Buck Mountain Cabin
A retreat designed with a cantilevered form that extends toward water views in the Pacific…
More often than not developed as weekend retreats or vacation homes, contemporary cabins also offer a fresh take on traditional cottage designs. On this page, you can browse through some of the most innovative projects we could find, with cabin designs that range from simple and minimalist to imaginative and bold. They are also more compact than a permanent residence, but feature comfortable living spaces that focus on gorgeous surroundings. Whether built in the middle of a forest, on the top of a cliff that plunges into the sea, or in a field surrounded by agricultural land and pastoral views, these houses are all one of a kind.
Unlike traditional cabin designs, most of these architectural projects move away from the standard gabled shape and A-frame silhouette. Even cabins that reference mountain chalets boast distinctive, exaggerated triangular forms with glazed facades that open the interiors to the surrounding nature. Some designs are circular while others feature stacked volumes that maximize access to views. Asymmetric modular designs also provide a convenient way to create the ideal retreat in nature.
In terms of materials, these contemporary cabin designs put the focus on sustainability and on celebrating nature. Blackened timber cladding finished with the traditional Japanese shou sugi ban technique protects the wood from the elements, insects, and other damage and also minimizes maintenance. Mirrored steel exteriors make cabins disappear in a woodland, while transparent polycarbonate or glass walls make the residents feel completely immersed in natural settings. Varying in size, these cabins include everything from a writer’s cabin to a one-room hotel retreat or large family residences.
A retreat designed with a cantilevered form that extends toward water views in the Pacific…
Prefab cabins and a sauna designed for a private retreat. UK-based Koto Design produces beautiful…
A cabin with views of a Norwegian fjord. Located on a steep site in Rones,…
An imaginative design that optimizes both safety and access to gorgeous views for a retreat…
A creative re-imagining of a traditional log cabin. Located on the outskirts of the village…
A contemporary extension designed for a house built in the 1950s. Dating back to the…
A tiny house built in a garden in France. Located close to the sea in…
A concrete gabled house nestled in the Italian Alps. Built in a rural area in…
A Norwegian cabin inspired by traditional barns and rural architecture. Located in Ulvik, western Norway,…
A minimalist cabin built in a pine forest on a rural property in the south…
A cozy retreat designed with respect for a natural site with a rich biodiversity. Located…
A tiny house that’s big on comfort and sustainable design. Designed and built by Australian…
A cozy off-grid retreat built among pastures on a working farm in Australia. Inspired by…
A contemporary retreat built on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. There are all kinds of…
A cabin designed with a sculptural bookcase and glazed walls that overlook a garden. Designed…
An off-grid, prefab artist studio designed as a tranquil thinking space for artists. Commissioned by…
Two compact wood cabins build on a steep hill by the ocean. Designed as a…
An immersive woodland retreat designed with mirrored steel cabins. Built in a secluded forest in…
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