This Small Shingle Clad Cabin Has An Organic Shape

April 25, 2024
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos

Markos Design Workshop has shared photos of a small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles they designed, that began as a project during the pandemic, however, they didn’t have any money or land for the project.

Peter Markos explains, “My search for land led to a partnership with a farm in Shropshire, where I agreed to design and build the cabin in exchange for the farm receiving a share of the profits. At the same time, I was working in an architectural practice, training to become a RIBA and ARB Chartered Architect, while also dedicating my free time to developing the Monocoque Cabin.”

A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos

After winning an Airbnb competition, Markos Design Workshop was created, and the cabin began as a self-build while working with the prefabrication specialists BlokBuild and Price & Myers engineers.

The concept of the Monocoque Cabin originated from a fascination with aerospace and automotive construction techniques known for their efficient use of materials, with the resulting design showcasing an undulating and ribbed structure that creates a highly sculptural form.

A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos

The curvilinear form creates cohesive and fluid spaces inside the structure, where walls become ceilings. Simple furnishings include a bar, bench, and a small kitchen.

A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Efe Onikinci
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Efe Onikinci

Further into the cabin is a bedroom filled with natural light, while the cabin’s structure is on display.

A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Efe Onikinci

Here, you can see how the design of the cabin came together.

A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.

Here are a few photos from the build process that show the off-site manufacturing as well as the on-site construction and finishing.

A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by BlokBuild
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos
A small organically shaped cabin clad in wood shingles.
Photography by Peter Markos