alexis dornier's stilt studios builds 'tetra pod' prefab house using recycled tetra pack cartons

stilt studios, the company co-founded by alexis dornier and florian holm, has completed the first ‘tetra pod studio’, a prefabricated tiny house using recycled tetra pack cartons as wall and roof material (see previous coverage here). located in uluwatu, bali, the 64 sqm home blends into its surroundings by making use of the recycled materials’ reflective characteristics, while strategically placed openings carefully frame views. the prototype of the tetra pod took only eight weeks to construct as most elements are prefabricated, while the company has announced the pre-sale of the construction drawings for worldwide build.images by alexis dornier, ananta pradipta

‘at stilt studios we believe we have the responsibility for multiple aspects, creating unique designs and reducing the environmental impact of our buildings as well as making these designs available to everybody,’ says alexis dornier, co-founder and chief designer at stilt studios. ‘how about if we could not only reduce total material used and the footprint, but be a part of the circular economy by the choice of material used, while offering its construction drawings to affordable prices.’

the ‘tetra pod’ encloses all living amenities in only 64 sqm, including a comfortable bedroom, ensuite bathroom, open kitchen, and living room as well as some outdoor terraces. nine point foundations elevate the structure 40cm above the ground, offering a perfect sitting height on the porch. the home is built using wood, steel, glass and recycled materials, while its sloping roof channels rainwater through the designed structural system. this water is then stored for further use, like watering the surrounding garden.

openings are closely put under the canopy to empower passive cooling, and the large façade panels can be opened to provide cross-ventilation, making the space completely permeable. layers of curtains ensure privacy, while inside, the studio introduces a customized furniture system for a cozy dining and living space. after the successful completion of the first prototype, stilt studios has now announced the pre-sale for the construction drawings for ‘tetra pod’.

the long term goal of stilt studios is a catalogue of shop drawings for all of its units, so design enthusiasts will be able to build their favourite studio all around the world without the need of paying a ‘star architect’ design fee. ‘it’s a great motivation for the team and myself to work on designs that we can make available for construction to a worldwide audience at an affordable price,’ notes dornier. ‘we feel that especially in times like corona many people are looking for alternative living spaces – tetra pod can be used as a full-on studio to live in, multiple units could turn into a hotel or resort, it offers some extra space as a tiny house in your garden, could function as a working space, yoga pavilion, etc.’