Where did you draw inspiration from?
I’m super inspired by the Case Study House program, Californian mid-century architecture, and Bauhaus ideals of function first, then form follows – not allowing the space to dictate how you live in it , but allowing the way one lives in the space to dictate how you design it. The cabin is a highly functional 800 square feet. Materiality also came from this movement, where material palettes are simple, low-maintenance and a bit experimental.
How did you test the design?
I came up with the general concept, then surveyed a few of my existing clients, especially those who have rental properties in the high desert or are flipping homes there. They were a good testing ground for what is commendable and what they need in a one-bedroom cabin with high-end finishes.
Why did you decide not to use prefab?
I explored a prefabricated road. Many people don’t know this, but prefab is usually a bit more expensive than building on site. There is still all the work of the site and the buttoning to be done. You still have to pour your foundation and do all your utilities. You still need to have your own general contractor to assemble it on site. I wanted it to be relatively affordable for people, and the way to do that was built in place. So it’s not pre-made, but it’s pre-designed and pre-authorized.
How do you see the use of cabins?
A weekend getaway, self-catering guest house or weekly rental. The first two will be ready in May for us to tour. I’m currently working on a two-bedroom, two-bathroom version.
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