Facts:
Description:
the Architects
Text description by
Pine Nut Cabane, designed by Daab Design, is a timber-clad retreat set within a pine forest and olive grove near Marseille, France. Created for a multi-generational family, the cabin serves as a guest studio, artist's workspace, and rural escape. Its design prioritizes flexibility and a deep connection to its natural surroundings.
The minimalist design, with its simple volume and use of local materials, references traditional regional farming architecture. The cabin is intended as a subtle, understated space that enhances the client's favorite spot on their property, a place for painting and playing pétanque.
The 35 m² cabin is carefully positioned on a rural property outside Marseille, hidden from both the main farmhouse and local roads. It is oriented to the east to capture the gentle morning sunlight and offer expansive valley views. A dense pine forest on the south side provides natural shading from the intense Mediterranean sun.
The cabin is clad in scorched pine, a durable, locally sourced material that allows the structure to blend with the forest landscape. The interior features a combination of light plywood panels, matte-black surfaces, and polished concrete floors. This provides a tranquil, balanced atmosphere that contrasts with the bright outdoor light.
The design incorporates deep eaves, high-spec double glazing, and cross-ventilation to minimize heat gain and keep the interior cool naturally. The polished concrete floor is integral to the thermal heating and cooling strategy.
The cabin's open-plan layout can be reconfigured with full-height matte-black doors to create a central corridor or two private bedrooms. A central, matte-black pod contains the bathroom, which features a cave-like shower with terracotta zellige tiles. An east-facing terrace with a fire pit provides an outdoor seating area with panoramic views. Built-in storage and desks ensure the space remains uncluttered and functional for various activities like yoga, painting, or sleeping.
Project credits
Architects: Daab Design.
Director: Anaïs Bléhaut.
Builder/Contractor: Moustache Bois.
Landscape Design: Tamaris Design.
Photography: Henry Woide.
Masonry/Ground Works: Joos.
Glazing: Technal.
Tiles: Art & Sud Marseille.
Interior Furniture: Vitra.
Exterior Furniture: Fermob.
Team
In This Project:
Presentation / Gallery:
.
Plans & 2Ds:
Materials Used:
More Projects by
Daab Design
About
Daab Design:
Daab Design is a London-based architectural practice led by Anaïs Bléhaut and Dennis Austin, known for their focus on collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable design. The firm tackles a diverse range of projects, from residential to large-scale master plans, combining a respect for context and heritage with innovative and detailed craftsmanship. They approach each project by drawing on their extensive international experience, emphasizing clear communication and creating long-term value for clients and society.
