An Intricate Lattice of Waste Wood Protects this Cabin in Spain

A group of students, professionals, and experts from the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, located just outside of Barcelona, Spain, together built the Voxel Quarantine Cabin—a structure designed to sustain one occupant for two-weeks on renewable energy. BYO food and entertainment.

Built within five months entirely under and for quarantine conditions in Collserola Natural Park, a public green space spanning nearly 20,000 acres, the team behind the cabin used local wood to construct its ~130 sq ft footprint. Following a sustainable forest management plan approved in the area, 40 Aleppo Pine trees were harvested near the construction site, which were then processed and pressed together to form the CLT panels used to construct the cabin.

Waste wood from the process was treated using Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique to create an exterior web-like structure of charred, fire-resistant logs. The unique exterior highlights the complexity of organic wood often hidden with modern construction techniques.

On the roof, three solar panels equipped with independent battery storage provide electricity to the cabin, while garden boxes filter rainwater into a collection tank below. Coupled with an integrated grey-water system, water is provided for bathing and drinking.

To save water, a hose extension can be added to the sink to act as an outdoor shower, which is kept private by the wooden lattice. A black-water treatment system generates bio-gas for cooking and heating.

Cork insulation keeps the simple wooden interior warm, which features straight-forward handmade furniture with dark hardware. A bench doubles as the first step upwards to the modest lofted sleeping area, with a window overlooking the forest below.

Unique and sculpture-like, the Voxel Quarantine Cabin stands to bring attention to sustainable building techniques and the power of creation under intense constraints, illustrating that quality and style doesn't always need to be sacrificed for efficient. And in stead, can be elevated-all while providing a safe and efficient home.

Not a bad place to spend two weeks, eh?