A microretreat with a minimal footprint has been realised in the wooded hills of northern Hungary. NestOff is the project of architect and interior designer, Péter Kotek, who worked with cabin fabricator Tajga-Depo to realise the project. The cabin, which features a deck, hot-tub and sauna, demonstrates how considered and comfortable design can be realised through prefabricated and sustainable means. 

Construction and materials

Nestoff consists of two black timber vertical board cabins—a self-contained cabin and a sauna—connected by a tiered deck. The modular cabin, which measures just 20 square meters, was prefabricated with timber off-site to reduce material waste and construction time. In place of traditional concrete foundations, the cabin sits on a reversible ground screw foundation system. This method minimises the kind of excavation required for building, and allows the structure to be relocated easily in future with minimal impact to the existing site.

Interior and floorplan

The compact floorplan of the design can accommodate two people comfortably, with a double bed, dining area, kitchen and bathroom. The interior is clad in birch plywood, which gives a sense of tactility and brightness to the space. Large windows provide panoramic views across the hills of Cserhat, opening the cabin to the wild surroundings and bringing the outdoors in.

Heating and cooling

The thermal strategy in NestOff is based primarily on simple, local systems complemented by a HVAC system for winter. An eco-certified wood burner is the main source of heating for the compact, highly insulated timber envelope, keeping operational energy demand low. Cooling is addressed through a ventilated facade system that helps regulate heat gain and moisture levels.

Water system

NestOff operates with an off-grid water system that operates in a closed loop. Potable water is sourced on-site, removing the need for external mains connections and the associated energy and infrastructure demands of centralised supply. Wastewater is treated on-site with a non-electrical purification system, allowing water to be processed locally without reliance on external sewage networks or continuous operational energy. These systems reduce infrastructural load and align with the project’s low-impact and self-sufficient design approach.