the nolla cabin is a zero-emission dwelling kitted out in sustainable decor

helsinki-based designer, robin falck, has designed a zero-emission cabin, where every detail from decoration to heating has been executed with sustainable solutions. nolla – meaning zero in finnish – has been chosen as the name for the idyllic accommodation located on the vallisaari island in helsinki, finland, a potential vacation spot on airbnb for those who wish to spend a night in the cabin.

images courtesy of robin falck / neste

falck encourages visitors to pursue a zero waste lifestyle while staying at the cabin. the energy of the wooden cabin is generated by solar panels, whereas the stove, meant for cooking and heating, runs on neste MY renewable diesel. a recycling station and ecological dry toilets at the vallisaari port are available for guests throughout their stay. 

falck envisions the cabin as an urban dwelling or accomodation for a sustainable festival or event. without the need for screws, the nolla cabin is easy to assemble, dismantle and move, slotting together like a puzzle. the feet of the cottage allow it to be erected on any terrain without solid base structures or foundations and can therefore be used for low-emission living in sensitive environments such as vallisaari.

inside, a showcase of finnish design brands including hakola, fiskars and lapuan kankurit in a minimalistic and clean aesthetic which supports the authentic atmosphere of the wooden cabin. quality, usability and sustainability were the key elements of all items chosen, with many of the space’s functional items hand-picked from a sustainable collection offered by finnish supermarket chain stockmann.

the cabin also features textiles made of ecological materials such as linen, jute and bamboo, and accessories made of scandinavian wood. canvas bags offered to guests for carrying groceries and water containers have been produced by globe hope, who make their products out of textile industry surplus and cut waste. even the bagassi tableware is manufactured from a residue fibre of the cane sugar production process, and will decompose in a few weeks within a compost.

‘the cottage represents an alternative lifestyle without the hassle of modern amenities,’ falck explains. ‘it represents an approach to living where the focus is more on what lays on the outside of a dwelling, rather than within…most importantly, the cabin enables life in the realm of nature, from which I feel people have become alienated.‘ you can book to stay in the cabin here.