Cabin in the woods

Project idea

The context in which this Microhome is located is next to a river, in dense woods with no roads or other infrastructure nearby. The location is on the river West Morava in the vicinity of Čačak, in the mountains without strong winds and much rain. With cold winters and hot and humid summers, this climate is suitable for wooden prefabricated panels. The house is oriented to the river with a beautiful view and to the south, so it is always filled with light. Cross ventilation is enabled through window above the stairs (see longitudinal section).

The materialization of the house is inspired by the traditional vernacular architecture of this area. These houses were made out of timber with a basement that served as a pantry.

Project description

The house has three floors - basement, first floor consists of living, cooking and bathroom area with additional storage under the stairs, and the top floor, which is much smaller, is for sleeping area. Furthermore, the house is raised from the ground for one story height due to the increase in the water level of the river. This area is used to store septic tank, biodigester, hot water boiler, battery and system for collecting and cleaning river water. Moreover, the house uses mini hidroplant for energy production as well as solar photovoltaics and solar collectors located on the roof.

Technical information

The building footprint (the space it occupies on the ground) is 23,39m2/, whereas the total living space (living room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, bathroom, closet and bedroom) not counting the walls, amounts to 24,89 m2/. The house itself is made out of wooden prefabricated panels except for the structure that raises the house of the ground which is made out of green concrete - concrete made out of the waste from different industries. The windows used are triple glazing windows that were previously intended for other facilities but were the wrong dimensions, and therefore were meant to be thrown away. Thick insulation made out of mineral wool is needed due to cold winters, and also wood itself acts as an insulation material. All the furniture and the pontoon are made out of recycled wood. The house uses LED lights for lightning due to their low energy impact and good color reproduction. Their color temperature is 3500K emitting yellow light which is associated with living area.