COCOON Freelancer: A Mobile Living Space Redefining Sustainable Design
The COCOON Freelancer, developed by AttiaDesign in collaboration with Weidlich Moon-Wood Manufactory, represents an innovative approach to mobile living that prioritises sustainability, material innovation, and minimalism. This mobile living space is crafted entirely from untreated wood, free of glue, chemicals, and plastics. By avoiding synthetic materials, the COCOON Freelancer creates a pure indoor environment that promotes health and well-being, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional living spaces.
Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Modern Innovation
The design draws inspiration from traditional Alpine houses and Japanese temples, known for their longevity and durability, which have lasted for centuries without chemical treatment. At the heart of the COCOON’s design is the use of moon wood, a traditional timber-harvesting technique with a legacy dating back centuries. Moon wood is harvested during the coldest winter months, specifically during the waning moon phase leading up to the new moon. During this period, trees are in a state of sap rest, where water is tightly bound within their cells, significantly reducing shrinkage, swelling, and warping during drying. Additionally, the reduced sugar content in the wood during this phase makes it naturally resistant to fungi, insects, and other pests. This eliminates the need for toxic chemical preservatives, ensuring a safe and sustainable material for construction. The durability of moon wood is exemplified in the ancient temples and mountain huts built with this method, many of which remain intact and resilient after centuries.
Mobile Living for Modern Nomads
Weighing under 3.5 tonnes, the COCOON Freelancer is designed to be driven with a standard Category B licence, making it accessible and practical for modern nomads, freelancers, and adventurers. Its lightweight yet robust construction allows for easy transport while maintaining exceptional structural stability. The interior features a functional and versatile layout, including a transformable bed-lounge workspace, storage solutions, a compact TinyStove, a gas kitchen, and a stainless steel water system. Every element is designed with precision, combining efficiency and usability while maintaining an organic aesthetic free of plastic components.
Health and Comfort Through Natural Materials
The untreated wood construction provides additional health and comfort benefits. It eliminates the release of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring a more healthy living environment. The breathable wood prevents mould and window fogging, maintaining fresh air quality and enhancing the overall indoor climate. Moreover, the structure offers significant shielding from electromagnetic radiation, with tests showing a dramatic reduction in EMF levels inside the COCOON compared to typical urban environments. These features, combined with natural daylight integration, create an interior that promotes restful sleep, well-being, and harmony with nature.
Innovative and Sustainable Exterior Design
The COCOON Freelancer’s exterior design is equally innovative, with smart weather protection features. The untreated wood develops a natural grey patina over time, making it resistant to water and UV damage while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. The structural design includes dilatation joints, allowing the wood to expand and contract without cracking, and an optimised geometry that ensures durability during transport. Advanced vacuum glass technology provides superior thermal insulation, combining energy efficiency with lightweight construction. Solar panels integrated into the roof further enhance the COCOON’s sustainability by generating over 900W of power, supporting its energy-independent design.
A Testament to Sustainable Design Excellence
This project reflects AttiaDesign’s commitment to sustainability and material innovation. Every detail of the COCOON Freelancer, from its careful material selection to its construction techniques, embodies a respect for nature and a vision for sustainable living. The design has been recognised with awards, including honourable mentions at the AMP Architecture MasterPrize 2024 in Transportation Design and the BLT Built Design Awards 2024 in Interior Design.
Source: V2com
Photos: AttiaDesign