This Tiny Prefab Cabin Unfolds Like Origami in Just Three Hours

Latvia-based prefabrication company Brette Haus has constructed a tiny cabin that unfolds in just three hours. Perhaps more delightfully so, the small-but-mighty home evokes visuals of origami — almost assuming the form of a piece of paper being pulled apart during its mesmerizing installation process. The tiny cabin, named Brette 20, took Brette Haus eight weeks to manufacture and deliver to the shores of the Baltic Sea, offering a unique solution for tourism, festival accommodations, camping, or even home offices. 

With its pointed roof and warm terracotta hue, Brette 20 even takes the form of the classic homes that line the suburbs. Of course, the biggest difference is that the prefab cabin — made from cross-laminated timber to decrease environmental impact — does not require a permanent foundation to assemble. The cabin’s floor, walls, and ceiling were all built with solid wood. At about roughly 236 square feet, Brette 20 can accommodate up to three guests. The ground floor has enough space for a table with chairs and a sleeper sofa, while the top mezzanine area can sleep two people. 

Inside, amenities include LED lighting, electrical wiring, a shower tray, and toilet area. “Our project is based exclusively on principles of environmental sustainability, comfortable living, and multiple foldings,” Brette Haus wrote of the cabin, noting that all sanitary and electrical engineering were already prefabricated. Take a look inside the cabin with the photos below. 

Brette Haus also released a video that showcases the captivating unfolding process near the scenic Baltic Sea. 

The future of prefab cabins is here — and it looks a lot like the art of paper folding, if you ask me! For more information about Brette Haus’s collection of unfoldable prefab dwellings, visit Brette Haus online.