Sustainable design company Koto (London) has unveiled a new, prefabricated cabin done in collaboration with landscape design firm Garden Club (London). Created for 2022’s Chelsea Flower Show in London, England, the prefab structure will also be available for individual purchase starting at $75K according to Koto.
“Garden Club, and particularly [managing director] Tony Woods, was looking for a partner that could deliver a truly sustainable and sculptural element to their plans,” says Zoë Little, cofounder of Koto in an article with Dwell.
Minimalism Leaves Nothing to Distract from Natural Views
The cabin features Koto’s signature geometric, black wooden cladding and pulls from the ‘Japandi’ style, combining Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism. The exterior of the cabin is wrapped in shou sugi ban, which is wood charred according to a specific Japanese practice that makes the envelope resistant to fire and pests.
Inside, the cabin is finished with a lighter wood that is more reminiscent of Scandinavian design. Furniture curated by the firm Menu offers a place of respite and meditation while the amply sized windows offer near borderless views of the whatever landscape the cabins are situated in. The cabin is also entirely carbon neutral and occupies a mere 140 square feet.
“We hope that visitors can see how garden rooms can be beautiful and functional,” Little adds, speaking to the multifunctionality of the space. While originally designed to help the flower show attendees take respite in the shade of the cabin without losing sight of the surroundings, she also hopes the cabin will appeal to folks looking to implement their own backyard getaway.
“The garden is designed to take us out of our homes, let us decompress, play, and reconnect,” says Little. “The structural cabin also aims to counterbalance the softness of pollinating plants and densely planted trees,” Little continues.
“Garden Club wanted it to be a truly multifunctional space that tackles the needs of people working from home who also want somewhere for contemplation and relaxation.”
