over the past 12 months, thanks to our readers portal, we have received a wide range of projects that engage directly with the natural environment. despite being diverse in scale, material, and setting, each one of the selected works responds to its context in a unique way, allowing users to fully immerse themselves into nature.

from eight pop-up hotel rafts floating on a lake in flanders, belgium, to a forest-inspired ‘monkey house’ with minimal footprint, bamboo interiors, and open terraces in brazil, take a look at the TOP 10 reader submissions of 2021 – enjoy nature.

THIS ROUGH-HEWN INCLINED CABIN IS SUSPENDED ON A CLIFF IN THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES

image courtesy of DEMOGO

italy-based architectural firm DEMOGO, introduces ‘new fanton bivouac,’ a protective shell at high altitude, taking shape as a rough-hewn inclined cabin that inhabits the marmarole saddle in the belluno dolomites, in italy. anchored in a wild and inaccessible mountain range, a boundless space at 2667 meters above sea level, its fiberglass body bends vigorously along the cliff giving the impression that will roll down in the void at any moment. the visitor is overwhelmed emotionally with opposing instincts; the desire to explore and move in this expanded space and the need to protect oneself and take refuge, rediscovering a human dimension.

8 HOTEL-RAFTS ON A LAKE IN BELGIUM WILL REVIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAMS

image courtesy of vlotkamp

‘vlotkamp’ — which literally translates to ‘raft camping‘ — is a floating pop-up hotel realized by tobias knockaert & kika merlin on a lake in flanders, belgium. the project features 8 rafts with tents, only accessible by canoe, and follows a tree house initiative last year called ‘boomkamp‘. the project puts the focus on adventure and reliving childhood dreams, and is exercise on making belgian local tourism attractions and a good escape during COVID-19.

THIS PREFABRICATED, 21SQM CABIN FEATURES A PANORAMIC GLASS FAÇADE TO ENJOY STUNNING VIEWS

image © DDAA

cabin A24 is a prefabricated, 21sqm (225sqft) house module designed by DDAA, an india-based architectural studio that ‘constantly challenges the threshold of architectural design.’ ideal for sites located in the woods, the mountains or along the shore, the cabin reflects a minimal abode prioritized for comfort and design, all while expressing a strong connection with its context and a distinct architectural identity. the cabin is composed of a bathroom, kitchenette and living space – fully furnished with modern amenities and enough storage.

FRENCH DESIGN ATELIER CONVERTS MERCEDES VITO INTO MINIMALIST COCOON-LIKE CAMPERVAN

image courtesy of atelier serge propose

french design atelier serge propose has converted a mercedes vito into a minimalist campervan with a warm, cocoon-like character. despite its small size, the van supports a variety of functions, including a sleeping and lounge area, a kitchen, and ample storage space. the designers have put emphasis on using natural materials as much as possible, with the transformation mainly using birch plywood. in addition, the entire insulation is made using hemp wool and projected cork.

TRUCK GLAMPING UNIT BY BANANA DRIVE SPREADS OPEN FROM A SINGLE WOODEN BOX

image courtesy of banana drive

consisting of a furniture craftsman and an architect, banana drive studio has created a new glamping unit designed to be attached to a small truck. the project takes shape as a light, low-rise tent emerging from a box base made with wood and steel frames. the structure adopts an open character, allowing users to form a close bond with nature, while providing necessary camping amenities.

OLD WOODEN FRAMES AND A STEEL GABLE ROOF CONSTRUCT SHER MAKER’S STUDIO IN THAILAND

on a vacant lot in chiang mai, thailand, architectural firm sher maker has designed their own studio. the team collaborated with experienced craftsmen to study the possibilities of construction and experiment with different materials, in order to create a workspace that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while it helps the team concentrate and get inspired.

‘LUMIPOD 6’ PREFAB CURVED CABIN CONNECTS OCCUPANTS WITH LAKE GENEVA SURROUNDINGS

images by kevin dolmaire, courtesy of LUMIPOD

having introduced its first ‘LUMIPOD’ concept in 2019, french company LUMICENE has now revealed the latest iteration of the curved prefabricated cabin, ‘LUMIPOD 6’. the new structure takes shape as a larger version of the original project, constructed next to lake geneva for a private client.

STEEL SHIPPING CONTAINER IS TRANSFORMED INTO RELAXING GETAWAY BY THE TBILISI SEA, IN GEORGIA

MUA architecture & placemaking has designed a shipping container getaway right by the tbilisi sea, in georgia. located just 20 minutes away from the city center, the cabin has been formed to serve as a relaxing environment where the architecture team can recharge whenever they need to.

POLYDROPS UNVEILS A NEW BATTERY-POWERED MOBILE ROOM DESIGNED FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

image courtesy of polydrops

back in march 2019, we shared the first lightweight trailer by polydrops. now, the california-based team returns with a mobile room designed for electric vehicles. the new P17A model keeps the elegant, aerodynamic shape of the original design, but adds floor integrated batteries that can store up to 12kWh of electricity.

ATELIER MARKO BRAJOVIC COMPLETES FOREST-INSPIRED ‘MONKEY HOUSE’ IN PARATY, BRAZIL

with its minimal footprint, bamboo interiors, and open terraces, the ‘monkey house’ is all about connecting to nature in a gentle and subtle way. realized by atelier marko brajovic for a forested site in paraty, brazil, the two-bedroom dwelling takes inspiration from the verticality of the forest and design solutions already found in the natural world.