UK-based, modular, sustainable architects Koto Design in partnership with the New Art Centre have released a multifunctional and carbon neutral cabin for on site or off-grid living. 

Koto has created the first cabin in a series of modular cabins that serve as places of deep work and mediation, contemplative rooms and immersive spaces to connect with the surrounding nature. 

Each of these upcoming designs will be available both on and off the grid and at various sizes and price points to allow a range of products to hit the market and the new cabin can be purchased from Koto's website starting from £26,000 price. 

"We want to disrupt how we see the conventional work office and have created a truly inspiring space that enhances the landscape giving people privacy with direct access to nature," said Zoe Little, Founding Partner at Koto.

This first released structure, in partnership with the New Art Centre assumes an elegant and functional sculptural geometric form with large glazing that frames views of the garden. 

The angular cabin is entirely made of timber construction, the structure is entirely natural and carbon neutral. "To accomplish the distinctive geometric form took many hours of meticulous detailing, working closely with Koto’s fabricators," said the studio.

The cabin's charred timber exterior draws from the studio's Japanese design influence and the ancient Japanese philosophy Wabi Sabi, focused on accepting the transient nature of life and the beauty in imperfection.

"Brancusi stated that “Architecture is Inhabited Sculpture”; to honour and celebrate this thinking the New Art Centre commissioned Koto to design a sculptural cabin," said Lewis Dalton Gilbert, Creative Director at New Art Centre.

"The cabin acts as a functional piece of fine art and sits comfortably next to sculptures by Richard Deacon and Michael Craig Martin at the New Art Centre Sculpture Park. Kotos’ inaugural piece sensitively pairs the outside surroundings with a multifunctional space that can be used by all. This limited edition work perfectly encapsulates Brancusi’s sentiment."

As a reflection of the partnership with New Art Centre, this first space draws inspiration from the sculpture gardens and the New Art Centre and is imagined as an inhabitable space within the setting of the landscape and the surrounding works of art. 

"Wabi-sabi is the perfect remedy to today’s hectic pace and obsession with perfectionism. Inside the wooden sculpture, light is refracted from many angles of the structure to evoke a sense of shelter and warmth," said Theo Dales, Founding Partner at Koto.

Koto recently revealed two new net-zero homes which are now available for efficient, sustainable construction in the United States, in collaboration with a US-based company Plant Prefab.

Koto Studio, co-founded by Zoe, Johnathon and Theo, designs modular houses, cabins and sculptural small buildings, with each one drawing inspiration from Scandinavian design and culture.

All images © Edvinas Bruzas

> via Koto Design