Prefab Off-grid Goals: Cabin ANNA by Caspar Schols

Caspar Schols, Cabin Anna Timber Cabin, Prefab Architecture | Yellowtrace

I’m not one for camping in the outdoors because I am utterly terrified of the multitude of insects that Australia has to offer. I have almost always been jealous of friends who can bravely explore the outdoors, nature and the wilderness without a worry on their mind. So, when I came across Cabin ANNA by Caspar Schols, not only was I excited by the innovative and experimental nature of a prefabricated and flexible wooden house, but I feel like it has completely changed my mind on what is possible for people like me.

For Caspar Schols, who started his journey by designing his mum’s garden pavilion, aptly called the Garden House, it quickly became evident he had found his footing in the cut-throat design industry. The Garden House quickly became celebrated worldwide for its ability to rearrange layers for different occasions or weather conditions. With this in mind, he set out his career as a designer while expanding those fundamental steps of flexibility to culminate in creating Cabin ANNA.

Caspar found a striking balance connecting the temporal with a permanent habitation space, exuding enough flexibility and connectivity between home, nature and people. “ANNA is a dynamic home in the shape of an open platform to live with rather than against the elements, by playing with the configuration of the layers of the house,” he says.

With three different models available in on and off-grid versions, built using sustainably grown and untreated Larch, there is a perfect prototype for everyone. ANNA STAY has two long sliding shells with fixed elements like the kitchen, shower, toilet and storage space. It has also been designed with a mezzanine that fits a secondary king size bed for friends and family that may want to join in on the adventure. Additionally, ANNA Meet was designed with the socialising aspect in mind. It is suitable for a range of activities like yoga, writing, meetings, sleeping or experiencing torrential rain – I mean, imagine waking up in the morning and sliding those panels to reveal fog settling on a lake just as the sun sets (definitely insta-worthy!). Finally, ANNA Me can be designed for living or sleeping, a company retreat, holiday space or any other concept to sit in a backyard or the wilderness.

The interiors are lined with Birch Ply, chosen for its high quality and light colour. It has been insulated with five centimetres of sawdust and is heated using a wood stove – although it comes with the option of installing electric heating. Despite the humble living space, the interiors are designed to feel spacious and welcoming. The long horizontal windows positioned under the roof’s overhang ensure that sunlight illuminates the area in summer without overheating. It is the ideal living space for someone who dreams of having floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views celebrating wherever you are. Contrary to that, the shells close to provide a hideaway from the world or protect from harsh weather conditions.

Come to think of it; whether you’re renting or own a property, we’re all human and, at some point, we all crave change. With ANNA, this is possible. It is perfect for the IKEA-fanatic flatpack enthusiasts, arriving in either one piece or 26 parts. Caspar has designed ANNA to ensure nothing is left behind in nature, so it is easy to pick up and go (it takes about three days to disassemble). ANNA establishes the opportunity for constant change, “just like the way you dress yourself to suit different weather conditions, occasions and moods”.