Imagine living in a structure so captivating that you wish you could take it everywhere. Ben Huggins has made this dream a reality with the Kudhva K1, a transportable elevated cabin that defies gravity and embraces mobility. As a co-founder of Sandford-based New British Design, Huggins crafted a space that unites avant-garde architecture with the freedom of portability.
The K1’s design sprang from the iconic Kudhva retreat, nestled in a disused slate quarry on Cornwall’s north coast. These original off-grid cabins, resting on angular stilts, have gained a cult following in British architectural circles. Ben Huggins, collaborating with co-designer Hannah Huggins, cleverly adapted this treehouse-inspired aesthetic into a question: what if you could move it?
Ingenious Design Meets Rugged Flexibility
The result is a 3.6-meter tall cabin with a recyclable aluminum framework, covered by robust British Millerain Regentex poly-cotton canvas at 407g/m2. With dimensions of 3.3 meters wide by 4.9 meters deep, the K1 maintains a solid architectural presence. Its adjustable tripod leg system ensures stability on uneven terrain, avoiding any environmental impact — a perfect blend of design and eco-consciousness.
Setting up the K1 requires no foundation or planning permission and takes just 30 to 45 minutes for two people. While weighing 320 kilograms, its portable nature makes it stand alone in its class, bridging the gap between tents and cabins seamlessly.
Built for the Elements, Designed with Care
Designed to withstand winds up to 80 mph, the K1’s canvas structure is more than ready for genuine weather challenges. Inside, its minimalist two-person sleeping area mirrors the thoughtful proportions of its Kudhva predecessors. Emphasizing sustainability, the infinitely recyclable frame supports the retreat’s ethos of ecological responsibility.
Priced around $15,500, the K1 is debuting in the U.S. through British American Camping, with plans to showcase across glamping spots in Georgia. This pricing positions it within the commercial hospitality niche, yet its design conveys a premium quality, more akin to a pioneering structure keeping its horizons wide open.
Embrace off-grid living with other portable accommodations like Michael Jantzen’s solar-powered hotels that bring luxury into natural settings.
For those interested in unique architectural innovations, check out OYO Architects’ office overhaul which creatively combines steel and concrete in Ostend Harbour.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the Kudhva K1 designed for?
The Kudhva K1 is designed as a portable elevated cabin that combines avant-garde architecture with the freedom of mobility. It draws inspiration from off-grid cabins and is suitable for those interested in off-grid living.
How quick is the setup for the Kudhva K1?
Setting up the K1 requires no foundation or planning permission and takes just 30 to 45 minutes for two people.
What price is the Kudhva K1 being offered at?
The Kudhva K1 is priced around $15,500 and is debuting in the U.S. through British American Camping.