The renovation’s aim was threefold, to reinforce the existing stone-built structure, introduce light and views into the interior, and maximize the available space. Connecting the interior with the exterior, a large bay window, the team’s boldest intervention, provides much needed views and natural light as well as doubles as a sitting bench. Developed in collaboration with local design studio 2MONOS, the window sports the thinnest possible metal profile, an innovative opening mechanism that’s both elegant and ergonomic, and a bright red paint job which makes it pop out against the sandstone exterior and whitewashed interior.

Additional red accents in furnishings and decorative objects further animate the otherwise muted interior palette. Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, bespoke benches, tables and stools were predominantly have been made using wood and stone, including the traditional 40x80cm marés blocks which the team ingeniously used in different configurations.

Conceived as a low energy, self-sufficient project, the cabin is powered by rechargeable batteries and power banks, 9V for lights and fans, and 12V for loads such as laptops, hot plates and water pumps. In order to charge the batteries and power banks the team came up with a peculiar idea, a solar wheelbarrow, namely a mobile photovoltaic station that can be wheeled to sunny spots. Notwithstanding the technological gadgetry required to operate it, what makes this contraption so special is the novel morning routine it entails – splashing water on your face in the outdoor water cistern and boiling water for coffee before taking the solar wheelbarrow for a spin.