Self-sufficient geometric cabin

Martin Franke
Martin Franke
18 November 2025
2 min

The Nest, designed by Daria Sheina Studio, is characterised by the striking use of interlocking cubic volumes. It is a prefabricated cabin nestled in a remote piece of wilderness. The house is completely self-sufficient and offers its owners a quiet retreat surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Designed in collaboration with BC Passive House, The Nest first had to be transported by truck and ship and then installed by helicopter. Impressively, the structure was installed in just two days, although it probably took a little longer to finish the interior.

Open layout

The Nest stands on a 4-acre plot on Keats Island in British Columbia, Canada, and has an area of 99 square metres spread over three floors. The interior and exterior design matches the prefabricated wooden structure and fits well among all the trees. The layout is very open - the ground floor includes a living room, kitchen and bathroom, with generous glazing that draws attention to the beautiful views and surrounding nature. Upstairs are the bedrooms.

Minimalist interior

On the inside, The Nest exudes sustainability with a minimalist interior featuring exposed wooden surfaces and a green marmoleum floor. This reflects the natural beauty of the moss carpet outside. Large lift-slide doors further connect the interior to the landscape, further blurring the boundary between inside and outside. The client's choice of striking home accessories adds a playful, cheerful touch, balancing the distinct architectural forms with a unique character.

The Nest is completely self-sufficient, with solar panels providing all power, while an incinerator toilet provides waste disposal. A rainwater harvesting and filtration system ensures that drinking water is available. In addition, the foundation has been optimised to reduce the use of concrete and limit damage to the site.

Martin Franke

Communications specialist for construction and industry at Beta PR & Media, creates content for companies and associations.