The modular architecture on wheels redefines the current challenges of glamping and permanent residential structures. Younicube, designed by the award-winning Bulgarian firm Koleliba and located in the serene landscape of Tuscany, is an intersection of experiential architecture and radical environmental sustainability. With a minimalistic Nordic design and the serene inspiration of Mediterranean coastal architecture, Younicube prioritizes sensory pleasure and psychological reconnection with the natural world.
The Off-Grid Infrastructure: A Model for Sustainable
Younicube was inspired by the observation of traditional fishermen’s houses on the island of Favignana, which were defined as tuff cubes. These were made from local calcarenite stone and were situated in isolation from urban centers. The design team translated this specific emotional resonance into a modern, mobile typology that could be replicated in diverse settings. The transition from a static stone structure to a mobile timber structure maintains the geometric purity.
The architectural silhouette presents itself as a mysterious black box that stands in sharp relief against the soft textures of the landscape. The collaboration between the project’s founder, Paola Stella, and a specialized design team included the involvement of architect Massimo Gnocchi, known for the unique design of the Mountain Refuge cabin.
Younicube Mobile Structure
Emphasizing experiential architecture, the project adheres to the Koleliba ethos that rejects the purely utilitarian nature of traditional housing. It investigates how design can stimulate all the senses, acknowledging that the complexity of tiny house design lies in the strategic overlapping of structural elements and technical installations to create a feeling of luxury within a confined footprint. This design approach combines sustainability and thoughtful design to reinforce the user experience.
The structure is placed on a specialized trailer that balances internal spaciousness with road-legal mobility. Manufactured from high-quality certified timber, the structure is lightweight and designed to withstand the dynamic loads encountered during transport. The exterior of the mysterious black box is achieved through the use of FSC-certified spruce cladding, which is treated with linseed-based oils. The roofing is a standing seam metal system that provides a durable, gritted texture that complements the black timber facades.
Interior Spatial Spaces
Instead of dividing the space with fixed walls, the Younicube utilizes a custom-crafted elevated platform. The 18-square-meter footprint houses a kitchen, a bathroom, and a double bed, with a central element, a wide-open bookcase that acts as a room divider. This piece of furniture provides necessary storage and a sense of privacy for the sleeping area without obstructing the visual flow or the natural light entering from the oversized portal window.
As an off-grid structure, the Younicube must operate as a self-sustaining organism. The unit is powered by a roof-mounted photovoltaic array that feeds into a storage battery system, allowing the house to remain functional through the night and during periods of low sunlight.
- Exterior protection: A DuPont Tyvek Solid breather membrane allows moisture to escape from the wall cavity while preventing wind and water ingress.
- Interior control: A Knauf LDS vapor barrier prevents internal humidity from condensing within the insulation layer.
Blurring the Boundary of the Internal and External
A significant architectural feature of the Younicube is the oversized rear window, often described as a portal. This window is a strategic tool for blurring the line between the inside and the outside. By creating a direct, unobstructed line of sight from the interior deep into the surrounding landscape, the design expands the perceived volume of the 18-square-meter space.
This creates a cinematic experience for the inhabitant, where the natural landscape, which includes the vineyards of Tuscany or a coastal vista, becomes the primary decorative element of the home.
Younicube Project Details
Project Location: Tuscany, Italy
Architects: Koleliba
Area: 18 sq m
Photo Credit: © Koleliba
