An intermediate space

"The only thing that's different is the scale. In terms of the design concept I haven't moved very far away from architecture." This is the kind of answer you often get when you ask architects about their design activities. In recent years the Cologne architect and designer Eric Degenhardt has limited himself to the smaller scale, creating designs for manufacturers such as Wilkhahn and Richard Lampert.

However, at this year's imm cologne Degenhardt presented 'Landed', the prototype of a prefabricated house, in cooperation with Richard Lampert. A step back in the direction of architecture? "This micro-architecture brings architecture closer to product design. It occupies a space which lies between elements – between living and transport, between water and land, between the sky and the mountain", says Degenhardt. 'Landed' is a mini habitat, a retreat which only contains the absolute minimum structure for living.

In its dimensions and functions 'Landed' can in fact be related to both architecture and furniture design, in that it gives the impression of a giant, walk-in piece of furniture. Degenhardt's hybrid design accordingly describes a development which has become a major feature of both disciplines for a number of years now: the search for new typologies, for flexibility and freedom from a fixed locality. In the process, minimising the weight and dimensions of material is an important starting point.

'Landed' will probably be available on the market from 2010.