The glass and metal exterior brings to mind the rationality of Miesian aesthetics. Evidence of the careful attention and planning of the house is the preservation of trees between its individual volumes. The outside fire-pit with a pond-view and bunkhouse fulfills the former, while the cedar-clad master bedroom provides a sanctum within the retreat.Ī daring feature of the home is its cantilevered projection extending over a squat wall of stacked Basalt stone. Conceived to host visits for up to twenty family members and friends, the plan embraces communal and individual spaces. Surrounded by the impressive verticality of a grove of Douglas Firs, the strong horizontal lines of mwworks’ Whidbey Island cabin link together its various pavilions. Whidbey Island Farm Retreat by mwworks, Whidbey Island, WA A rectangular wing juts from the core of the cabin to the side, balancing and adding a dynamic pulse to the floorplan. Echoing traditional Tyrolean forms, the large projecting eaves protect the patio from sun and snow. The entire design is centered on the lake, with jetties for bathing, changing rooms and ample waterside terraces. It is hard to improve on the stunning natural beauty of South Tyrol’s Völser Weiher Lake, but the simple forms of the all-wood build designed by noa* (Network of Architecture) skillfully complement the alpine setting. Lake House Voels by noa*, Völs am Schlern, Italy The rendering is imagined in the summertime Cascades but due to its prefabricated design concept, can be built anywhere after ordering from Buildstone. Referencing its ubiquitous predecessors in the 1970s, the A-frame remains the all-American getaway home, but by introducing engineered Mass Plywood Panels this classic cabin design becomes both more environmentally friendly and affordable. If a boutique cabin in Norway is out of the question, look no further than Notion Workshop’s prefabricated A-frame. Hyak Cabins by Notion Workshop, Snoqualmie Pass, WA Perhaps the most spectacular feature of the design is its earthen roof, populated with native species of grass and melting the wooden cabin into the surrounding forest. The minimal impact philosophy is built into the foundation of the hut, by elevating the structure on piers to protect the natural contours of the site.Įlevating the cabin also offers practical advantages in both winter and summer, saving the lucky owner from having to shovel snow for access and providing restful shade for the sheep that graze on the mountain slopes. Skigard Hytte by Mork Ulnes Architects, Kvitfjell, NorwayĬlinging to the ridgeline above the picturesque ski resort of Kvitfjell, Mork Ulnes Architects’ Skigard Hytte brings together the best of Norwegian vernacular design and sustainable building practice. The discerning use of natural materials, with a strong emphasis on stone and wood, helps to maintain the minimalist aura of these seven homes. Without losing their connection to nature, these homes from across the globe shift the definition of cabin from rustic to sophisticated. Now that telecommuting is rapidly becoming the standard for many workplaces, the temptation of escaping to a secluded retreat is more appealing than ever. The pandemic and resulting urban exodus of the past nine months have created an explosive demand for getaway homes. Architects: Showcase your next project through Architizer and sign up for our inspirational newsletter.

Cabin fever vacations natural beauty