This Adult Version Of A “Treehouse” Reminds Us Of Our Childhood Dreams

Apr 8, 2015

This 800sf treehouse by Castanes Architects brings a modern twist to the idea of what a treehouse is, and shows us that remembering what it was like be young again has its advantages. 16 foot tall ceilings and a towering wall of glass highlight the single-story cabin, found in Hood Canal, Washington.

The distorted scale makes it appear deceptively small from afar, but a closer look reveals a behemoth of a structure that has room enough underneath it to give shelter to a pair of cars. A motorized staircase lowers to the ground, and raises when the owners are away for security. A cantilevered deck extends the main living space past the tall glass facade.

The interior displays simple decor, with light toned woods radiating a gentle warmth. A vintage wood fireplace anchors the space and draws attention upward to the exposed beams high above.

This Sleek Shipping Container Studio Hides Among The Trees

Mar 9, 2015

In the last 10 years we’ve seen a massive influx of structures being designed and build using recycled shipping containers. Take for example this forest studio, which transforms the rugged steel boxes into sublime interiors, all the while celebrating the rough aesthetic of the corrugated steel exterior. Large glazed openings insert into the open ends of the container allowing for sweeping views of the surrounding foliage.

The interiors are minimal and white, allowing the surrounding forest to be the star of the show.

At night the studio glows like a tiny jewel box in the middle of the dense trees.

Multiple containers are fitted together to extend the limited footprint that a single container can occupy. The studio was designed by Maziar Behrooz Architecture as part of their Insta_Houses series of pre-fabricated homes.

Photos by: Dalton Portella & Francine Fleischer

19 Beautiful Forest Cabins That Will Make You Wish You Were A Hobbit

Sep 5, 2015

Forest cabins hold a special place in many of our hearts. There is a calm serenity, a quiet solitude, a comforting familiarity that accompanies a rustic old cottage. For your viewing pleasure, here is a collection of 19 such structures, all neatly tucked into their surrounding canopy of elms, oaks, maples and pines. Enjoy!

Someone definitely wrote a novel here.

Just stop with that sun perfectly filtering through the trees.

I guess Fall is when you take pictures of your cabin.

Lights, camera, cabin!

No cabin is complete without a creepy, overgrown driveway.

Hobbit party.

If there isn’t a German living in there, I’ll give you a thousand dollars (I won’t, actually).

Every forest cabin needs a pool. Wait, what?

For the modernly inclined forest dweller.

Abe Lincoln would be proud.

No swing? You call that a porch?

Pretty run of the mill, right? Get it?

I got nothing.

Be one with the forest.

Ghost face cabin.

Use the forest, Luke. Use the forest.

Did I already use my ‘mill’ pun?

Peeping Tom’s cabin.

All that’s missing is an ogre and a talking donkey.

Old Meets New In This Stunning Ancient Stone Home Remodel

Mar 20, 2015

Some of the most emotionally visceral architectural achievements are a result of a properly handled adaptive re-use. Blending the old with the new is a delicate exercise in restraint and creativity. So when one comes around that achieves such a sought-after level of success, we feel the obligation to share it with you.

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Wespi de Meuron Romeo Architects renovated this ancient stone building, which has long-since resided in a historic and picturesque Swiss village. The rustic, monolithic shell provided an apt base of inspiration for the architect to draw upon when designing the interiors and carving openings into its facades. Although there is much that is new, contemporary and modern to be found inside, you are never far removed from the history that exists in what remains of the stone ruins.

This project shows us the importance of our history, and to take the time to appreciate where we’ve come from as we move to where we are going.

photo credit: Hannes Henz

Ukranian Design Lab Creates Ultra-Lightweight Timber Cabins

May 18, 2015

Set amid a thick forest in the Ukraine, these sleek guest houses were completed in just two months by YOD design lab. Each cabin was built with lightweight metal frames and no foundation, resulting in a scant 2,200 kilogram weight. Each cabin is positioned on top of a wooden deck, and the low impact design means they don’t harm the landscape.

The sleek black facade on the front contrasts nicely with the natural wood used throughout the build, and the inside is simply appointed yet luxurious.

photography by andrey avdeenko
all images courtesy of YOD design lab

10+ Rustic Hand Built Little Cabins We Adore

Mar 17, 2015

1Kevins Tiny House

A very unique tiny home that includes a large sliding panel in the front and plenty of rustic charm throughout. Check it out.

2Rustic Guest Cabin Makeover

This Socal barn was reborn as a classy rustic cabin.

3Topanga Cabin

A simple cabin built for weekend getaways and surfing trips. Check it out.

4Pocket Shelter

Situated outside Asheville, NC you’ll find this gorgeous tiny house on wheels built by Aaron Maret. Check it out.

5Humble Abode

This tiny house was built entirely from salvaged materials and shows off incredible detail. Check it out.

6Japanese Forest Home

Perhaps one of our favorites is this secret getaway, built entirely by hand using locally milled wood. Check it out.

7Sauvie Island Cabin

This 300sf cabin located on a farm is available for rent and guests are treated to fresh milk, eggs, and homemade bread, not to mention an amazing setting. Check it out.

8Timberclad Surfer Cabin

When two brothers wanted to build a special retreat for their families, they ended up with this clifftop cabin. They worked with WMR Architects to design a low-impact home on a budget. Check it out.

9Freecycled Cabin On Puget Sound

Olson Kundig is not stranger to eco-friendly designs with a big wow factor, and this cabin built using mostly salvaged material is no exception. Check it out.

10Wheelhaus Caboose

This stylish “park model” RV remains in its own class, and with a perfect combination of rustic elegance and modern finishes. Check it out.

Young Couple Used Recycled Windows To Build This Incredible Glass House

Aug 31, 2015

Chipped paint, faded finishes and dingy old glass didn’t stop this couple from up-cycling an array of discarded windows and salvaged wood into unbelievable DIY home. The unique facade is the focus of a home that they build entirely out of recycled materials – a project that cost them only $500!

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Photographer Nick Olson and designer Lilah Horwitz designed and built this low-cost cabin retreat among the picturesque West Virginian mountains. They aimed to construct a space that would act as a vessel to fuel both of their creative endeavors. It had to be unique, inspiring, and above all else – cheap.

“We were able to make it a reality because we are first artists and creators. We had to be resourceful to do it cheaply,” explained Nick.

A nearby abandon barn provided plenty of charm and salvaged materials to draw design cues from (not to mention free resources). While the cabin isn’t their primary residence, the couple frequents it as much as they can to recharge their creative batteries and marvel at the collective potential of their efforts.