While most people recycle bottles and cans, Lisbon architect Manuel Aires Mateus salvaged a pair of old fishermen's cabins to create a rustic rental escape. The architect calls the project Cabanas no Rio (which translates to Cabins On The River). The accommodations are divided into two buildings; the kitchen and small seating area in one cabana, and the bedroom and bath in the other. Together the buildings total 678 square feet, making it a very cozy stay. Maximum occupancy: two.
Photography by Nelson Garrido.
Above: The cabin framework was constructed offsite before being transported to their new locale: a white sand beach overlooking the Sado River in Comporta, Portugal. All of the wood used for the buildings and furniture came from two old fisherman's cabins and was left untreated to further develop a weathered look.
Above: The front door opens to reveal the bedroom, and then opens again to uncover the shower.
Above: The bed, fitted in white sheets, has a mosquito net canopy. A bulb on a cloth cord is hung as a bedside light.
Above: The seating area, furnished in all white, overlooks the jetty. The cabins come with a kayak (and they even have Wi-Fi).
Above: A sideboard conceals storage.
Above: The kitchen sink is concealed beneath the counter.
Above: Mateus conceals plenty of storage.
Above L: The seams of each wall carefully come together in a point on the ceiling. Above R: Behind the seating area, a slab of wood opens up to reveal a tiny cooking area.
Above: A towel hangs on the bedroom door and the front vestibule cleverly doubles as part of the shower. Bathers can shower out in the open, or close the doors for privacy.
Above: The rustic setup has a rainfall shower head.
Above: Cabanas no Rio overlook the Sado River, a nature reserve that's home to flamingos, storks, and dolphins. They rent for €200 a night for two, including breakfast and daily cleaning. For more details and to make reservations, go to Cabanas no Rio.
Below: The cabanas are located in Comporta, Portugal, an hour south of Portugal.
Peruse our other Architect Visits for more inspiration, and don't miss 10 Shops & Restaurants Made From Shipping Containers. Have a look at Landscape Architecture on Gardenista, plus a Garden Visit to the Academy of Sciences' Living Rooftop.
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