The philosophy behind belgium based studio ARK is returning to the basics by providing a simple dwelling within nature. Over the past three years the studio has been working on re-designing, building and testing different types of ‘Ark-shelters’. The aim is to provide a place that of comfort in the heart of the nature where one can detox their mind. With this perspective ARK has created a new shelter type — the prefabricated ‘into the wild cabin’. As the 40m2 dwelling is surrounded by openings on each of its five sides, it is entire exposed to its natural surroundings. Each opening brings in a new atmosphere.
Images by Jakub Skokan and Martin Tůma / Boysplaynice
The transformability of the the Ark-shelter by ARK offers the dweller multiple states of enclosure. When the side wall and front window are fully opened, one has the sense of sitting outside. The milk-glass window in the bathroom lets in soft natural sunlight while maintaining privacy. A module set into the roof acts as a large skylight, letting natural light in from above during the day while at night allowing the dweller to sleep under a sky full of stars.
The Ark-shelter is designed to appear unobtrusive within its surroundings while working completely off-grid with its solar panels, batteries and a rain water collector. Automatic heating, cooling and shading systems can be pre-programmed. The double-bed lifts automatically into a ceiling panel to reveal a hidden jacuzzi, completely transforming the space. A central black box divides the Ark-shelter into five different areas. Through sliding doors and walls, the space can be transformed and divided in many ways. The Ark-shelter can be ordered to be delivered and ‘can be placed everywhere you can imagine’ — wherever you are allowed to.
The studio explains: ‘Nowadays we live in a world where we are extremely busy and from time to time we need to escape from it. Escape from the stress, duties and civilizations back to our roots where it all started.’
