Japanese brand Muji has unveiled a compact prefabricated hut which will go on sale this autumn in Japan for $27,000 USD.
“It’s not as dramatic as owning a house or a vacation home, but it’s not as basic as going on a trip,” said Muji in a statement. “Put it in the mountains, near the ocean, or in a garden, and it immediately blends in with the surroundings, inviting you to a whole new life.”
Made entirely of Japanese wood, the Muji Hut includes a nine-square-metre interior and a covered patio, measuring three square metres.
Sliding glass doors, originally designed for a shop, open to the outdoor space. A smaller window is placed on the rear wall to bring in natural light and aid ventilation. The exterior is clad in wood charred black using the Japanese technique called shou sugi ban, which prolongs the life of the timber, and makes it more resistant to fire, insects and decay.
Inside, untreated Japanese cypress plywood lines the walls, and the floor is covered in mortar, offering a simple finish for owners to add their own touches.
“Even in dirt-prone environments, the floor can be used freely like an earthen floor,” they said. “Since the floor surface is nice and smooth, cleaning is easy, and flooring or rugs can be laid anywhere to suit your taste.”
While the Muji Hut hits the Japanese market in autumn, buyers outside of Japan are in for a longer wait – there is currently no timeline for it being rolled out internationally.
all images courtesy of Muji