City Cottage by Vertas Architects

City Cottage by Vertas Architects
Finland based practice, Vertas Architects has created the city cottage, a single family residence in Helsinki, Finland. It is a prototype for a fully functional and transportable dwelling with the area of 14msq. Located within the city limits amidst a nature preserve, inhabitants may feel removed from civilization while living a short walking or biking distance from everyday activities. Serves as a gathering and recreation place for family members, it is best suited as a retreat house during daily breaks and for the weekend.


Energy needs are small, enough to allow solar energy to entirely power the place. Ribbon windows above kitchen equipment allow a visual connection with nature and experientially extends the interior making the small space feel unbounded. Entrances on either end of the gallery kitchen introduces breezes to ventilate the home. Fixed furniture and small scale storage are used to conceal personal effects and streamline the quaint interior. A single step separates the entryway and kitchen from living and sleeping areas utilizing the void for storage of dirty shoes and firewood. The couch may be converted into a bed and a rope ladder leads to a loft for sleeping. 
Front facade
The formal entrance uses cantilevered wood planks for steps
A rock is use for a step at the secondary entrance

Large windows allows visual connection with nature


The kitchen

Sitting area 

Sitting area is separate with kitchen area by a different floor level. 

Rope ladder to access to the sleeping compartment

Storage for firewood and shoes

Fireplace near the kitchen

Fireplace

The kitchen

City cottage during night

Source: Designboom
image © andreas meichsner