N&RD forms tiny yet functional cabin in rural india
N&RD shapes Farm Cabin in India
Located in the rural part of Kottayam District in Kerala, India, ‘KGR Farm Cabin‘ sees the transformation of a tiny shelter into a multipurpose family gathering space. The clients, a former bank officer couple, wanted to convert their property into an organic farm after their retirement. According to their wish for farmland, architectural studio N&RD has removed all the trees from the site that was previously a rubber plantation, but this resulted in extremely hot conditions for the area. Thus, the design team came up with the idea of a day shelter that could host the whole family. 
all images courtesy of turtle arts photography
designing a one-room-day-shelter with a toilet
Taking an area of almost 1 acre (4,046 sqm), the site accommodates farmlands as well as a tiny cabin that serves as a family gathering space. The structure provides minimal yet functional living space. The facility features a room with minimal seating, a kitchenette, and an attached toilet. Furthermore, a storeroom is designed for safekeeping farm equipment, fertilizers, etc. Meanwhile, the design team added a long cantilevering roof to extend the living space and protect the inhabitants from the sun’s rays.
Although the cabin uses minimum space, it optimizes the views of the surroundings. Most of the east side partitions can fully open, providing visual contact with almost the entire property when being seated inside. However, thanks to its location being a bit far from the main street, it meets the requirements for privacy and quietness.
the long cantilevering roof protects the room from the morning sun
The architects opted for robust materials: The main walls are constructed in brick masonry, and most of the east side partitions are accomplished in galvanized iron tubes and cement boards. The roofing is made of GI and Aluminum sheets, while the flooring is of yellow oxide cement. To adjust to the slight slope of the site, they formed an elongated gardening space utilizing locally available stones. Finally, an underwater abstract mural is added to the room to soften the farm activity intervals.