A Small Cabin in Helsinki: City Cottage

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Two environmentally conscious architects wanted to renovate a crumbling structure on the west side of Helsinki. After examination they’ve decided to tear it down and build a 150 sq. ft. cottage that would serve as an urban getaway for their small family.

The result is a tiny modern cabin nestled among the faded 1950s-era cottages in the Lauttasaari Recreational Park, a forest of towering evergreens and pines on the Baltic Sea. Continue reading

The Practice House: The Little Cabin That Could

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Located in Shafer, Minnesota, this adorable 384 sq. ft. cabin is called the Practice House for a reason. It was built by a couple who wanted to fine tune their building skills before constructing their own permanent home.

When the couple found this small cabin it had no electricity or plumbing, and was in need of a serious facelift, both inside and out. Nevertheless, the couple decided it had great potential and decided to embark on the task of remodeling the structure. Continue reading

Suagr Bowl Cabin: Winter Wonderland

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This modern mountain cabin is absolutely one of my favorites. It’s located in an old village by the name of Sugar Bowl (gotta’ love that name), perched on a concrete plinth that lifts the house above the snow-pack ground. The structure itself resembles a box, opening up to its dramatic surroundings – a solid, cedar-clad volume, featuring a bent planar roof form and various glass openings that frame views of snow drifts and pine trees. Continue reading

Villa Valls: dug out of a mountainside

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Wow, this house is truly phenomenal! ‘One of the era’s modern masterpieces’ they call it, and they are absolutely right. This contemporary mountain cabin sits among wooden chalets deep in a narrow valley, at 4,100 feet, in the magnificent Swiss Alps.

As opposed to the traditional Swiss style, this 1,700 sq. ft. villa features a more experimental, almost industrial feel combined with an approach of integrating architecture into the landscape. Continue reading

Hardanger Retreat: Modern Fjord Cabin

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In most cases, emerging architects and designers are confronted with the dilemma of finding clients that are willing to take a chance with young and enthusiastic creatives. This was also the case with the Hardanger Retreat project, although Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen were not discouraged. Instead, they have decided to pursue their architectural vision without compromising on originality and respect for the landscape. Continue reading

Broadford Farm Pavilion: Open Up

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This beautiful outdoor pavilion is simply perfect for lazy afternoons catching a light breeze. Located in Broadford Farm in Sun Valley, Idaho, the structure is positioned in a natural clearing along the Big Wood River. It’s inspired by local farm buildings, featuring a simple mix of materials combined with a modern take on the traditional pole barn structure. Continue reading