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Like a European version of Getaway, Berlin-based Raus provides escape for city dwellers in the form of remote, stylish cabins placed outside of major cities throughout Germany. The new upstart launched in 2021 by three childhood friends sharing a desire for countryside respite after years of city living, establishing Raus as nature retreats for design-driven urbanites looking to escape busy to-do lists and overflowing inboxes. To date the growing company has established nearly 50 micro cabins, all within reach of the country's major cities.
Recently, the company collaborated with Danish-born, Berlin-based architect Sigurd Larson on the design of a new cabin, Schlossgarten, improving upon the existing models originally designed by the founders themselves over drinks during the early stages of the company. The new model, dramatic and austere, takes cues from the old, while incorporating some bold decisions from Larson.
Unofficially dubbed Model II, Larson employed several design strategies to optimize the interior of the micro cabin's 190 square foot footprint. A bunk bed, bathroom, and queen bed are pushed up against the back wall, to create room for expansive windows up front and the feeling of a comfortable cave. Large sliding glass doors surrounding the main bed open to create a feeling of sleeping under a covered terrace. A kitchen area is tucked into the corner of two spacious windows for panoramic views while cooking. And wanting to create as many "rooms within a room" as possible, Larson integrated reading corners, shelving, and nooks and crannies throughout the interior.
The boldest move, however, is the most obvious—the entire interior is painted black. Black exteriors have become an almost overhwleming trend in cabin design these days. But a black interior remains quite novel—and worth an explanation. Larson says this is to minimize reflections against the window while inside and to transport the guest completely from any environment they've experienced before.
Each Raus cabin differs from on-grid to off, and Modell II uses a hybrid of energy sources. Largely powered by solar, it's also hooked up to a main backup power supply so you can charge phones and laptops with no worries. Fresh, running water is also provided, while some Raus locations use water tanks. Heat is provided by a small wood stove, but the floors are also heated for extra cold nights.
All Raus cabins are available to rent for roughly $134 USD per night.
Published 10-04-2022
