There's something timeless about the classic A-frame cabin and while handy types can build their own from scrap materials for as little as US$700, the less DIY inclined who would rather follow a plan and have the materials supplied to them have another option with the Den Cabin Kit. Costing $21,000, the kit is claimed very easy to build over two or three days.
Though we've reported on hardcore tiny house enthusiasts who have lived in even smaller homes, the Den Cabin Kit is definitely intended as a simple retreat and contains no toilet or running water, for example, so it would be a good fit as guest bedroom, holiday rental, overnight retreat or similar. One can't help but notice that high cost so we quizzed Den Outdoors on its pricing and the firm says that its kit stands out from others on the market as it has been carefully designed from the ground-up to be as easy to build as possible.
"Unlike other cabin kits out there that are just pre-cut dimensional lumber packed alongside some basic construction materials, the Den Cabin Kit goes miles further," Den Outdoors founder Mike Romanowicz told us over email. "Under the hood, we have components that are cut with CNC precision, a design that slots together intuitively, and a kit so complete even the door hardware is included so you won't need to make any trips to the hardware store.
"The cabin bolts and screws together and all the holes are pre-drilled making for fast assembly. There are no nails in the construction so you could take it down if you wanted to and move it if the first place you picked wasn't the right spot. Even though it's 'semi-permanent' in this regard it's no less a building and can withstand the harshest elements, with four season compatibility. It comes flat packed on a truck for you to immediately begin, and our team even packs all the materials in the order you need them in your build. Just take from the top of the stack and go."
The cabin measures a snug 115 sq ft (10 sq m) and consists of a timber frame, with the exterior finished in either black or silver metal, or natural wood. There are no surprises inside, with a single small space that can be fitted with two beds or one double bed and some seating, for example, a wooden finish, and a large window framing the view (the door is situated on the opposite side to the glazing). It also has an operable window and air vent.
For those who would like to run it off-the-grid or in all weather, there are optional extras including "four season" insulation, a propane-powered heating system, a solar panel system, as well as furniture and more.
Though the firm is looking to offer the Den Cabin Kit elsewhere, at the moment availability is limited to the USA and Canada.
Source: Den Outdoors
I think it would be great as a place for homeless where they help to put it together / assemble it.
I think it would be great for out of the way camp areas where one can hike to it and rest over night. Perhaps have a common area where one has facilities.
Looks like the kind of thing I'd have loved in my 20's, but at my age, I'd like a little more luxury with no stairs. But it does look like "your own youth hostel".