jiří příhoda's cacti cabin hovers above arizona's desert landscape

in the sonoran desert, near tucson, arizona, jiří příhoda has constructed another of his inhabitable micro dwellings. as its name suggests, the ‘cacti cabin’ — which is based on a concept from 2012 — has been erected on a large property among a grouping of tall cactus plants. clad with corrugated steel, the small structure allows its occupants to relax and contemplate life from a unique vantage point above the untouched landscape.

sited on an area of decking, příhoda has elevated the design 125 centimeters (4 feet) above the ground to afford sweeping views of the desert. with a total floor area of just 4.125 square meters, (44.4 square feet), the sculptural interior has been shaped to ensure that occupants do not feel claustrophobic. the interior can be adjusted with a table-like multipurpose board, which can be lifted to provide a enough space for sleeping.

the dwelling, which is enclosed with plexi-glass on its northern and southern façades, has been thermally insulated to ensure a degree of warmth on cold desert nights. ‘it is crucial to the concept of the cacti cabin that it hovers a minimum of 4 to 5 feet over ground, and to be surrounded by saguaro cacti higher than the cabin,’ explains příhoda, who presented an earlier version of the scheme in 2013.