New Zealand-based firm Copeland Associates have unveiled a gorgeous prefab timber cabin designed to provide a soothing off grid escape for those in need of a little quiet contemplation. Located on a green-carpeted hillside in Taihape, New Zealand, the AB Studio Cabin is made out of prefabricated CLT panels and clad in corrugated metal sheeting, a feature that pays homage to the the traditional farm buildings found in the area.
The tiny cabin design was largely driven by the incredibly idyllic location, which is a south-east facing slope that looks out over the town of Taihape, stretching out to a majestic mountain range in the distance.
Related: An angular timber cabin is hidden inside an ancient mountain forest
To get a feel for the natural setting, as well as to study the sun’s movements, the architects camped out on location before creating their cabin design. According to the architects, living on site for a few days inspired them to create a nature-inspired retreat that would be used as a peaceful art studio, as well as a base to explore the expansive landscape.
To create a sustainable design that would reduce its impact on the landscape, the design team decided to use prefabricated CLT panels. The precision-made panels were used to construct the entire structure, from the walls to the flooring and roof. Keeping waste to a bare minimum, even the joinery on the doors and built in furniture was made out the off cuts from the panel manufacturing.
The cabin was assembled on site in just two days. Set on a grid of timer piles, the structure is elevated off the ground to reduce its footprint on the landscape.
The envelope of the cabin is clad in corrugated metal sheeting, a nod to the traditional farm buildings found in the area. The light hued exterior also helps to absorb solar flair and manages to camouflage the cabin into its natural setting.
Walking through the prefab tiny home‘s open-air wooden deck, the interior space is bright and airy with wooden walls and a massive front window. The main area is a compact room with a mezzanine sleeping platform suspended at one end. An L-shaped sofa lines the wall while a large dining table holds court at the center of the room. A compact kitchen with the basic amenities is on the other side, directly under the mezzanine. A wood-burning stove keeps the interior warm and cozy during the winter months.
A staircase leads up to the master bedroom, which is located on a loft-like space. An additional guest room in a flexible area comes with an “observation turret” that allows for prime star-gazing before drifting off to sleep.
+ Copeland Associates Architects
Via Archdaily
Images via Copeland Associates Architects
