muji releases minimalist tiny hut for compact cabin living

after showcasing several prototypes of the cabins during tokyo designers week back in 2015, minimalist home-goods brand muji discretely releases its long-awaited tiny huts which are set to go on sale in japan by autumn 2017. ‘it’s not as dramatic as owning a house or a vacation home, but it’s not as basic as going on a trip.’ explains muji. ‘put it in the mountains, near the ocean, or in a garden, and it immediately blends in with the surroundings, inviting you to a whole new life. this was the vision behind our radically new muji hut concept’. 

muji’s newly released minimalist hut 
all images courtesy of muji

standing at just under 10 sqm, muji’s compact shed holds an area spacious enough for up to four people to comfortably sit in, making it an ideal weekend getaway for the average city-dweller. despite its tiny nature, the hut harbors plenty of light as a result of the large sliding door and the additional window facing it. 

the façade of the shed nestled in the mountains of japan  

using the traditional art of japanese shipbuilding, where cedar wood is burnt to increase its durability, the outer walls of the hut are given enhanced antiseptic properties by applying burned hardwood cladding. similar to traditional homes, the hut uses a raft foundation which provides strength and protection against ground moisture.

muji’s design encourages compact living 

rear-view of the hut 

the hut illuminated at sunset 

the inner wall surfaces are left untreated allowing the occupant to personalize the interior

the shed is perfectly suited for a weekend getaway 

overall plan of the shed

dimensions of the elevation

angular dimensions 

project info: 

interior layout: 9.1 sqm
porch: 3.1 sqm
structure: timber framing construction
foundation: reinforced concrete construction with raft foundation (with damp-proof sheeting; no under-floor ventilation)
frame: structural lumber, laminated structural timber
outer walls: burnt cedar
inner walls: structural plywood
floor: mortar finish
roof: structural plywood, asphalt roofing, galvalume
sliding door and small window: aluminium sash
insulation material: polystyrene foam
price: ¥ 3,000,000 ($ 27,000)