The DW by Modern Shed: 2020 Best of Year Winner for Budget
February 21, 2021
Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli Photography.
In August, after years of creating custom studio sheds, the firm Modern Shed debuted its first-ever portable living space: a dwelling on wheels, dubbed the DW. Working within a 220-square-foot layout, the question of how to make such a small structure livable long-term was paramount. The solution begins with a welcoming gable form that helps inhabitants feel instantly at home, while a fully glazed end wall and windows that extend into skylights allow daylight to flood the entire structure and maximize changing landscape views. Though compact, the birch-clad interior sleeps three in bunk-style beds single above, double below and incorporates ample concealed storage to accommodate essentials. Equipped with a rooftop solar array, batteries, a woodburning stove, and a pair of backup electric heaters, the structure is ready for off-grid use. Reducing the DW’s emission
Now, newcomer Nooka has arrived to the prefab backyard office market, but with a twist. Instead of selling units that can be purchased in full, Nooka is creating smart backyard offices that are available through a subscription service. And similar to Airbnb users, Nooka renters can re-rent these office units out to other people in their community for a some side income.
Keep scrolling to see how it works:
The Nooka backyard office units are now available for preorder. The early sketches of a Nooka build.
A pilot project inspired by the pandemic, Dwelling on Wheels is the newest tiny home on wheels designed by Seattle-based firm, Modern Shed. The home features 220 square feet of space, solar power and has off-grid capabilities, all starting at $129,000. Dwelling on Wheels (DW) is the first portable dwelling by Modern Shed, a company that has been building custom studios for almost two decades. “The DW captures the imagination of how we can conceive of our lives, offering agility in simple and intuitive form,” the company said in a press release. Related: The Denali XL is a spacious, rustic tiny home on wheels A classic gable form creates a recognizable home, with wall-to-ceiling window placements maximizing landscape views and sunlight. “The DW can do a lot–it’s great for enjoying nature short-term, for off-grid living, or as a second, remote home. Adjusting the floor plan even a little makes it a great home office that can move with people as their priorities move.
Contemporary cabins for modern minimalists
Contemporary cabins for modern minimalists
From North Europe’s thick forests to the vast green expanses of the USA, tour some of the best architectural cabins
MajaMaja cabin is Helsinki’s latest off-grid, eco destination.
Photography: Marc Goodwin / Archmospheres
Set on a snowy mountain slope or by the water, in the Nordic fjords or in an American forest, the humble cabin is one of the most hard-working typologies. These small but perfectly formed structures can be used for anything from a workspace to a family vacation home or a secluded retreat for one. Smart as they are functional and minimalist in feel and nature, cabins have lots to offer; ever more so, in the current pandemic climate, when extra space becomes more important than ever and connecting to nature is critical. Here we round up some of the genre’s best.