Cabin Devín
Twenty square metres above a vineyard, off the grid.
One of a kindIt had to stand exactly where the old container stood, without mains power or water.
An old storage container stood above this vineyard. The architects could replace it, but had to keep the same footprint and position, without connecting to mains electricity or water.
Architect Martin Mikovčák takes us through Cabin Devín, a prefabricated retreat designed by Ark Shelter and ARCHEKTA. Terraces fold down, glass walls slide away, and the small interior opens to views of Devín Castle, the Danube and Austria.
Built in a factory, the cabin makes use of every centimetre. A staircase hides in the cabinetry, a pendant light moves between the dining area and the sleeping loft, and a skylight lets guests fall asleep beneath the stars.
Beneath the floor, water tanks and batteries support life off the grid. Solar power works alongside gas backup for winter, while the terraces fold up to close the cabin when guests leave. On misty mornings, Martin describes waking above the valley as being on a boat, surrounded by a sea of fog.
Off the grid
Water tanks and batteries under the floor, solar power with gas backup for winter.
Every centimetre
A staircase hidden in the cabinetry, a light that moves, a skylight over the loft.
Open and closed
Terraces fold down to open the cabin and fold up to close it when guests leave.
Watch Cabin Devín.
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