Architecture

Floating off-grid micro-cabin built to withstand extreme temperatures

Floating off-grid micro-cabin built to withstand extreme temperatures
The off-grid floating micro-cabin is named DD16
The off-grid floating micro-cabin is named DD16
View 21 Images
The off-grid floating micro-cabin is named DD16
1/21
The off-grid floating micro-cabin is named DD16
Access to DD16 is usually gained by boat
2/21
Access to DD16 is usually gained by boat
DD16 does have a front door if you prefer not climbing in the window like a burglar
3/21
DD16 does have a front door if you prefer not climbing in the window like a burglar 
DD16's interior measures 16 sq m (172 sq ft), while the veranda measures 7 sq m (75 sq ft)
4/21
DD16's interior measures 16 sq m (172 sq ft), while the veranda measures  7 sq m (75 sq ft)
DD16 is currently installed in a lake near Moscow
5/21
DD16 is currently installed in a lake near Moscow
DD16's bathroom has a door for privacy
6/21
DD16's bathroom has a door for privacy 
You can just about see DD16's kitchenette in this arty shot
7/21
You can just about see DD16's kitchenette in this arty shot
DD16's bed has integrated storage
8/21
DD16's bed has integrated storage
This is certainly a novel way to catch fish
9/21
This is certainly a novel way to catch fish
DD16 is accessed by boat
10/21
DD16 is accessed by boat
DD16's interior measures 16 sq m (172 sq ft), while the veranda measures 7 sq m (75 sq ft)
11/21
DD16's interior measures 16 sq m (172 sq ft), while the veranda measures  7 sq m (75 sq ft)
DD16's kitchenette and dining table
12/21
DD16's kitchenette and dining table
DD16's bedroom
13/21
DD16's bedroom
DD16's frame
14/21
DD16's frame
DD16 is designed to be easy to transport
15/21
DD16 is designed to be easy to transport
Installing DD16
16/21
Installing DD16
Installing DD16
17/21
Installing DD16
DD16's generous glazing makes the most of the view
18/21
DD16's generous glazing makes the most of the view
DD16 is currently being used as a rental unit while it undergoes further testing
19/21
DD16 is currently being used as a rental unit while it undergoes further testing
DD16 is currently installed in a lake near Moscow
20/21
DD16 is currently installed in a lake near Moscow
DD16's interior layout
21/21
DD16's interior layout
View gallery - 21 images

A cabin by the lake is pretty appealing, but how about a cabin on the lake? Russia's BIO Architects has developed a prototype floating micro-cabin that's designed to be used in remote locations and withstand extreme temperatures. Named DD16, it also runs off-the-grid with a solar power setup.

The prefabricated dwelling – which can also be installed on terra firma – has a total floorspace of 16 sq m (172 sq ft) inside, while its veranda measures 7 sq m (75 sq ft). It sits on pontoons which allow it to float and can be helicoptered or craned into position.

Access is currently gained by rowing a small boat across a lake near Moscow, where the cabin has been located since last November. Inside, it includes a main living room area, with an adjacent kitchenette and dining table. A bedroom is also nearby, while the bathroom is set to one side. A wood-burning stove helps keep away the chill.

DD16's bedroom
DD16's bedroom

"The frame is made of laminated wood with a milled ports," explains BIO Architects. "The ports helped to decrease the weight and cold bridges and gaps. Polyurethane foam is used as an insulation, the rigidity of which helped to decrease the weight of inner finishing materials. The exterior finishing is made of composite aluminum sheets which allowed [us] to make seamless surface from the top to bottom."

The cabin gets all power from a solar array and water is drawn from the lake (presumably with a pump, though we're not sure if it's filtered too). The toilet is a composting model. We've no hard figures on its insulation performance, though surviving a Russian winter certainly speaks well for its durability.

DD16 is currently being used as a rental unit while it undergoes further testing and seems like it could be a good fit for those looking for a prefabricated cabin in isolated areas – assuming the price is right if and when it reaches production.

Source: BIO Architects

View gallery - 21 images
6 comments
6 comments
jerryd
We've been doing that in Florida forever and most places really. Look up shanty boat, houseboat. I use to own a spot at Houseboat Row in Key West and built, maintained some of them. An excellent way for low cost housing as can be made for $3k in materials and used on water or land. A very cheap way to live in many cities either docked or anchored. And like her in Florida with so many floods because idiots built on flood plains and sea level rise, having a home that floats is a good idea.
Bill S.
First of all, the "privacy glass" isn't. Second, not an inviting interior, too stark, and lastly.....what if you are a sleep walker? I see a problem.
jerryd
We've been doing that in Florida forever and most places really. Look up shanty boat, houseboat. I use to own a spot at Houseboat Row in Key West and built, maintained some of them. An excellent way for low cost housing as can be made for $3k in materials and used on water or land. A very cheap way to live in many cities either docked or anchored. And like her in Florida with so many floods because idiots built on flood plains and sea level rise, having a home that floats is a good idea.
Douglas Bennett Rogers
This would be a very good earthquake resistant structure, as it is light and needs only vertical support.
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really nice. I think it would make for an excellent retreat where one would want to get away from it all.
Bob Stuart
How do they keep the floats from getting crushed in the ice every winter? How about access during the months when the ice is too much for a boat, but too thin for a pedestrian?