Portuguese woodworking studio Madeiguincho has unveiled its latest masterpiece, a compact dwelling that proves luxury isn’t measured in square footage. The Duna tiny house arrives as a thoughtful response to a client’s desire for something quite specific: the warmth and convenience of city apartment living transplanted into the wilderness, all while staying completely off-grid. Built on a double-axle trailer stretching just six meters in length, the Duna represents a careful balance between mobility and comfort.
The exterior showcases Madeiguincho’s signature timber craftsmanship, with wood cladding that wraps the entire structure in natural warmth. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice. The studio has built its reputation on exceptional woodworking, and every panel, joint, and finish speaks to decades of experience that began in 1990. The home’s roof tells its own story about modern sustainability, with solar panels blanketing the entire surface, capturing enough energy to power the dwelling without any connection to the grid.
Designer: Madeiguincho
This solar setup allows the Duna to settle into remote Swiss landscapes where its owner wanted to establish roots, far from power lines and municipal services. Step inside, and the timber theme continues with rich wooden surfaces creating a cocoon of natural materials. The space is designed for two people, with every centimeter serving multiple purposes. The layout flows seamlessly from living area to sleeping quarters, all bathed in the warm tones of carefully selected wood.
The bathroom stands out as particularly clever. Rather than tucking it away as an afterthought, Madeiguincho gave it a secondary entrance from outside. This transforms the space into a functional mudroom where hiking boots can be shed, wet dogs can be toweled off, and outdoor gear can be stored without dragging dirt through the main living space. Just outside this entrance sits an outdoor shower, perfect for rinsing off after a day spent exploring nature.
What makes the Duna special isn’t any single feature but rather how everything works together. The client didn’t want to rough it or sacrifice modern comforts. They wanted apartment living in the middle of nowhere, and that’s exactly what Madeiguincho delivered. The space feels finished and refined, not like camping but like genuinely living well. The timing of this project feels particularly relevant as more people reconsider what home means and whether bigger truly equals better.
The Duna suggests a different equation entirely: one where quality of materials, thoughtfulness of design, and connection to surroundings matter more than extra bedrooms that rarely get used. Madeiguincho has carved out a distinctive niche in the tiny house world. While others pursue industrial efficiency or ultra-modern aesthetics, this Portuguese studio stays committed to traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. The Duna exemplifies this philosophy, offering a home that feels timeless rather than trendy, handmade rather than manufactured. It’s a dwelling designed for slow living, for paying attention to seasons and sunlight, for remembering that sometimes the smallest spaces hold the strongest possibilities.
The post This Tiny House Brings Apartment Comfort To Off-Grid Living first appeared on Yanko Design.