Modern Escapes

Space of Mind

Meet a modular cabin that can be placed just about anywhere in the world.

A cabin in the woods provides a place to escape, find peace of mind, or connect with nature—particularly if you reside in a bustling urban center for most of the year.

With many people spending the last two years in lockdown and various forms of isolation, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, a little escape can go a long way.

Space of Mind—designed by Finland’s Studio Puisto—is a reimagined cabin for people to think, recharge, and unwind. It was initially developed in response to the pandemic, as many people were spending much more time at home than they ever had before. The architects wanted to redefine the collective notion of a “home away from home” to reflect the limited range for travel.

The modular 10-sq.m cabin can be sited anywhere—a backyard, a rooftop terrace, or even a nearby forest—and situated almost anywhere in the world. It’s light enough to be transported by crane or helicopter with a resilient foundation that supports almost any site.

The architects—aware that peace of mind looks different for everyone—considered this aspect when designing the structure. Versatility and adaptability are integral to the design. The outer wooden structure has a simple, universal appeal, while the interior can be modified to suit individual needs and preferences. In one application, a gym; in another, a home office. Custom furniture attaches to the rungs in the interior.

The cabin is also an exemplar in showing efficient use of space. The architects wanted to convey in the design how even a minimal space can offer individuals the headspace to enjoy what matters most.

Not insulated, Space of Mind allows a connection to the raw, natural elements and ever-changing weather conditions. Constructed of ecologically sourced Finnish wood, the mass timber cabin can withstand even the harshest of Arctic winters and remain aesthetically cozy and nest-like inside through its warm wooden tones and colors.

ARCHITECT Studio Puisto

Helsinki, Finland

PHOTOGRAPHY Archmospheres, Marc Goodwin

London, England

The Hermitage

A cabin in Italy provides a place for quiet reflection.

The Hermitage, a prototype from architectural firm Llabb, is built using a simple, modular system that responds to environmental and social needs. It exemplifies minimalist living and a relationship to the outdoors.

Made entirely of wood, the 12-sq.m cabin, located in Trebbia Valley, Italy, is designed as a space for contemplation and introspection. It’s left up to the individual to decide its function: a studio, a retreat, a teahouse, or a guesthouse.

Though the rectangular structure stands off the ground, it leaves no permanent footprint on the ground, as no concrete was used. The construction is supported by four metal brackets, fitted with wide 60 x 60 cm bases, which rest on sandstone beds. The four legs are composed of six paired wooden elements.

Horizontal plywood walls enclose the cabin on three sides. The fourth side extends into a terrace separated by four full-height glazed panels, one of which can be opened. The fenestration follows the modularity of the brise-soleil that surmounts the terrace, which, in turn, continues the roof structure. There is a small horizontal window on the southwest side. The entrance door is accessible through a small boardwalk.

The boards of the three exterior walls are mounted in such

a way as to leave a gap that produces a filter effect. Where the walls enclose the interior space, this gap is filled with thin, slightly protruding profiles.

At the floor level and at the top of the structure, cornices run uninterrupted, projecting from the walls and delimiting the composition.

“The simple modularity of the structure makes it easily scalable and adaptable into different compositions. The basicness of construction, the minimal impact on the land, and the use of natural materials that can be easily sourced locally enable a respectful installation in natural contexts,” says Luca Scardulla, co-founder of Llabb.

At the entrance level, a countertop runs along the entire right wall and serves as a seat, a desk, and storage space. The third level, to which one descends after going through the entrance, defines the largest surface area and extends onto the terrace. The wall that encloses the tiny bathroom accommodates a foldout bed that, when open, hovers above the sofa.

“We paid special attention to the design of the interior space. Minimal and flexible, with the expansive glass wall facing the terrace, the space feels light and contemplative. The interplay between different levels offers the possibility to better manage storage spaces and technical compartments, while contributing to the definition of a graceful atmosphere,” says Federico Robbiano, co-founder of Llabb.

The walls, floor, and ceiling were pre-assembled and composed of 70 panels of weather-resistant Okoumè marine plywood (approximately 2 tons). The façades are mounted on spacer battens to create an air gap between the façade and the walls, improving the insulation. The roof is made of corrugated sheet metal. Above it, there are two photovoltaic panels, connected to a storage battery.

The Hermitage is designed to be completely off-grid. There is a compostable toilet and water canisters. However, the structure can easily be connected to a sewer system and water supply.

ARCHITECT Llabb

Genoa, Italy

PHOTOGRAPHY Anna Positano, Gaia Cambiaggi