The "Cabin ANNA" is a versatile and innovative prefabricated dwelling designed by Dutch designer Caspar Schols. It is an evolution of a garden house Schols originally created for his mother in 2016, which was celebrated for its reconfigurable, sliding layers. The design allows inhabitants to interact with nature by adjusting the cabin's shells to suit different weather conditions, occasions, or moods.

The cabin is defined by its two main sliding "shells" that move on a rail system.

Outer shell: A protective, insulated wooden layer made of sustainable Accoya wood.

Inner shell: A transparent glass layer featuring high-quality, double-glazed windows.

This dynamic design allows for several different configurations:

Fully closed: Both the wooden and glass shells are closed to create a cozy, insulated space.

Glass mode: The wooden outer shell is retracted to reveal the inner glass shell, offering panoramic views while remaining protected from the elements.

Open-air: Both shells are slid open to fully expose the interior to nature, creating an open-air living platform.

The flexibility enables residents to live with the elements rather than against them, fostering a deep connection with nature.

The modular design is built on a wooden platform and relies on high-quality, natural materials. The structure draws inspiration from railway station trusses, relying on the side walls for stability. Minimal ecological impact is ensured through a screw foundation, which allows the cabin to be disassembled and relocated without a trace.

The interior features birch plywood, creating a warm, light-filled atmosphere. A fixed section of the cabin houses essential facilities, including a kitchen, shower, toilet, and storage space. A loft provides a second sleeping area. Some versions of the cabin include a sunken bathtub integrated into the floor, which can be concealed when not in use.

Cabin ANNA can be equipped for off-grid living with a fire-heated boiler, a solar energy system, and a water treatment system.

Project credits

Designer: Caspar Schols.

Company: Cabin ANNA.