needs.
The Future of Modular Design at Moxy
According to a Moxy representative, this model may be released to the market in the future, joining the company’s lineup of prefabricated homes. This lineup includes the “Yō no Ie” indoor-outdoor house introduced in 2020, and the “Moxy Hut,” launched in 2017 and still available in Japan. This development highlights a growing shift toward flexible, sustainable housing solutions that meet the demands of modern living.
