Dubbed the House of Tall Trees, this stunning weekend retreat was designed by the Mexican practice 1i Arquitectura for a family of four. Built using a mesmerizing combination of glass, timber, and concrete, this holiday home is located on a wooded property, providing it with a lush connection to nature. Nestled in the midst of a secluded wooded site, the home is a striking double-height structure.
Designer: 1i Arquitectura
The studio says the site is a “jewel of a site”, and an excellent location for the imposing home as it perfectly combines plants, privacy, and impressive contours. A lovely stream runs through the center of the site, and the entire space is described “as an ode to tranquility in the forest”. The main structure of the home is essentially a volume built from concrete and glass, with a pitched roof that spans over two floors.
A massive living with a kitchen and dining area, as well as a sunken conversation pit, form the focal point of the home. The pit is located right below the roof and forms a spacious area that is great to rest in. The walls are glazed, hence subtly matching the surrounding tree trunks, allowing an essence of the forest to be in the home.
The home also includes bedrooms, with two on each floor of the house. They are located at the edge of the home, as it provides each room with some privacy and a stunning view of the surrounding wooded landscape. The bedrooms are also complemented with a private balcony. The main structure of the home is surrounded by an ancillary building on each side. A carport and utility area is located up the slope to the north, while a concrete study area is on the terrace to the south. The courtyard on the north side includes a pool and a natural concrete fountain, while the terrace leads to the forest on the south side. The annex structure holds a cozy private terrace with a Jacuzzi that is intended to be an intimate space to relax and rejuvenate, making the House of Tall Trees, an escape for everyday life, and a lovely getaway.
Somers House is a quaint and adorable coastal home in the town of Somers on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The L-shaped house is designed by Australian studio Kennedy Nolan and is located on a lovely coastal site. The home intends to function as a haven of retreat and relaxation for the client and his family. It is defined by warm earthy colors and intriguing geometrical curves.
Designer: Kennedy Nolan
Kennedy Nolan designed the Somers House to be weather-resilient. The exterior of the home is clad almost completely in timber. What’s fascinating is that the timber is charred utilizing the popular Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. The exterior features a dark timber that coats the entire L-shaped layout. A central curved stairwell is tucked away in one corner, and covered in a ochre-toned render. The stairwell connects the various floors of the home and is marked with small rectangular windows.
“A central curved mass knuckle housing circulation grounds the design in the site, with more lightweight wings spreading out into the landscape,” said project architect Matilda Blazey. “In the tradition of the Corbusian curve, a curved form is made more potent when sitting in tension beside a straight plane.”
The sides of the stairwell feature two perpendicular timber-clad wings that accommodate the main rooms of the home. One of the wings is raised on columns providing a sheltered outdoor living area in its underbelly. An opening in the facade of the raised wing holds a bridge that connects the first-floor entrance of the home to the surrounding sloping landscape.
“The interior arrangement was based upon solving the problem of both capturing the northern aspect and southerly ocean views in the main living spaces,” said Blazey. “The spatial arrangement supports privacy and separation but makes coming together effortless and celebrated.”
The interiors of the home aim to complement the home’s exterior, by maintaining a rich and earthy tone. The materials and decorations of the interiors perfectly suit the rich tones of the exterior, creating a warm and inviting space. Cork, raw brass, and earthy tiles adorn the walls of the hallways and bedrooms.
If you’re looking for a cozy and comfy nature retreat then you may want to consider the Adventure Whare Retreat. Designed by Studio Well, the Adventure Whare Retreat is located in Castle Hill Village, New Zealand. The spacious and impressive home is a traditional A-frame structure with a modern and contemporary twist. It perfectly merges with its alpine surroundings, while also prioritizing practicality and sustainability. The home is designed to offer a sanctuary of peace, shelter, relaxation, and connection.
Designer: Studio Well
The exterior of the home is inspired by the traditional A-frame hut. The home is surrounded by trees and nestled in greenery. It provides ample shelter and privacy while flaunting a roof with timber-framed glazing that connects the retreat with the native bush reserve. The intriguing cloaked form of the home ensures that it is well protected from the weather. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a warm and open space marked with exposed timber structural elements and cork flooring.
The entrance holds a mudroom that stores wet gear and flat-roofed bedroom wings which in turn provide privacy and relaxation. The retreat is the perfect culmination of warmth, simplicity, and minimalism. It is well connected to nature and serves as a unique and simple dwelling to reside in. Natural materials and green tones define the entire space.
The Adventure Whare Retreat was designed as a space for recharge and reprieve for the entire family. The family enjoys adventuring and exploring local mountains, and forest regions, hence the home is a calm and peaceful shelter for them. The exposed timber theme has been maintained indoors and outdoors, which supports an outdoor lifestyle while allowing a serene connection to the surrounding landscape. The materials selected are not only chosen for aesthetics but also to handle the rigors and moodiness of the climate. Ultimately, the Adventure Whare Retreat is an excellent escape from hectic city life and a safe haven in the wild outdoors. The interiors are welcoming and warm, but well-equipped and spacious. It allows you to disconnect from urban life and connect with rural life in a safe, comfortable, and cozy manner.
If you’re looking for a stunning little cabin in the woods to get away to and simply relax, then you’ve reached the right place. Cabins are by far the best type of vacation I’ve come across. They’re a peaceful and tranquil option to abandon your urban life and woes, and simply unwind in nature. If you’re wondering where to head for your next cabin retreat, then you can refer to this collection of beautiful and super cozy cabins that we’ve gathered. They’re the perfect safe haven nestled in the midst of nature, providing you a break from your everyday hectic life. From a tiny cabin with a unique layout that makes it feel larger than it is to an elevated cabin in the Brazilian forest – these mesmerizing and surreal cabins are the ultimate retreat, you’ve been searching for. Plan your next vacation in one of them!
1. Kjerringholmen
Called the Kjerringholmen Cabin, this unique cabin is located in the Hvaler archipelago, a true island paradise in Norway. The cabin occupies 63 square meters in size and has an incredibly spacious and airy vibe.
Why is it noteworthy?
Kjerringholmen is proof “that large houses don’t necessarily mean more quality of life. In just 63 square meters, with smart planning, it still has plenty of usable space,” said the studio. Occupying 63 square meters, the cabin is supported by steel pillars and surrounded by a dusky rocky landscape.
What we like
Blends perfectly with the natural landscape, creating a surreal ambiance
Designed extremely efficiently and consciously to support a smart way of living
What we dislike
Birds may not notice the home and could crash into it since it merges so perfectly with its surroundings
2. The Hideaway House
If you’re in search of the picture-perfect cabin getaway, then look no further! The Hideaway House is a lovely little haven nestled away in the midst of nature, and you can only access it via a tucked-away road at the base of the mountain!
Why is it noteworthy?
It is a blackened timber cabin that is nestled on a 52.7-acre private mountain and is completely surrounded by lush ancient forests. A 700-meter drive through the ancient forest leads you to the summit of a vast natural reserve 500 ft above sea level, which accommodates this reclusive modern residence.
What we like
Has access to picturesque views of British Colombia’s Gulf Islands
Facilitates a lovely indoor-outdoor connection
What we dislike
The home is quite difficult to get to since only a tucked-away road leads to it
3. The Nest
Nestled in Hocking Hills, Ohio, The Nest is a beautiful property to enjoy the natural beauty of the hills. The home is comfy and cozy, especially the living room which is great for movie nights!
Why is it noteworthy?
The outdoor patio has a DIY suspended bed made with a recycled trampoline, which makes for a great spot to lounge about in. The Nest has a unique layout that makes the home feel much larger than it is, allowing it to stand apart from typical tiny homes on the market.
What we like
Unique layout that makes it seem much more spacious and airy than it actually is
What we dislike
Not everyone may like the barn-style door since it is quite old-fashioned and doesn’t provide much privacy
4. Casa Monoculo
The Casa Monoculo is a beautiful contemporary Brazilian home designed by Alan Chu. It is located above the densely forested area of Eldorado, and is in fact, elevated above the ground, and a unique twist on the concept of treetop living.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is not simply an ordinary treehouse, it is spacious and modern, no different than any of the finely done villas you see today. It provides expansive views of the beautiful surroundings while creating a luxurious living experience.
What we like
Offers a luxurious treetop living experience with a twist
What we dislike
It doesn’t seem like the house can accommodate a large number of guests, better suited for smaller parties
5. The Hide Cabin
The Hide Cabin is designed by Inclume Architects and is a compact little cabin in the remote woodlands of Thetford, England. The cabin functions as a protective enclosure for bird watchers, nature lovers, and walkers.
Why is it noteworthy?
It allows visitors to completely immerse themselves in the woodlands, allowing them to truly reconnect with nature, and observe the wildlife, without disturbing the land in the least.
What we like
It causes minimal disturbance and damage to nature and habitats of wildlife
The rustic cabin draws inspiration from its natural surroundings
What we dislike
The cabin is quite small, and can’t accommodate more than one person
6. Cabin Anna
Called Cabin Anna, this modular cabin is located in the De Biesbosch National Park. It is the latest version of the Cabin Anna which became extremely popular in 2016.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is designed to be utilized as a small compact home. It features a ground floor, mezzanine sleeping areas, a kitchen, a bathroom, and an outdoor shower. “In wintertime, Anna’s insulated wooden shell keeps the warmth inside like a thick winter coat. In spring or autumn, the glass keeps the rain outside or lets the sun in to warm up the space,” said the architect.
What we like
The sliders can be manually operated, allowing residents to experience a sense of closeness with the surrounding environment
What we dislike
They don’t offer an electronic opening version of Anna
7. Iwi Cabin
The Iwi Cabin is really an innovative and unique design! It features a space-maximizing design that can be easily compressed and expanded. It is essentially an accordion-shaped shed, that allows city dwellers to expand space in urban apartments.
Why is it noteworthy?
When the Iwi Cabin is fully expanded, it unfolds and occupies almost 91 square feet, and when it is folded and compressed, it occupies only 26 square feet. The Iwi Cabin is super easy to operate since owners can push and pull the shed, owing to the wheel system that allows it to be swiftly and efficiently handled and stored away.
What we like
The cabin is resistant to rain, wind, and sunshine
The interiors are outfitted using cork and sheep’s wool which provides insulation to the cold
What we dislike
The cabin features only one door/window, hence it is the only source of ventilation in the cabin
8. Cabins in Farouche Tremblant
A series of A-frame buildings populate the Devil River’s Valley with the Mont-Tremblant National Park in the background. The Farouche Tremblant agrotourism site includes four rental micro-cabins, a cafe, and a farm.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed by the Canadian architecture studio Atelier l’Abri, the buildings are meant to “recede in the landscape”. The studio designed that function as a basecamp for visitors who want to visit Devil’s River and Valley.
What we like
Features outdoor decking and a glazed gable end which enables visitors to truly make the most of the vistas of the surrounding natural landscape
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the cabins are a bit old-school
9. Bathhouse
This bright red cabin on the seafront in Hankøsundet, Østfold is called the Bathhouse, and it is inspired by traditional Norwegian boathouse aesthetics. It features a red color exterior to pay homage to the same.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cabin was built for a client who lives near the coast and aims to be a ‘modern reinterpretation’ of traditional Norwegian boathouses. The studio used contemporary materials and techniques to create this lively-looking cabin since the client wanted a space that was both modern and traditional.
What we like
The cabin perfectly mimics a traditional boathouse
The living area is covered by a second layer of timber planks, angled at 45 degrees, which aim to create a sense of privacy
What we dislike
The open panels in the living room aren’t the best option for those who like arranging the angle and privacy of their windows
10. ‘A House’
‘A House’ is a minimalist Nordic cabin located in the stunning wooded region of Lilla Kilskäret, an island of the Swedish archipelago near Stockholm. It was designed as a cozy summer home for a young couple.
Why is it noteworthy?
‘A House’ beautifully captures minimalist Nordic architecture, and its picturesque surroundings help to create a space that is truly calming and peaceful. The site and local building regulations were quite challenging, and hence the home needed to occupy a tiny footprint, and perfectly blend in with its surroundings
What we like
The single open merge perfectly merges with the surrounding landscape, creating the sensation of being at one with it
What we dislike
The home may not be private enough with its 3 walls being made of glass
Swedish firm Kolman Boye Architects recently completed a stunning retreat in Lillesand, Norway. The home is a pretty unique one since it utilizes offcut wood that would otherwise have been swiftly discarded. Deemed the Saltviga House, the home was built using 12,000 pieces of oak wood flooring materials. Architects Erik Kolman and Victor Boye who are the founders of Kolman Boye Architects got the idea for the home when they found out that the Danish flooring brand Dinesen had a lot of leftover materials available for use. “In our recent projects and in our teaching and research, we have come across Dinesen materials as both the traditional floors and as a scrap, a leftover, an offcut from the production of made-to-measure floors. Making and thinking with these leftovers from the production gave rise to the notion of making a building of them as a sympathetic way of using and ennobling scrap materials that would otherwise have been used as firewood. Besides being beautiful, the off-cuts are low in embodied carbon, and could offer an alternative to more commonly used and more carbon-intensive materials,” said the firm.
Pros:
Utilizes leftover offcut wood that would otherwise have been discarded
The offcuts used are an eco-friendly alternative to more carbon-intensive materials
The approach allows resources to be used frugally and smartly
Cons:
The windows on the ground floor are quite expansive, and don’t provide much privacy
Designer: Kolman Boye Architects
The project has been nicknamed “The House of Offcuts”. “It’s about using what’s available, of trying to find beautiful materials without clicking ‘order’ on a computer. When you look at old houses, they would always be built from the best materials available in close proximity,” he told Dezeen. “We wanted to explore how this thinking might look today,” said Boye. It is situated on a rocky site located on the sea’s edge and is a newly built single-story home spread over five levels, this was done to minimize the impact on the landscape.
Instead of applying the wood randomly, the architect decided upon a single-layer stacking, that builds linear bands of different heights. “We tried stacking in different ways to help us understand how much material we would need, how it would look, and how much work would be involved to cut it to size and treat it,” said Kolman. The variety of color tones that were created as a result of this were quite visually appealing and pleasing. The entire home is made of three volumes, and one of the volume functions as a “wind barrier”, and is a connective element for the other main two buildings.
The interior of the home is spacious and welcoming, and the spaces are equipped with different ceiling heights on the ground floor. The connective volume is lined with long windows that provide expansive views of the sea. The interiors have also been marked with wood, especially Douglas fir cladding.
