Vancouver's Leckie Studio Architecture + Design recently launched the Backcountry Hut Company, to offer modular cabins that come flat-packed and are put together like a piece of furniture from Ikea. Still in the design stage, the cabins will be able to run on or off-the-grid with solar power, and will come in multiple configurations.
The cabins will come clad in a metal shell and be offered in several sizes. The smallest will measure just 191 sq ft (17 sq m) and sleep up to four people. The largest will come in at a palatial 937 sq ft (87 sq m) and sleep up to 24 people.
Inside, the cabins will include a lounge, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, and one or more bedrooms, spread over two floors. They will also be offered in two main configurations: Backcountry, which will allow full off-grid use in rural areas, and Frontcountry, which will be erected in semi-rural or built-up areas and serve as full-time homes.
The firm envisions the Backcountry models as being relatively utilitarian and outfitted with bunk beds, while the Frontcountry models would be a little more plush, reflecting their use as full-time homes.
The Backcountry Hut Company says that assembling one of its cabins would be similar to putting together a piece of Ikea furniture (except without confusing instructions and that one crucial missing part, we assume).
The firm also says that rather than requiring a team of professional builders, a group of handy types could get together and build the cabin themselves, likening the process to an old-fashioned barn-raising gathering.
Off-grid tech slated for the cabins include a roof-based solar array and composting toilet. Delivery to the site can be handled by truck, an off-road vehicle, or a helicopter, depending on the terrain.
We've no word yet on price. In addition, finer details on the materials, thermal performance and the like will be available in the coming weeks. The first cabin is due to be constructed sometime next year.
Source: Backcountry Hut Company
