5 Striking Cabins Prove the Future of Remote Architecture Is Prefab

Thanks to recent innovations in engineering and creative architectural design, building remote backcountry cabins is becoming easier than ever before. Prefabrication allows simple and complex structures alike to be designed and manufactured entirely off-site, transported (relatively) cheaply, and assembled in even the most remote regions with minimal tools. So start saving your pennies folks—those private cabin dreams may not be as far off as you might think.

The following are five of our favorites. And stay tuned for much more architectural inspiration to come in 2019.

A Mountaintop Shelter Designed for Slovenian Mountaineers

Fabricated off-site and set into place by helicopter, the modest structure is the striking result of a design and build challenge by the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and provides essential shelter for up to eight alpinists in the Kamnik Alps.

The Perfect Winter Retreat on the Edge of Joshua Tree National Park

An all-steel, prototype homage to the area's mining and modernist heritage, designed to sit above the landscape to let life flow around it undisturbed.

Prefab Cabins Designed to Embrace the Natural Alpine Environment

A series of low-energy residences deep in the Slovenian forest create a visually stunning retreat high above the region’s iconic Lake Bled.

The IKEA-Inspired Modular Cabin You Can Put Anywhere

Fully functioning, flatpack shipped shelters designed for easy assembly in town or the remote wilderness.

A Minimalist Prefab Set Among Ancient Ruins in the Spanish Mountainside

Designed in Madrid over a four month period, then built on-site over 600 km away in just five days. All for just under $190K USD.