Since starting his architecture studies, Facundo Ochoa has always been ‘thinking, designing and prototyping small, mechanical and portable cabins.’
The architect and co-director NODO•Arquitectura + Naturaleza moved from Argentina to Australia in 2017, and not long after began designing what would become the first ever Kabina.
Facundo created Kabina in collaboration with cabinetmaker Nicolas Urien to be as sustainable as possible. He explains, ‘It was important for us to rethink the way of building in order to allow architecture to become part of a circular economy… So, if the cabin doesn’t fit your needs anymore, you can disassemble it, take it with you, or sell it.’
The simple appearance and assembly of the cabin is a product of the complex design system. ‘The hard part was the design and prototyping,’ says Facundo. ‘This system was created to make things easy on site, with no power tools.’
The 3.6 metre long cabin can only be made using a CNC machine that precisely cuts 40 pieces of marine structural plywood. ‘This allowed us to create unique pieces in order to create a unique interlocking system and an operable A-frame,’ says Facundo.
Computerised machining ensures every cut is the same with no room for error, thus minimising waste.
Aesthetically, Kabina resembles soft bumps found in any landscape with the aim of ‘disappearing’ into the landscape to appear as a boulder, a termite mound in the desert, or a sand dune on the beach. The curved roof is functional, while softening the look of the overall design.
Once constructed, each Kabina is flat packed ready to be transported to site. ‘Being flat packed allows us to move pieces separately and assemble in remote areas or part of the land, where vehicles can’t get in,’ says Facundo.
Kabina can be assembled on site by three people in under four hours, and disassembled in two. The interlocking system means no power tools, screws or nails are required.
The first Kabina has been assembled for a private client on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Facundo is interested in licensing Kabina with potential partners. Future designs will see the brand expand with new shapes and sizes, including a bathroom and kitchenette.
Facundo says, ‘Kabina fits in the world of natural escapes: retreats, a home office, spare bedroom during a renovation, a DJs cabin… It can be whatever you need!’