Architecture

Off-grid cabin lets you escape civilization in style

Off-grid cabin lets you escape civilization in style
The cabin is named Gapahuk, which is the name of an improvised Norwegian shelter
The cabin is named Gapahuk, which is the name of an improvised Norwegian shelter
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The Gapahuk's interior is laid out on a single floor and there's a total floorspace of 90 sq m (968 sq ft) available
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The Gapahuk's interior is laid out on a single floor and there's a total floorspace of 90 sq m (968 sq ft) available
The cabin is named Gapahuk, which is the name of an improvised Norwegian shelter
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The cabin is named Gapahuk, which is the name of an improvised Norwegian shelter
The Gapahuk is available now in kit form, starting from 1350,000 NOK (roughly US$156,598)
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The Gapahuk is available now in kit form, starting from 1350,000 NOK (roughly US$156,598)
The Gapahuk's interior includes a bathroom with toilet and shower, a second small toilet, and three bedrooms
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The Gapahuk's interior includes a bathroom with toilet and shower, a second small toilet, and three bedrooms
The Gapahuk can be configured to operate fully off-the-grid and Snøhetta says that its sloping roof is ideal for attaching solar panels
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The Gapahuk can be configured to operate fully off-the-grid and Snøhetta says that its sloping roof is ideal for attaching solar panels
The Gapahuk's interior layout
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The Gapahuk's interior layout
View gallery - 6 images

It's not often you get the chance to own a home designed by a leading architecture firm, but a recent collaboration between Snøhetta and Norwegian purveyor of leisure homes Rindalshytter makes it possible. The Gapahuk cabin comes in prefabricated kit form and can be configured to operate on or off-the-grid.

The Gapahuk takes its name from a simple Norwegian shelter sometimes built by hikers to sit out rough weather – the same shelter that inspired Cabin Ustaoset. Inside, there's a total floorspace of 90 sq m (968 sq ft) available, all laid out on one floor.

This floorspace is divided between three bedrooms (one master and two slightly smaller), a bathroom with toilet, sink and shower, an additional WC, and a large common area that includes kitchen, lounge, and dining table. There's also a covered porch and plenty of storage space for outdoors gear, wood, and the like.

Though all we have are a few renders to judge from, the layout and design seems well thought out, and the combination of simple unfinished wood and generous glazing lends a luxurious vibe.

The Gapahuk's interior includes a bathroom with toilet and shower, a second small toilet, and three bedrooms
The Gapahuk's interior includes a bathroom with toilet and shower, a second small toilet, and three bedrooms

Snøhetta is keen to stress that the Gapahuk is both flexible enough to be installed practically anywhere and tough enough to stand up to Norway's challenging weather.

The firm also says the cabin's sloping roof provides protection from high winds and sun, and that the roof is ideal for mounting solar panels for those who wish to go off-the-grid.

We've no word on what other off-grid tech is available, but with heating duties handled by a wood-burning stove, it should be a relatively simple matter to add composting toilets and water tanks, for example.

The Gapahuk is available to purchase now in kit form, starting from 1350,000 NOK (roughly US$156,598), not including construction.

Sources: Snøhetta, Rindalshytter

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