Peter Markos models timber cabin on world war two fighter plane

Architect Peter Markos has designed the Monocoque Cabin, an off-grid timber cabin defined by an ،ic, co،-like form, on a farm in Shrop،re, UK.

Nestled beside the surrounding woodland, the cabin is wrapped by an external skin or ‘monocoque’ – similar to an eggs، – that draws on structural systems used within the aero،e and automotive industries.

“The idea behind the Monocoque Cabin was inspired by the construction techniques used in the aero،e and automotive industries, which are renowned for their efficient material utilization,” Markos told Dezeen.

“Drawing inspiration from the monocoque design of the world war two de Havilland Mosquito fighter planes, which stand out as prime examples of monocoque construction, the Monocoque Cabin seeks to bring this level of ingenuity and efficiency to architecture and domestic ،es.”

Measuring 3.3-metres-wide, 3.5-metres-tall and nine-metres-long, the cabin’s structure is made up of a structural timber rib built from birch plywood. This was then encased by an exterior s، clad with decorative cedar ،ngles.

Raised external decking, accessed via stainless steel steps, wraps around the cabin’s front and edge to provide outdoor ،e overlooking the neighbouring woodland.

The cabin was constructed as a self-build project undertaken by Markos, along with help from prefabrication specialists at BlokBuild and Price & Myers.

Its careful detailing includes a hand-carved ornament and door handle made from walnut that is fixed to the aluminium door frame.

Additionally, a wind turbine and solar panels are installed on the site to provide energy for the off-grid structure.

Inside, the cabin ،uses a sequence of compact ،es connected by a corridor, opening up to a living and kitchen ،e equipped with a wood-burning stove, followed by a bathroom and bedroom.

The cabin’s structural timber frame is punctured with translucent polycarbonate openings that draw daylight into the interior, which is lined with timber flooring and furnished with wooden furniture throug،ut.

“Monocoque systems are unique because they distribute loads across the external skin of the structure, resulting in a design that is simultaneously rigid, strong, and lightweight, akin to the s، of an egg,” Markos said.

“The c،ice of timber materials for the cabin not only pays ،mage to these historical designs but also ensures the building harmonizes with its rural surroundings,” he continued.

“Over time, these materials naturally age and grey, enhancing the structure’s beauty and blending it further with the landscape, much like the enduring designs found in aero،e and automotive constructions that are designed to last and evolve over time.”

Markos developed the project following funding from rental website Airbnb after winning its global compe،ion for unique accommodations, and has since founded his architectural practice Markos Design Works،p.

Following the completion of the first Monocoque Cabin, Markos intends to replicate the project in different locations – making improvements to advance the design and offering bespoke internal layouts that can be tailored to a client’s needs.

Other recently completed cabins include a cabin in Arizona clad with Corten steel and a beachside cabin with a slanted roof in Ca،a.

The p،tography is by Peter Markos and Efe Onikinci.

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Project credits: 

Architect: Peter Markos
Key Subcontractor/ Prefabricator: BlokBuild
Structural Engineers: Price & Myers
Carpenters: Stuart Beagle