Off-grid Tiny Cabin

A humble corten-wrapped cabin for holiday getaways in the Kent countryside.

In response to our Clients' brief, we embarked on the design of a modest cabin, conceived as a serene escape for young urban professionals, seeking respite in nature. Our Clients required the creation of an inviting, generous space with the capacity to deliver breathtaking vistas while adhering to "road legal" dimensions – not exceeding 2.55 meters in width and 7 meters in length on standard car licenses. Moreover, they emphasised a commitment to off-grid living and sustainable principles, allowing guests to embrace a slower, more mindful pace of life during their holiday retreat.

Within this compact footprint, the central design concept revolved around the layering of space both functionally and physically through the employment of a change in level. By concealing a bed beneath an elevated kitchenette, the open living area would be transformed seamlessly into a bedroom at night. The space enjoyed a higher ceiling which accentuated its importance as the ‘hub’ of the cabin. The bed's footboard functioned as bench seating as well as storage for linen when the bed was not in use. A substantial picture window, framed by built-in joinery and a window seat, invited guests to stargaze or luxuriate in bucolic landscape views.

The result was a comfortable, '1.25-storey' metal-clad structure intended to sit lightly in the landscape. The cabin was equipped with a king-sized bed, discreetly stowed away during the day to grant unobstructed functionality to the living room.

To foster an ambiance of coziness, we incorporated a wood-burning stove; whilst a natural palette of pale birch plywood was employed to enhance a sense of spaciousness within the cabin's compact volume. These choices helped to evoke a close connection with nature and evinced a sense of warmth and comfort. The cabin also featured a functional kitchenette and shower, accessible via a step-up onto the bench seating in the living room. Both spaces would enjoy good aspects over the landscape.

Sustainability was a key aspect of the project. We envisioned the use of the Wikihouse system, which utilises FSC-graded wooden frames cut to precision by CNC machines and assembled by hand. Consideration was given to the orientation of the cabin for the sake of optimising solar gain and capturing the best views. Low-carbon materials such as sheep’s wool and woodfibre insulation, were planned. Being off-grid, solar panels were envisaged (away from the cabin) as well as a waterless loo and rainwater harvesting. We embraced eco-conscious practices throughout.

Our material choice for the exterior was both tactile and natural; Corten steel cladding possesses a timeless appeal and is durable against the harshest of weather conditions.

The project is presently on hold.