Designed by Austrian architect Christian Tonko and completed in 2022, Cabin MM01 is a modular and minimalist vacation home in the rural, alpine landscape of Carinthia, Austria. The 25-square-meter cabin, which is complemented by an equal-sized terrace, was created as a base for a couple to enjoy outdoor activities. The project is a testament to sustainable and flexible design, with a structure that is both easily transportable and leaves no lasting trace on its site.

The cabin is a study in efficient and elegant micro-architecture, based on the standard dimensions and frames of shipping containers. Its name, "MM01," is a tribute to Malcolm McLean, the inventor of the modern shipping container. This design approach allows the cabin to be transported easily by a standard truck and installed on-site using removable screw foundations. When the cabin is relocated, the site can be fully restored to its original state.

The compact 25-square-meter internal space is efficiently divided into four equally sized zones: a bedroom, a living/workspace, a kitchen, and a bathroom. An equally sized, covered terrace extends the living area outdoors, providing a shaded space to enjoy the surrounding forest. The terrace is oriented to the north for optimal shading and privacy. Expansive glazing lines the front of the cabin, connecting the interior with the outdoors and making the space feel larger than its physical footprint.

The MM01 cabin combines high-quality, durable materials with clever space-saving techniques. While inspired by shipping containers, the cabin is built from specially constructed metal frames and highly insulated panels for superior thermal performance compared to typical metal containers. Despite its small size, the cabin features modern conveniences, including a full kitchen with a dishwasher and a washing machine. A desk with a foldaway screen can be pulled out from under the bed, transforming the area into an office when needed.

Project credits

Architect: Christian Tonko.

Photography: Christian Brandstätter.