BIO-architects' DUB modular wooden cabin nestles in russia

‘DUB’ cabin forms a wooden frame of prefabricated modules

BIO-architects assembles ‘DUB’, a luxury single-family cabin house in the Russian woodland, utilizing factory-produced modules. The construction consists of volumetric modules, in which all the interior decoration, electrics, plumbing, and possibly even furniture are pre-fabricated. All the components are delivered by trucks, and installed with a crane in a single day on-site, while the final exterior finish requires a longer process period. The project opts for the combination of the environmental friendliness of a wooden house with modern technologies. The entirely wooden frame and finishing of the house combined with effective insulation, modern equipment, and engineering solutions achieve an efficient structure for a comfortable suburban life.

all images courtesy of BIO-architects

open layout allows natural flow between areas

Designed for a single family, ‘DUB’ assembles a master bedroom, rooms with high ceilings, and a spacious living room in an open layout configuration. A large amount of glazing in the construction allows spatial connection with the natural environment and visual continuity between the indoor and outdoor zones. The design team at BIO-architects attends to the natural flow and circulation between areas avoiding large partitions and corridors.

The exterior remains neutral and minimal delicately integrating into the natural landscape. The design follows a prototype of a wooden barn incorporating simple materials in combination with large glass windows. The main entrance stands in the center of the facade, while a secondary glass door and an additional stained-glass window provide natural light throughout the interior. There are places for shelving on both sides of the hallway. The buffer space between the public and the sleeping areas separates the rooms visually and reduces the noise between the bedrooms and the living room. In the living room, the space stands symmetrical under the high-pitched ceiling while overlooking the framed views of the terrace.

In this zone, the main height and volume of the room created from modules and panels are visible. The fireplace, as the central feature of the living room, is also placed in front of the main view from the house. The kitchen is assembled in a separate area. Maximum natural light, a work surface in front of the glass, and visual communication with the living room and terrace create comfortable conditions for the owner of the house. The veranda stands separately from the rest of ‘DUB’s’ structure. On an area of 50 sqm, an outdoor dining room, swings, and outdoor sofas are distributed. The roof of the terrace is protected from the sun and rain in summer. The low winter sun, on the contrary, enters each room and heats it.

modular technology generates minimal environmental impact

Environmental impact is the main priority of the project. Due to modular technology, the team attends to the reduction of energy consumption due to production at the factory, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere due to optimization of transportation, the possibility of materials reuse when dismantling, or the possibility of transporting the structure to a new location. The wooden modular house is made of renewable materials while the foundation scheme is developed practically not to harm the surrounding landscape. Energy-efficient solutions in the technology and architecture of the house save energy at all stages, from production to long-term operation.