In the heart of Yunnan’s picturesque countryside, just outside Eryuan Botou Village, LIN Architecture has transformed a once-humble pumping station into a breathtaking observatory. The Concrete Pavilion, completed in November 2023, pays homage to its historical roots while embracing a contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural beauty.
Originally serving as a vital pump house for water and electricity, the structure now stands as a symbol of transformation and resilience. The architects carefully examined the multifaceted roles of the pump house, extracting cultural elements from its surroundings and skillfully weaving them into the architectural fabric. The result is a harmonious dialogue between the pavilion and its natural setting, where sloping roofs, shadow walls, and diverse windows embody vernacular elements that resonate with the region’s heritage.
With a modest building area of 50 square meters on a 100 square meter site, the Concrete Pavilion offers a variety of observation experiences. The external facade serves as a static guide for villagers, evolving in different states as one travels through the landscape. Internally, the space is intentionally divided and centered around a large staircase. Suspended platforms, sloping sidewalls, half-arched ceilings, and low side windows provide distinct perspectives of the landscape, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the ever-changing surroundings.
The design acknowledges the unpredictable weather of Yunnan, allowing natural elements to play a significant role in the building’s appearance. The choice of materials, including concrete, steel, and wooden planks, was deliberate, considering both functionality and the structure’s interaction with the environment. Thick clouds reflecting on the walls, radiant sunlight illuminating the material, and rain turning the skin of the structure into a canvas for the sky all contribute to the ever-evolving aesthetic of the Concrete Pavilion.
Symbolism played a key role in the synthesis of this architectural masterpiece. The angular design invites visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscapes, while suspended platforms bring them closer to nature. The carefully chosen materials ensure the structure’s resilience, allowing it to evolve with the weather conditions. The narrow skylights and geometrical openings provide captivating views of the sky and the surrounding countryside, making the Concrete Pavilion not only a physical structure but also a window to the region’s rich heritage.
LIN Architecture’s Concrete Pavilion in Yunnan’s countryside is a testament to the transformative power of architecture. By honoring the past while embracing modern design principles, the pumping station turned observatory stands as a symbol of harmony between human ingenuity and the beauty of the natural world. As visitors traverse its spaces, they are not only treated to breathtaking views but also to a profound connection with the heritage and landscape of this enchanting region.
Dubbed the Harudot Cafe, this unique-looking structure in the beachside town of Chonburi, Thailand is designed by local studio IDIN Architects. The building is highlighted by gabled forms clad in blackened wood which are curved, and subtly pulled apart, to form a “dynamic and memorable” space for the cafe brand Nana Coffee Roasters, and the owner of the property. The curving form of the cafe was inspired by the owner’s “particular interest in unique plants”.
The Harudot consists of three interconnected buildings which hold a meeting room, kitchen, and toilets. The various rooms have been arranged in a rectilinear form to the north, while the seating area is situated to the south. The southern structures hold circular areas of planting, wherein the gable roofs pull open, allowing natural light to stream in from above. This unique roof opening also allows a large baobab tree to grow!
“The building is separated into smaller masses to make it more human-scale, which established different zones such as the bar, coffee drinking zone, a lounge, a meeting room, and restrooms. The giant gable roof form of each mass is pulled apart at certain parts, allowing the tree to penetrate through a void to the sky creating a semi-outdoor space underneath. It appears as if the seed of the baobab has been planted long before and grew out through the architecture as time passes,” said IDIN Architects.
You are welcomed into the two curving structures via large triangular entrances that accommodate full-height glazing incorporating doors that connect the various external seating areas to the interiors, forming a well-connected and free-flowing space. Although the three forms are distinct and separate on the outside, internally they are connected via large arched openings. The stone floor is marked with flowing lines and embedded text, which builds a serene sense of continuity.
Harudot’s exterior is quite appealing, as it is clad in vertical blackened timber planks that accentuate the cafe’s curving form, which contrasts with the pale timber and black furniture and fittings. The entire identity of the cafe is inspired by Japanese design, which IDIN Architects describes as “humble simplicity with attention to details”.
2024 is around the corner, and we’re having a look at some of the exceptional architectural designs we covered in 2023. If you’re searching for a cozy and quaint cabin to get away to and relax, then you’ve reached the right spot. Cabins are by far the best type of vacation I’ve come across. They’re a peaceful and tranquil option to abandon your urban life and woes, and simply unwind in nature. If you’re wondering where to head for your next cabin retreat, then you can refer to this collection of beautiful and super cozy cabins that we’ve gathered. They’re the perfect haven nestled amid nature, providing you a break from your everyday hectic life – and we’ve curated our best cabin designs from 2023 for you!
1. Space of Mind Cabin
Dubbed the Space of Mind cabin, this 100-square-foot prefab cabin was designed by the Finnish architecture studio Studio Puisto during the pandemic. It is an adaptable cabin that can be built almost anywhere and used as a garden office, or an off-grid holiday retreat.
Why is it noteworthy?
What makes the Space of Mind cabin unique is that it is modular, and can be used as a garden office or an off-grid holiday retreat as mentioned earlier. It is a flexible space designed to offer people a home away from home, making them feel comfy no matter what.
What we like
It features a modular structure that can be utilized for various functionalities
What we dislike
There isn’t any option or alternative to customize the interior of the cabin
2. Kjerringholmen Cabin
Called the Kjerringholmen Cabin, this unique cabin in the Hvaler archipelago occupies 63 square meters and has a cozy and spacious appeal that instantly makes you feel at ease. As you enter the cabin, you are welcomed by an airy and calming vibe that is rarely seen in homes.
Why is it noteworthy?
Kjerringholmen is proof “that large houses don’t necessarily mean more quality of life. In just 63 square meters, with smart planning, it still has plenty of usable space,” said the studio. Although it occupies only 63 square meters, it is a spacious home supported by steel pillars, while being surrounded by a dusky rocky landscape.
What we like
The cabin perfectly merges with the natural landscape, which offers a surreal ambiance
The cabin is designed to support a smart way of living
What we dislike
The home may go unnoticed by birds, and they could crash into it since it merges so well with its surroundings
3. The Romotow
Dubbed the Romotow, this one-of-a-kind trailer features a fixed chassis that supports the rotated closing living unit. The trailer can swivel around at a full 90 degrees to form a fully functioning cabin with an extra outdoor living space.
Why is it noteworthy?
During transit, the 30.5ft Romotow remains closed, however, when it is stationed for overnight camping, the main living unit with panoramic glass windows on both sides can be swiveled, creating two sections – a large deck, and a sleeping/living cabin.
What we like
Equipped with a 395W solar panel on the roof which supports an off-grid lifestyle
What we dislike
The trailer needs to rotate a complete 90 degrees, and that free space may not always be available, which can be inconvenient
4. Shiship Cabin
Dubbed Shiship, this stunning seasonal cabin is built from a repurposed shipping container. Designed by Repère Boréal, this cabin is located in Quebec, Canada, and the name translates to ‘duck’ in the indigenous Innu language.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cabin is a modern and contemporary version of a wilderness cabin, and it is equipped with space-saving custom-made furniture designs, and other smart features. It is 31 feet in length and 8 feet wide and is clad with durable cedar wood planks, which form a thick frame, and offer the space a natural and contemporary aesthetic.
What we like
The kitchen and bed are connected via a built-in wine rack, which also doubles up as a night table, uniting the two space
What we dislike
The cabin is a bit cramped, and not well-suited for bigger families
5. The Nest
Called the Nest, this stunning property in Hocking Hills, Ohio is designed to enjoy and experience the natural beauty of the hills. The cabin is quite comfortable and cozy, specifically the living room, which is excellent for movie nights with your family and close friends!
Why is it noteworthy?
The cabin features an outdoor patio with a DIY suspended bed which is made with a recycled trampoline, that is an excellent spot to lounge about in. The Nest features a unique layout that gives the impression that the space is bigger than it is. This makes the cabin stand apart from other tiny homes on the market.
What we like
Features a unique and innovative layout that makes it seem much more spacious and airy than it is
What we dislike
Not everyone may like the barn-style door since it is quite old-fashioned and doesn’t provide much privacy
6. Hideaway House
Called the Hideaway House, this lovely little home is tucked away amid nature, providing a surreal and secluded cabin that is ideal for a weekend getaway. You can only access the home through a tucked-away road at the base of the mountain, hence making it a bit difficult to reach.
Why is it noteworthy?
Nestled on a 52.7-acre private mountain, the Hideaway House is a blackened timber cabin that is surrounded by lush green ancient forests, creating a living space with a vibrant and enticing connection to nature, making it the perfect fit for a peaceful vacation.
What we like
The home has access to stunning views of British Colombia’s Gulf Islands
It has a lovely indoor-outdoor connection to nature
What we dislike
The home is quite difficult to get to since only a tucked-away road leads to it
7. White Rock Cottage
Dubbed the White Rock Cottage, this stunning elevated cabin is nestled on a forested hillside in Nova Scotia. It is a cozy cabin that is wrapped in corten steel and occupies almost 1500 square feet in a lush green five-acre property in Gaspereau River Valley.
Why is it noteworthy?
This surreal cottage is blessed with views of the valley as if it is neatly perched on a steep incline. You can enter the home via a tight driveway, and a grave footpath, but you may need to climb it slowly, and it can take quite some time to reach.
What we like
Functions as a serene space for residents to connect with nature
What we dislike
It is an elevated cabin, hence it might be inaccessible for some people with physical disabilities
8. Trakt Forest Hotel
The Trakt Forest Hotel in Småland is a collection of five lovely and cozy suites that are supported by five stilts, which gives the visitors the impression that they’re chilling amongst the tree canopy! It is designed to “put nature in focus”, and the cabin is accompanied by a restaurant and sauna in the complex.
Why is it noteworthy?
While building the cabins, the studio wanted to create minimal disturbance to the surrounding landscape, and hence they positioned the suites on steel columns placed on concrete plinths. The cabins were constructed using locally-grown wood.
What we like
Allows you to chill amongst the tree canopy
Built using locally sourced wood
What we dislike
Deserves a gallery/balcony to improve the experience
9. Casa Monoculo
This stunning contemporary home is called the Casa Monoculo and was designed by Alan Chu. It is nestled above a densely forested area of Eldorado and is elevated above the ground, providing a unique and innovative twist to the concept of treetop living.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is not simply an ordinary treehouse, it is spacious and modern, no different than any of the finely done villas you see today. It provides expansive views of the beautiful surroundings while creating a luxurious living experience.
What we like
Provides a luxurious and cozy treetop living experience with a unique twist
What we dislike
It doesn’t seem like the house can accommodate a large number of guests, better suited for smaller parties
10. NKN-18 Cabin
Nokken recently introduced the NKN-18 – a cutting-edge and revolutionary 18 sqm that provides versatility in the form of customizable options and accessories.
Why is it noteworthy?
The NKN-18 Cabin by Nokken is created for various configurations and features co-branded bespoke designs. The cabin is designed to be a plug-and-play solution that can meet the diverse needs and requirements of people.
What we like
The exterior can survive harsh climatic conditions
Robust and durable design
What we dislike
A minimal and simple cabin, so not very well-suited for those who prefer more amenities
A trend that grew ever so popular during the pandemic was “domes’. Sneakily enough, little garden domes started to rise in popularity during the pandemic, since a lot of people felt frustrated working and being cooped up in their homes all day long. Although offices, and the rest of the world, have started to open up now, somehow domes still manage to be a favorite amongst the people. We’re used to garden domes that function as cool home offices, but this garden dome by Hypedome is a home office…but also much more!
Designed by Hypedome, these garden domes are designed to function as office spaces, calm lounges to relax in, yoga dens, and even additional sleeping quarters if you like to sleep under the stars in the outdoors – without the fear of rain and snow. These geodesic domes were created to make indoor-outdoor living even more accessible, and to provide an indoor-outdoor space that lets you enjoy the beauty of nature without having to deal with its harsh side.
Made from solid polycarbonate panels, the hemispherical garden domes look like glass, but are in fact 200 times more durable and weather-resistant, and UV-protected as well. This provides protection to the furniture and other items placed within the domes. “Our goal was to create durable domes that would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens but also provide a practical living space that can withstand various weather conditions,” said Hypedome.
The innovative garden domes can be used all year round since you can easily heat them during the winter. And of course, during summer they’ll be a plush little lounge spot to spend your days in, allowing you to soak up the sun, but not too much of it. The garden domes come in three different sizes, with a crystal clear finish as the standard finish. You can also pick mirror, grey, and translucent finish options – they also add a bit of privacy. Hypedome says that the garden domes have a life expectancy of fifteen years, and once they’ve died down, they can be fully recycled, which makes this design worthy of some extra brownie points!
This stunning pool house designed by Spanish studio Baldó Arquitectura is called the Godai Pavilion, and it is characterized by a generous use of bamboo and an impressive overhanging roof. The pool house was created for a home located in rural Cantabria, in northern Spain. The structure is heavily inspired by Japanese design and features many of its unique details.
The Godai Pavilion was designed in accordance with the local climate, and to boast the natural materials used to build it. The pool house is built to the south of the site, in turn building an enclosed courtyard garden with other pre-existing buildings on the site. “The pavilion [creates] a dialogue between different architectures, with the pool as a central element and a link between the existing home and the new pavilion,” the studio said.
The name and design of the pool house are inspired by the Japanese philosophy of godai, which is based on the five fundamental elements – fire, earth, water, wind, and space. You can see the concept in the structure’s large roof, and the sheer transparency of the facades, which showcase the surrounding landscape. You can see that the facades of the structure make a slow shift from solid to void, and are covered with bamboo slats. The slats follow the Fibonacci sequence and are designed to offer privacy to the building and control the natural lighting. The pavilion was constructed using bamboo, which brings to mind the image of Japanese-style tatami rooms. The ceilings are also inspired by the art of origami.
The interior of the pavilion is marked by a triple-aspect living space, which leads to a timber deck, where steps take you to the pool. Besides bamboo other materials were also integrated into the pavilion such as cork, local pine, mineral rock wool insulation, and recycled oriented strand board panels.
Various passive design systems for solar and rain protection were also integrated into the structure, for example, a large roof that offers plenty of shade and reduces solar gain. “The local climate takes on a fundamental value, where strong winds, rain, and summer sun become protagonists,” explained the studio.
Designed by Sahabat Selojene, the Piturooms in Indonesia is one of the skinniest hotels in the world! It only has a width of 280 cm, and is an ingenious solution to combating a challenging and complicated inner-city plot. It is nestled in Central Java on a narrow site that is stuffed between an alleyway, a neighboring garden, and surrounding homes. This little space had a lot of potential, and the hotel owners wanted to turn the lack of space into a highlight, converting it into a unique skinny hotel!
Designer: Sahabet Selojene
Piturooms has a height of 55 feet and a length of 31 feet. It features a well-designed interior that accommodates seven hotel rooms, an entrance lobby, a compact lounge, as well as a small outdoor terrace area close to the top of the building. A crisscrossing staircase functions as the focal point of the space, with all the hotel rooms placed around it. There is a tiny elevator as well which is intended for luggage and disabled access. The seven hotel rooms feature different color schemes and house a double bed, TV, and bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet.
“With a size of only 2.8 x 3 x 2.4 m [9.1 x 9.8 x 7.8 ft], each room has the ability to provide an intimate shell of a primitive sleeping nest while still addressing modern living with its compact yet fully equipped amenities in its interior,” said Sahabat Selojene. “The addition of various original artwork in each room introduces an even more personal touch and acts as a starting point for each different theme.
Selojene connected the various rooms, floating steps, and the narrow corridor with grating as flooring to build a unique transparent and see-through effect inside the entire building. This gives the space a larger and more expansive feel, providing it with a certain openness. The openness also allows air streams to be generated between the external walls and the opaque canopy on every floor.
The Piturooms makes for a unique and comfortable stay in the heart of Central Java. If you’re interested in staying, you can book a room for almost US$55 per night.
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) had picked a longlist earlier this year for the 2023 House of The Year, followed by a shortlist in October. After much thought and speculation, the award was presented to Hayhurst and Co for its Green House in London. Deemed the best new home in the UK, the Green House is tucked away on a busy street in Tottenham, North London, and is designed to be a light-filled and lush green home for a family.
To build the Green House, the studio had to replace a dilapidated building in poor condition. The new structure is a contemporary, beautifully designed, and energy-efficient family home. It features a visually appealing facade that is built using sliding polycarbonate roofing sheets, which allow daylight to effortlessly stream into the home. This creates an open and free-flowing space that is filled with light and feels expansive and cozy.
The home was also built using sustainably sourced cross-laminated timber, as well as roof-based solar panels which reduces the home’s dependency on grid-based electricity. The entire home is heated by an energy-efficient pump system. It was the client’s and the architect’s mission to build a truly sustainable home, which can be seen in the various features and detailing of the home.
“Green House, affectionately known as the ‘Tottenham Riad,’ is a true oasis within the city,” said RIBA Jury Chair, Dido Milne. ”It is both airy and cozy, bold yet respectful of its neighbors. Your eye is simultaneously drawn upwards to the open sky and down and out across the living room to verdant greenery.”
The home has been filled to the brim with loads of greenery. It is arranged like a Moroccan riad, with a huge internal courtyard placed in the center. It also includes a first-floor balcony, as well as an atrium that encourages stack ventilation. The Green House is topped with a quaint rooftop terrace that functions as an idyllic space to relax in. The rooms of the home are quite spacious and expansive, which can be separated via curtains if need be, this provides the family with flexibility if circumstances and needs change in the future.
We discovered the beauty and magic of tiny homes a couple of years ago, and we’re happy to see it was an excellent discovery. Since then, tiny homes have gained immense popularity, and been experimented with to create even better, more beautiful, and functional designs. We saw a torrent of ingenious and thoughtfully designed tiny homes in 2023, and we’ve curated some of our favorites for you. These unique tiny homes are space-saving and eco-friendly, reducing the load on Mother Earth, while also managing to look as cute as a button. From a 3D-printed tiny home that has the same price tag as a car to the world’s smartest tiny home that expands up to 3 times its original size – these tiny homes will have you swooning!
1. Nestron’s Tiny Homes
Nestron’s range of tiny homes is pretty sleek and futuristic with a highly customizable and aesthetically pleasing prefab design. The range includes the – Cube One (C1), Cube Two (C2), and Cube Two X (C2X) homes that cost from $42.2k to $126.6k, depending on the configuration you choose at Nestron’s online showroom.
Why is it noteworthy?
The futuristic homes include solar electricity (or local electricity), heating, and a fully-equipped bathroom with a smart toilet. The interiors can be customized, and they’re quite stunning and ideal for sci-fi fans who want their own futuristic homes!
What we like
Almost everything is handled by Nestron – from logistics and transport to unloading
Built from recyclable materials
What we dislike
They’re not very spacious, even the most expensive option, Cube Two X, only offers 398 square feet of space
2. Pod Studio
Meet the world’s smartest tiny home called Pod Studio! Designed by California-based Podform, the Pod Studio is an innovative and one-of-a-kind tiny home that can expand up to three times its original size. It is built using steel and aluminum and features a solar awning energy system
Why is it noteworthy?
The original size of the Pod Studio is 161 square feet, and it can be converted to 454 square feet within 15 minutes! It is easily transportable and portable and doesn’t need any foundation, because of its built-in hydraulic legs.
What we like
Equipped with solar panels and smart technology that can be easily controlled through an app
What we dislike
It’s not out on the market yet, so we’re not sure what the final home will be like
3. Vagabundo Flex
This special little home is called the Vagabundo Flex, and it extends over two levels, thanks to an innovative automated lifting root system that provides the home with enhanced comfort and functionality. The unique home is constructed using timber framing, wood fiber insulation, and double-glazed aluminum windows.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features an innovative and unique design that supports the roof, allowing it to rise to a height of 20.3 feet, which creates a spacious and expansive interior that occupies 300 square feet.
What we like
Bulky elements have been smartly hidden in corners and cupboards
Equipped with essential amenities, including panoramic windows and timber furnishings
What we dislike
Hefty price tag as compared to other tiny homes on the market
4. Fujitsubo
Japanese construction startup Serendix unveiled ‘Fujitsubo’ – a small home priced at 5.5 million yen or around $37,600! Serendix says it takes almost 44.5 hours to print and assemble the home.
Why is it noteworthy?
This compact home is called the Fujitsubo, or “the barnacle”, and it occupies only 538 square feet, which is quite small when compared to the average American home, which happens to be five times large. The home is 3D-printed and houses one bedroom, a bathroom, and an open living room connected to a kitchen.
What we like
Costs as much as a car while offering essential amenities and features
What we dislike
It’s still in the conceptual phase, so we’re not sure how the final structure will turn out to be
5. Câpsula
This tiny homes concept is called Câpsula, and it is designed by architecture studio i29. Launched during Dutche Design Week 2023, these prefabricated cabins and tiny homes are inspired by design-led thinking and aim to be simple yet functional.
Why is it noteworthy?
The project is pretty small-scale but the plans and ambitions for it are quite large. The goal and intention behind the project is to promote slow living, and create the ideal cabin architecture with a couple of amazing options.
What we like
Influenced by the minimalist style of architecture
Equipped with top-notch amenities and features
What we dislike
The small footprint of the homes may be considered too small for some
6. Ecocapsule NextGen
A few years ago, Ecocapsule launched a unique egg-shaped off-grid tiny home which was a major hit! And, now they’ve released a new and improved version called the Ecocapsule NextGen. The Ecocapsule NextGen promises to be an upgraded and elevated version of the tiny home.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Ecocapsule NextGen is larger than the previous home, it has been expanded to 5.2m from 4.67m, which makes it bigger than the original version, while also allowing it to maintain a compact and efficient form.
What we like
Features a gull-wing door that makes the home more open to the outdoors
What we dislike
It’s not released on the market, so we don’t know what the actual final product will be like
7. The Nest
Dubbed the Nest, this tiny cabin is one of the short-term rental properties available at ReWild Rentals. Nestled in Hocking Hills, Ohio, the cabin displays the stunning beauty of the location to the guests. It features a unique layout that makes it feel much bigger than it is!
Why is it noteworthy?
The small house is clad in black board-and-batten wood siding, providing it with a modern and contemporary vibe which is further defined by a long sloping roof on one side, which also offers shelter to the outdoor patio.
What we like
Unique layout unlike the typical tiny homes, which makes it feel much larger than it is
What we dislike
The barn-style door can be considered a bit old-fashioned and doesn’t provide much privacy in the bathroom, which is inconvenient for residents
8. Sakura Tiny House
Designed by Canada-based Acorn Tiny Homes, the Sakura tiny house is intended to be a game-changer compared to typical tiny homes on the market. It doesn’t feature wheels, but instead is equipped with an innovative space-saving interior which includes a transforming bedroom and kitchen.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Sakura tiny home is breaking ground in the tiny home arena, by taking this popular housing style to a whole new and upgraded version. It is inspired by popular Japanese design trends, which can be even witnessed in its name.
What we like
Heavily inspired by Japanese design holistically
Features a flexible multipurpose space, making it truly one-of-a-kind
What we dislike
It can accommodate two residents and only two guests, and it could be a tight fit. Not the best option for families who like to host people
9. Browny
Coined Browny, this adorable-looking tiny home ranks high on versatility, as it can effortlessly and efficiently house a home office, exercise area, and a guest bedroom within a length of 6 meters, while also proving to be quite comfortable.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Browny is supported by a double-axle trailer and finished in red cedar, which is further accentuated by aluminum accenting and a roof. It is a great-looking tiny home with a generous amount of glazing to maximize natural light within the home.
What we like
Accommodates multiple amenities in a small space
Features integrated storage space
What we dislike
Doesn’t feature a proper kitchen and bathroom, which can be inconvenient for users
10. Samara and James’ Tiny Home
This 16-foot-long tiny home was designed by a lovely couple Samara and James, and is home to them. It features all the design ideas and moves you usually wouldn’t execute in a small space, making this tiny home a truly unique one.
Why is it noteworthy?
Although the interior and exterior have a dark theme, and there aren’t a lot of windows in the house, the home still manages to be quite spacious with a certain balance to it, while maintaining a serene connection to the site it is located on.
What we like
Inspired by Japanese design, especially by shou sugi ban
Features three modules, that can be moved and reconfigured if the home ever needs to be expanded
What we dislike
It only features an outdoor shower, which some people may not be comfortable with
Canadian designer Omer Arbel recently unveiled his latest project – a beautiful family home in a lush green hayfield in the Canadian Pacific Northwest. Named 75.9, the home is built using concrete, intricately and interestingly, featuring monumental trumpet-shaped columns. When it comes to creating structures, Arbel prefers to release control and allows the materials to take over, and naturally create the form, resulting in a mesmerizing interplay of materials and contemporary architecture.
“For 15 years, we’ve developed a method of working with materials at the scale of an object,” said Arbel. “This is the first project where we’ve had the opportunity to apply that same methodology at the scale of architecture.” The home is constructed by pouring concrete inside the columns. The columns are fabric formed with radiating ribs. A structure like this had never been constructed, hence the client only allowed Arbel to complete the entire home around the foundation, once the first column had been successfully installed.
The impressive concrete columns are the major elements of the home and lead to the creation of large and spacious interiors. The living room of the home has been segregated into four double-height volumes that are built using glass and cedar wood. This forms the living room, timber-framed bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen with a dining area, and modern bathrooms. The polished concrete flooring and pillars contrast against the timber furnishings and fixtures, providing a sense of warmth and comfort to the various interior spaces. Pendant lights from Bocci, the lighting company co-founded by Arbel, light up the spaces, illuminating them with subdued elegance.
The interiors are interspersed with large windows that allow natural light to flow in through the entirety of the day. Folding glass windows line one of the walls edging the dining zone, and it can be slid entirely to the side, allowing the space to open up to an adjoining timber outdoor terrace. A landscaped roof tops the home, and it is adorned with Magnolia trees that grow from the hollow tops of columns, allowing the home to effortlessly merge with its natural setting. “The hay field is treated as if it were a carpet, draped over the volumes of the residence in a series of berms, allowing the entire building roof to be traversed from the exterior,” Arbel concludes.
Lithuanian kitchen maker Konga used the hefty supply of offcuts they had to create their own line of prefabricated tiny houses. They used the surplus material to build a good-looking and minimal non-towable home that can run both on or off-grid. The dwelling has a pretty low starting price point of US$59,000. The home isn’t built entirely from offcuts, but they have been used in the construction of the tiny home’s kitchen.
The tiny home is designed by the Danish architect Mette Fredskild, and it is finished in charred wood, giving it a rather unique and appealing look, while also providing protection against insects. It also helps to preserve the home, while accentuating its distinctive appearance. Generous glazing has been applied to the home, and most of it is operable. It is a well-insulated home that can deal with the cold weather and snow loads quite efficiently.
The interiors are well-designed and inviting. They measure 28 square meters, which is covered entirely on one floor, and feature a shared open-plan living space. The walls of the home have been clad in wooden oak veneer panels and teamed up with oak flooring. The cabin is filled with natural light, owing to the generous amount of glazing.
The kitchen is amped with a lot of features and amenities. It showcases a fridge, sink, and propane-powered gas stove, with loads of cabinetry and shelving. There is also a living room area with a sofa, a small dining table, as well a wood-burning stove to provide warmth. Two bedrooms have been positioned on either side of the kitchen. One of the bedrooms can be transformed into a home office, with sliding doors being installed to offer some privacy if need be. Both the toilet and the bathroom with shower are located in different rooms. The home also accommodates a small utility room, as well as a couple of storage nooks that have been nestled away throughout the house.
The cabin runs from an RV-style grid hookup, but buyers can opt for an optional rooftop solar panel setup and rainwater collection system. The wood-burning stove can be connected to a hot water system as well. The tiny home features a freezing toilet, instead of a composting toilet, and it basically freezes waste, ensuring the space stays odorless.
