Tiny Houses

Raised timber cabin comes with its own built-in slide

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The Columba is situated in a rural area of Portugal, between two old pine trees which provide shade
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
The Columba is situated in a rural area of Portugal, between two old pine trees which provide shade
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
The Columba is raised above the ground on wooden stilts, creating a shaded spot below for dining
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
The Columba's simple wood shutters help control the amount of daylight that permeates within
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
The Columba's upstairs bedroom is reached by a non-movable ladder that's attached to the wall
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
The Columba includes a small bathroom with a shower, sink, and a composting toilet
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
The Columba's kitchenette is very simple and includes a sink, shelving, and some cabinetry
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
The Columba's upstairs bedroom opens onto a rooftop deck area
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho
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Madeiguincho is best known for its tiny houses, such as the Adraga and Baleia, but also designs cabins and treehouses too. Its recently completed Columba serves as a family retreat in rural Portugal and packs in some neat features, including a small slide at the entrance and a rooftop deck area.

Though described as a treehouse by Madeiguincho, the Columba is not actually attached to a tree like a typical treehouse. It is, however, shaded by two adjacent pine trees.

It was primarily constructed using timber and is raised above the ground on wooden stilts, creating a useful covered space for family meals. The cabin is accessed by steps, and in a surprising twist, the designers have embraced their inner child and added a fun way for folks young or old to get down to the ground – a short metal slide.

The interior is reached through a small porch area, and has a wooden decor that's broken up by cork, while simple wooden shutters help control the amount of daylight inside. The 260 sq ft (roughly 24 sq m) of available floorspace is mostly taken up by one large room that serves as a combined living area and bedroom, with built-in bench seating and a basic kitchenette with sink and cabinetry, plus a dining area and some seating.

The Columba's kitchenette is very simple and includes a sink, shelving, and some cabinetry
Joāo Carranca/Madeiguincho

Elsewhere on the main floor of the Columba is a bathroom with a shower, a small stone sink, and a composting toilet.

Additionally, a ladder in the main living space leads up to a second bedroom upstairs. This looks pretty snug but is topped by a removable roof section, plus a wall slides open to provide access to the rooftop deck area, offering a place to enjoy superb views of the surrounding landscape and watch the sunset.

Source: Madeiguincho

View gallery - 7 images
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1 comment
TomLeeM
I think that is really neat. I wish there was a handrail on the stairs. I think it would make it more appealing and safer.