TUBE — How We Designed a House That Can Disappear

Sometimes, a project starts with a question. In our case, it was simple but powerful: Is it possible to create a home that doesn’t just sit in nature — but becomes part of it? That’s how TUBE was born — not as a concept for the sake of visualization, but as a real architectural experiment. We wanted to challenge ourselves as a team of architects and designers: could we create a fully functional living space — not just represent it beautifully? This case is about how we found the answer.

From Idea to Form: When a House Becomes Part of the Landscape

It all started with a feeling. We didn’t want to design a “house” in the traditional sense — with a roof, faсade and windows. We wanted it to grow into the environment as if it had always been there. That’s how the idea of a conical shape emerged — something between a cocoon, a tree stump or a watchtower.

The cone turned out to be not just expressive but also practical:

It sheds snow and resists wind;
It uses materials efficiently;
It distributes structural loads evenly.

Most importantly, it doesn’t scream for attention — it settles quietly into any landscape whether it's rocks, forest, desert or shoreline.

The Outer Shell: We Just Put a Jacket On

When choosing a material for the exterior we didn’t want something new and sterile. Then we found exactly what we were looking for — old truck tarpaulin. Thick, reliable, slightly worn but full of character and history. We literally gave the house a jacket — protective, warm and unique.

Why this matters:

The material withstands temperatures from -30°C to +70°C;
It is reused — giving it a second life which is honest and sustainable;
It adds a tactile fabric-like texture — not plastic and not metal.

This became the house’s “clothing” — not just protective but a key part of its visual language.

Interior: Every Element Has a Purpose

The space inside TUBE is a feat of engineering — like architectural Tetris. Our goal was clear: no excess, only what’s truly needed — without sacrificing comfort.

Here’s what we did:

A staircase with built-in storage for personal items and utilities;
A bed that folds into the floor to free up space during the day;
A built-in kitchen table that slides into the module;
A flexible upper level for meditation, reading, relaxing or working with a view.

None of it is decoration — every part is a functional tool for living. Nothing extra. Just what brings a small space to life making it adaptable and human.

Autonomy: Powered by the Sun, Supplied by the Sky

From the start, we decided — no external utilities. The house had to be completely self-sufficient. So we integrated:

Solar panels;
A solar water collector with a built-in boiler;
A rainwater collection system.

These aren’t just add-ons — they’re embedded into the architecture and form a fully independent ecosystem. The house truly functions on its own.

Living With Others — Close, But Not Crowded

Later we thought — what if there were more than one TUBE? Not a village, but a distributed community. Each module is placed at a distance, with a view of the horizon, not the neighbor. Between them: walking paths, shared firepits, maybe a greenhouse.

This led to the idea of “dispersed housing” — where you’re not alone, but not overwhelmed either. An alternative to urban life — without the stress or density.

What This Project Says About Us as a Studio

TUBE proves we’re more than just visualizers — we’re a team that approaches architecture holistically. We can:

Develop spatial concepts grounded in real-life usage;
Design structure and systems, not just draw facades;
Seamlessly integrate off-grid solutions into the architecture;
And of course, visually communicate the project with clarity and impact.

That matters especially for a visualization studio, because today’s clients are looking for partners — not just vendors — who can deliver the whole package from concept to final presentation. TUBE is a great example of how we can handle the full scope — freeing our clients from unnecessary steps in the process.

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