Completed in 2021, Cabin Solena by Desterro Arquitetos is a 28-square-meter micro-dwelling and retreat located on a rural property in Flores da Cunha, Brazil. The clients sought a refuge that would allow for a deep connection with nature. The project is composed of two distinct volumes and is focused on immersing guests in the surrounding natural environment, which includes fruit trees, a small creek, and local wildlife.

The main volume of the cabin features a gable roof that extends nearly to the ground, with floor-to-ceiling windows at either end providing expansive views of the natural scenery. Inside this space, a bed and a small kitchenette are arranged, along with a wood-burning stove for heating. A skylight in the roof allows for both daytime and nighttime sky viewing. A smaller, attached volume contains the bathroom, which also features a floor-to-ceiling window to connect the user with nature while showering.

A commitment to integration with nature is highlighted by the architects' decision not to install blinds or curtains, allowing for a direct experience of the weather, time of day, and sounds of the outdoors. The program extends outdoors onto a deck, which features an outdoor table, grill, and a wood-fired hot tub. The use of fire is a key element of the experience, utilized in the hot tub, grill, and indoor stove. The entire interior is clad in wood, and the structure is supported by a metal frame that touches the ground at minimal points to respect the terrain.

Credits

Architects: Desterro Arquitetos (Arthur Lins, Felipe Cemin Finger, Vitor Sadowski, David Sadowski)

Photography: Geórgia L. Thomé

Location: Flores da Cunha, Brazil

Year: 2021

Manufacturers: Garimpo Moderno, Isover - Saint Gobain, Lorenzetti, Metavilla, Tramontina