Forestone Cabin: A Prototype for Sustainable Forest Living in the Pyrenees
The Forestone Cabin, a 20 m² wooden structure, has been finalized by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) with the help of the 2025 Master in Ecological Buildings and Advanced Construction students. This project is part of the Bio for Piri initiative, which is backed by Fundación Biodiversidad through European Next Generation funding, and emphasizes the sustainable utilization of local timber from Alinyà (Lleida). Situated at MónNatura Sort, the cabin, designed to host two individuals, showcases a sculptural design influenced by its surroundings. Its outer layer consists of charred pine boards, while Valldaura Labs students created custom CLT components. The cabin has been welcoming guests since January 2026 and serves as a model for low-impact architecture utilizing local resources.
Key facts
- Forestone Cabin is a 20 m² experimental wooden dwelling designed and built by the 2025 cohort of the Master in Ecological Buildings and Advanced Construction at IAAC.
- The project is part of the Bio for Piri initiative led by Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera and funded by Fundación Biodiversidad via European Next Generation funds.
- The cabin is located at MónNatura Sort in the Pyrenees, near the existing hostel, on sloping terrain.
- The exterior pine planks are charred using the Japanese Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) technique.
- Interior custom CLT elements were fabricated by students at Valldaura Labs.
- Wool from local sheep was processed into felt with artist Rian van Dijk for blankets, rugs, and pillow covers.
- A stone from the landscape was hand-carved into a sink.
- The cabin has been open to guests at MónNatura Pirineu in Planes de Son since January 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Rian van Dijk
Institutions
- Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)
- Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera
- Fundación Biodiversidad
- Valldaura Labs
- MónNatura Sort
- MónNatura Pirineu
Locations
- Catalonia
- Pyrenees
- Alinyà
- Lleida
- Sort
- Planes de Son
- Spain
- France
Sources
- ARQA —