minimum container module sets up a small weekend house in austrian alps

MM01 minimum capsule house settles in the alpine landscape

MM01 by designer Christian Tonko is a compact weekend house in Carinthia, Austria, intended for short two-people stopovers in the alpine nature. Covering an area of 20 sqm, the minimum cabin divides into four main zones, a bedroom, a living room and workspace area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The living unit is complemented by a terrace module of equal size facing a beautiful treeline to the north. The roofed gallery provides privacy and weather protection both shielding the house from rain and shading the plot on summer days opening its face toward the cool breeze of the forest. The container capsule can be removed entirely, modified, or expanded due to its lightweight framework.

all images by Christian Brandstätter

independent container module can be dismantled entirely

Despite the spatial constraints, all four zones of the cabin are fully equipped and include modern conveniences, dispensing appliances such as a dishwasher and a washing machine. The module sets up converting furniture throughout the area such as a foldaway screen that can be pulled out from underneath the bed to form a sufficient desk. In this manner, the Austrian architect achieves space saving and optimization. 

‘MM01 house structure takes its name after Malcolm McLean, the inventor of the shipping container on which the modules are based in terms of dimensions and frames’, adds Christian Tonko. Container units can be transported by standard trucks on the road, while the whole structure including the screw foundations can be removed entirely and the site can easily be restored to its original state.

four sufficient living functions within 20 sqm

the module overlooks a rich treeline to the north side

the outdoor terrace opens towards the surrounding landscape of the southern Austrian alps

the minimum cabin divides into four fully equipped main living zones

the minimum covered area is complemented by a generous terrace module

the whole structure can be dismantled entirely to restore the site to its original state

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furniture elements can hide within the existing volumes

a desk including a foldaway screen can be pulled out from underneath the bed

when closed, the kitchenette seems like a wooden cupboard

the kitchen and bathroom are fully equipped

project info:

name: MM01
designer: Christian Tonko | @christian.tonko

location: Carinthia, Austria

photography: Christian Brandstätter | @christian_brandstaetter

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom