Made of metallic polyester, Basic House is a tiny, self-inflating prefabricated home. As soon as it interacts with either body temperature or heat from the sun, the inflatable shelter transforms from a flat sheet of material to an insulated home that provides shelter against the elements. If it’s warm outside, it is possible to turn the house inside out so that it deflects solar gain.

The product is designed to create a more immediate and less complicated interaction with nature. With economic downturns, population growth, and dwindling space creating a widespread reversal of basic values, the lightweight tent-like structure provides a cosy low-impact shelter that can be set up in a snap, well-suited to emergency and post-disaster applications.

Designed by Martin Azua, Basic House has been part of the MOMA permanent collection in New York since 2007.