In the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gávea Arquitetos designed a series of retreats known as Zero Cabins. Completed in 2022, Cabana Zero is the prototype for 11 shelters built to serve a spiritual retreat program inspired by the Indigenous traditions of the Peruvian Amazon. The architects approached the project with a strong emphasis on low-impact construction, ensuring a minimal disturbance to the forest both during the process and in the project's long-term environmental presence.

Constructed on challenging terrain, Cabana Zero is a modular wooden structure elevated from the ground. This design choice minimizes the alteration of the topography and simplifies the overall construction system. Reusing materials from an old shed on the site, the project features treated pine walls and avoids electricity and hot water. It also incorporates a dry toilet system, reflecting its off-grid, low-impact philosophy.

The cabins are designed to be temporary, eventually meant to revert to the forest, mirroring the impermanent human occupation of the natural landscape. The aesthetic reflects a duality in how the cabin relates to its occupants and the surrounding environment.

The interior features natural pine, contrasting with the exterior's black-stained wooden verandas. This creates a deliberate abstraction that immerses occupants directly into nature. Large openings allow for ample natural light and ventilation, reinforcing the connection between the interior and the exterior.

In addition to the cabin itself, the project includes the restoration of native vegetation around the site and the creation of trails that allow access to specific areas of the forest without causing damage.

Credits

Architecture: Gávea Arquitetos

Location: Areal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Photography: Pedro Kok