Cabins Archives

Mexican architect María José Gutiérrez has placed a series of round, pine-clad cabins connected by suspended bridges onto a vineyard in Mexico to serve as vacation rentals.

Located in Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada on the Baja Peninsula, Zeuhary Hospedaje Campestre includes a community lounge and four vacation rental cabins.

“Beyond creating spaces we aim to create experiences, where nature and human beings integrate and recognize each other,” María José Gutiérrez, who leads Mexican studio Arqos Arquitectura Arte Y Diseño, told Dezeen.

“The architecture and interior design were focused on connecting with the environment and maintaining harmony with it.”

Cabin bedroom — Central bedrooms feature in the round buildings

Completed in June 2022, the 250 square metres (2,690 square feet) of built area is divided into five 40-square metre (430-square foot) structures that look outward to the surrounding wine region.

The ground floor of each cabin is divided orthogonally, splitting off a portion for a partially covered exterior porch that leads into the sleeping space through a glass sliding door.

The interiors were sectioned into a bathroom along one side, a central bedroom and a kitchenette tucked behind the headboard wall.

“In the furniture and interior decoration, we used organic materials from the region and different areas of the country, earth tones and grey contrasts, crafts, natural fibers, textiles, local wood and stone, recognizing Mexican handicraft talent and tradition,” the studio said.

“The chukum finish on the interior walls gives an organic texture and helps keep the interiors cool in summer, while the exterior coating of recycled pine wood allows the cabins to be thermally insulated in both winter and summer for greater energy efficiency.”

Round jacuzzi in cabin garden — Small private gardens feature round jacuzzis

The cabins are all rotated to face a particular northern or eastern view without compromising privacy for the occupants.

A small planted garden protected by a grey wall rings a quarter of each plan, terminated by a private in-ground jacuzzi, connected to the cabin by a wooden deck with planks that align with the vertical cladding boards as if the facade radiates down the wall and along the ground.

Up a delicate metal spiral staircase with wooden treads, the round plan becomes a rooftop terrace complete with a rope net set into the roof of the porch like an integrated hammock.

A free-swinging wooden bridge with rope netting guard rails is suspended from the roof of each cabin and leads to the roof of the common area, allowing guests to congregate in a central location.

“The circular floor plan of the cabins, together with their transition spaces such as the hanging bridges, wooden paths and spiral staircases generate fluid and dynamic routes which allow us to reconnect with ourselves and awaken our inner child through play and movement,” the studio said.

In addition to the material selection that responds thermally to the environment, the design works to preserve what little water the agricultural region has, reusing grey water for the irrigation of the vineyards.

Round cabins — Zeuhary Hospedaje Campestre is positioned within a vineyard

Other cabins recently completed in Mexico include a house deconstructed and separated for glamping within a forest in Nuevo León by S-AR and a brutalist cube-shaped holiday home tucked into a pine forest in Alférez by Ludwig Godefroy.

The photography is by Jonatan Ruvalcaba Maciel unless otherwise stated.

Project credits:

Architect: María José Gutiérrez
Engineering and construction: Specialized Urban Services

Reference

modular cabins made of aluminum and glass embed into village houses of rural china

Architecture

modular cabins made of aluminum and glass embed into village houses in china

By Zarkon Group,07/01/2024

Superposition Village Initiative Transforms Rural China

The Superposition Village Initiative, developed by IBR – Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co. Ltd., focuses on the concept of ‘sojourning’ in rural areas of China. The project introduces a ‘concept city’ called ‘superposition village,’ facilitating the transfer of green technology and lifestyles across different rural locations. The ‘concept city’ evolves through experiences, enhancing its utility and effectiveness. The prototype modules, initially assembled in urban factories, are then transported to rural areas, benefiting from established material supply and industrial processing support, minimizing carbon emissions during production.

The Superposition Village prototype is modular, emphasizing simplicity in disassembly, transportation, and reassembly. Designed for temporary use, the modules are easily relocated to new destinations after fulfilling their specific purpose. The interior of the cabin modules optimizes space utilization, promoting module intensification and recycling to economize on materials, space, transportation, and energy consumption throughout their life cycle, aligning with low carbon objectives.

all images courtesy of IBR – Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co. Ltd.

pods are inserted into the houses’ existing structures

The renovation strategy by IBR – Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co. Ltd. aims to introduce a modern, low-carbon lifestyle in the village without disrupting the original residents’ habits. The cabin modules, inserted without altering the existing structures, maintain the framework and cultural elements of the houses, leaving no visual impact on the original architecture and minimizing construction waste. The cabins, composed of aluminum alloy and glass, seamlessly integrate with the original wooden structures. This integrated space serves as a retreat for living, working, and studying, preserving and incorporating local village cultures into the fabric of the project. Special efforts include inviting artists to illustrate daily activities, farming events, and local figures on village walls, creating a collaborative visual narrative between travelers and local residents.

the pod is designed to perfectly fit the old building’s frame

IBR’s Superposition Village Initiative explores ‘sojourning’ in rural China

a plant wall made of modular boxes decorates the courtyard

designed for temporary use, modules relocate easily after fulfilling specific purposes

Reference

Agder Day-Trip Cabins in rural southern Norway by Feste

Architecture

Feste designs Agder Day-Trip Cabins for 25 locations in southern Norway

By Zarkon Group,06/12/2023

Norwegian studio Feste Landscape/Architecture has unveiled a series of wooden cabins that can be freely used by hikers exploring the mountainous coastal landscape of Norway’s Agder region.

The Agder Day-Trip Cabins are being installed in each of the 25 municipalities in Agder to encourage both locals and tourists to spend more time in nature.

The first 20 are now in place, with the following five set to be installed by the end of 2024.

The identical 28-square-metre structures were designed by Feste to offer a rest stop where people can enjoy the beauty of their surroundings in warmth and comfort.

Night view of Agder Day-Trip Cabin overlooking a fjord — The cabins are free to use and open 24/7

Each one is free to use and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The project is funded through a partnership between the municipalities, Agder County Council and Sparebankstiftelsen SR-Bank, in the interest of public health and well-being.

“The ambition of the project is to inspire attractive local hikes and nature experiences in the surrounding area, with the aim of boosting public health for locals and tourists,” explained David Fjågesund, architect at Feste.

Agder Day-Trip Cabin in rural southern Norway by Feste — All 25 cabins have an identical design

Fjågesund and colleague Sigurd Aanby led the Agder cabins project, supported by landscape architect Tone Telnes.

The challenge was to design an attractive and functional cabin that could be installed in any location, regardless of the landscape conditions.

Aerial view of Agder Day-Trip Cabins in rural southern Norway by Feste — The cabins were prefabricated and air-lifted to the site by helicopter

This prompted the architects to opt for a modular design that could be prefabricated off-site and then air-lifted into place by helicopter.

“This prevents the use of heavy vehicles and machinery that can cause damage to the surroundings,” Fjågesund said.

They also drew up guidelines for how the foundations of the structure should meet the ground, to minimise the impact on the rural terrain.

View through cabin window — The pointed roof shape references the history and geography of Agder

For the cabin’s shape, Fjågesund and Aanby looked to both the history and geography of Agder, or Agðir, as it was called in the old Norse language.

“The name is thought to be a derivation from the word ‘ǫgd’, meaning ‘to be sharp’, or ‘the land which extends out into the sea’,” said Fjågesund.

“When the shape of the county is studied from an aerial perspective, it can be seen as the spearhead of Norway,” he continued.

“The northern Setesdal valley is perceived as rather inaccessible, whereas the southern part of the county opens itself to the sea and the views towards the west, south and east.”

Woode-burning stove and children's book library — A heat-burning stove and children’s book library can be found inside

The architects translated this into a structure with a pointed, diamond-shaped roof, an open front and a closed back.

A recess in the facade offers a sheltered outdoor seating opportunity, while a solar panel on the roof provides electricity for lighting and for charging electronic devices.

Cabin benches — Tiered benches provide seating for up to 15 people

Inside, the timber-lined cabins contain benches in various heights, with room for up to 15 people.

A wood-burning stove provides heat, while a series of shelves form a mini library of children’s books.

“At plots where the terrain allows for it, universal access has been implemented,” added Fjågesund. “Ample free floorspace in the communal room allows for wheelchair access.”

Night view of Agder Day-Trip Cabin in rural southern Norway by Feste — The first 20 cabins have been installed, with five more due in 2024

The Agder cabins are among several recent projects that promote tourism in rural Norway.

Others include a treetop walkway designed by EFFEKT, the Snøhetta-designed Bolder Star Lodges and a former factory converted into a hotel, Trevarefabrikken, by Jonathan Tuckey Design.

The photography is by Even Lundefaret.

Project credits:

Architecture and landscape: Feste Landscape/Architecture
Structural engineer: Pål Berglund, AL Høyer Skien
Building physics: Preben Brekke Rotwitt, Asplan Viak
Contractor: HL Bygg

Reference

Row of wooden buildings with off-set gabled roofs

Architecture

Electric Bowery arranges steel and wood cabins for Hudson Valley hotel

By Zarkon Group,03/09/2023

California studio Electric Bowery has arrayed a series of wood or Corten steel-clad cabins in Upstate New York that are nestled among meadows and woodland.

Electric Bowery was responsible for the architectural design of Wildflower Farms, a rural retreat in the Hudson Valley operated by the Auberge Resorts group, while interiors were completed by New York studio Ward + Gray.

Intended as an escape for reconnecting with nature, the site of the former Rosedale tree farm was transformed into a luxury getaway with hiking trails and a working farm with produce and animals.

The masterplan for the 140-acre site revolves around a central meadow, through which the winding paths connect various clusters of guest cabins with the communal buildings.

Restaurant dining room with high ceiling, exposed beams and warm colour palette — Interiors for the resort were completed by Ward + Gray, which chose a warm and textured palette for spaces including the restaurant

Views of the Shawangunk Ridge are framed through the Great Porch, a covered open-air lounge organised around a central fire pit.

To one side is the resort’s restaurant, Clay which uses many ingredients grown or produced on-site.

Framed pressed botanicals hang on a wall above earth-toned furniture — In the shop, curated by Gardenheir, pressed botanicals are framed on a wall above earth-toned furniture

The dining room interior features warm, textural earth tones, wood-framed furniture and large indoor trees, while outdoor tables overlook the meadow and mountains beyond.

The other side of the Great Porch houses the reception area and a store curated by Gardenheir that sells a variety of garden-themed products.

Indoor swimming pool with exposed timber trusses and slate floors — The indoor swimming pool sits below exposed timber trusses and features slate floors

The Thistle spa and an indoor pool are accessed beyond, decorated in a palette of buffed biscuit, mottled green and slate grey that complement the exposed beams.

Together, this row of large, timber-clad gabled structures anchors the resort, while the various guest accommodations are spread out around it.

Cottages with reclaimed oak cladding and offset gabled roofs — Guest cottages also feature offset gabled roofs, and are clad in reclaimed oak

“With a more modern take on the vernacular building typologies of farmhouse and barn, inspired by modern European architects such as Peter Zumthor, the buildings were designed to frame the surrounding mountains, nestled harmoniously into the site,” said the studio.

Other amenities across the resort include an outdoor swimming pool and lounge area and a building dedicated to fitness that houses a gym and a yoga studio facing a pond.

Guest bedroom with earthy colour palette — The guest bedrooms are cosy yet modern, with a colour palette borrowed from the natural surroundings

For the design of the 65 cabins and cottages, Electric Bowery co-founders Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew looked to several references including the lifestyle of their native state, and architects like Mickey Muennig.

“It was particularly important to convey the indoor-outdoor living experience that was borrowed from and inspired by west coast Californian architecture, using tall storefront glass in several locations with naturally weathered and repurposed wood-clad ceilings and fin walls visually extending from the interior to exterior,” said the architecture studio.

Guest room lounge with sliding glass doors that open onto porch — Sliding glass doors open the guest rooms to private porches

The oak-clad Ridge and Meadow cottages all have an offset gabled form, while the double-gable structures house the two-bedroom suites.

Sliding glass doors open onto private porches, which are each angled to block views from their neighbours.

Cabin clad in Corten steel surrounded by trees — Nestled into the trees, the Bower Cabins are clad in weathering steel

Interiors are bright and modern, with bold colours borrowed from the natural surroundings and custom furniture paired with locally sourced antiques.

Tucked beneath the tree canopy, the Bower Cabins are a similar shape to the cottages, but clad in weathering steel.

These smaller rooms feature a darker, more intimate palette of dark blue walls and patterned textiles, and details including woven cabinet doors.

“The overall palette of the project is composed of an abundance of natural materials – stacked stone, slate, weathered wood finishes, naturally oxidized Corten steel, to name a few – that blend seamlessly with the landscape and provide warmth through texture and lack of uniformity, but also conform to the modern architectural lines of the buildings,” said the studio.

Bedroom interior with dark blue walls, woven cabinet fronts and patterned textiles — The smaller cabin interiors feature dark blue walls, woven cabinet fronts and patterned textiles

Lambur and Bartholomew founded Electric Bowery in 2013 after working together at Frank Gehry’s office, and now has offices in Los Angeles, Big Sur and New York City.

Their earlier projects include a house in Venice Beach with an off-centre pitched roof, which bears a resemblance to the cabins at Wildflower Farms.

Chairs surrounding a fire pit with cabins and mountain ridge in the distance — Wildflower Farms occupies a 140-acre site and offers a rural escape 90 minutes from New York City

The Hudson Valley is a popular getaway destination for city dwellers craving a dose of nature, and its popularity increased further during the pandemic, when many New York City relocated there temporarily or permanently.

Among the myriad places to stay in the area are the boutique Hotel Kinsley in Kingston, and Troutbeck, a renovated English-style country house.

The photography is courtesy of Wildflower Farms.

Reference

Photograph showing large sofa in living area looking into dining area

Interior Design

Relogged house by Balbek Bureau reinterprets traditional log cabins

By Zarkon Group,25/08/2023

Architecture studio Balbek Bureau has revamped a house in Ukraine using stainless steel and concrete to create a modern interpretation of a log cabin.

The three-bedroom cabin was built from horizontally stacked logs, which the designers kept on display throughout the interior.

The Kyiv-based studio aimed to deviate from conventional cabin interiors, instead creating an industrial, utilitarian scheme informed by the style of American fashion designer Rick Owens.

“The pre-existing interior was in a classic log cabin style,” Balbek Bureau told Dezeen. “The logs were a lighter shade, closer to the natural wood colour – the furniture was mostly made of wood as well with traditional country-style shapes dominating the interior.”

Photograph of cantilevered staircase — The stairs have cantilevered steps that appear to float

In order to lend itself to a more industrial finish, the studio trimmed the interior of surplus logs and timber.

“Our goal was to achieve a clean geometry of the space with as little extra lines as possible,” said the studio.

“That is why we removed part of the log beams that were not load-bearing – we did the same with non-bearing walls to create an open space on the first floor.”

Photograph of double-height fireplace — A towering fireplace dominates the living space

Microcement flooring and project-bespoke furniture pieces such as stainless steel consoles were added to the spaces to contrast the traditional log walls.

Vintage lounge and dining chairs from the owner’s own collection were added to character to the spaces, which were hung with paintings belonging to the client.

Photograph of concrete and stainless steel kitchen — Log beams juxtapose industrial finishes in the kitchen

The glass-fronted entryway contains a staircase comprising timber planks cantilevered out from wall. Beyond, the kitchen, dining room, home office and living room are contained within one fluid space.

The cabin’s construction is most apparent in the double-height living space, where logs form tall bookcases accessed by a sliding metal ladder. These flank a tapered fireplace made from concrete blocks, at the foot of which sits a large sofa.

The use of concrete continues in the kitchen, which is dominated by a monolithic kitchen island flanked by floor-to-ceiling stainless steel cabinets.

Plywood panelling replaces logs in the curtain lined theatre room leading off of the kitchen.

Photograph of home theatre space — Metal consoles on casters sit below the screen

Modern, black-framed windows were installed throughout the building, with vertical windows added in the home office and dining room to bring more sunlight into the space.

Original ceiling beams were left exposed to highlight the cabin’s original construction.

Photograph of office space through from dining area — A clear desk contrasts the wooden dining room furniture

Recalling the sofas downstairs, the master bedroom features a sprawling custom-made bed that sits low to the floor. Its upholstered sides were bolstered by stainless steel consoles similar to those in the theatre room.

Retro lamps were added as a playful touches including a bulbous standing lamp that arches over the bed.

Bed in wood-panelled bedroom with retro lighting — The main bedroom utilises warmer-toned wood

A moveable mirror-panelled screen on castors sits against one wall, and a wooden mid-century console references the warm-toned timber-clad walls.

Throughout the house black radiators, ceiling lights, window frames and power outlets punctuate the rooms.

Photograph of desk in children's room — Upholstered sleeping nooks create a cosy atmosphere

The two bedrooms on the other side of the cabin retain the dark-toned log walls of the living room, adjoined by steel shelves and contrasted by soft, padded sleeping nooks.

Both of the bathrooms are a stark contrast from the rest of the interiors, with almost no wooden finishes at all and housing white fixtures.

Photograph of grey bathroom — Concrete covers the bathroom walls, floors and ceilings

“[Relogged] allowed us to work on rethinking the rather established and traditional form of a log cabin,” concluded the studio.

Other cabins featured on Dezeen include A-frame cabins in a remote Canadian forest by Atelier l’Abri and a cabin clad in ash wood on a rocky outcrop in Norway by Line Solgaard Arkitekter.

The photography is by Andrey Bezuglov and Maryan Beresh.

Reference

Interior Design

Ten cosy cabins with living spaces that frame views of nature

By Zarkon Group,28/01/2023

From Norway to New Zealand, this lookbook explores rural cabins with cosy living areas that are animated by natural materials and views out over wild landscapes.

Cabins are a popular building typology with architects all around the world. Typically built from wood, the little shelters are ideally suited as peaceful retreats in remote locations.

Their small size and the use of organic materials such as wood helps these structures to blend in with natural surroundings, while also creating warm and calming living spaces for inhabitants.

As demonstrated by this roundup, little else is needed to make a cabin cosy, and keeping their interiors pared-back retains focus on the main event – the views out to nature.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with statement carpets, earthy bedrooms with natural colours and hotel interiors enriched by jewel tones.

Enough House, Canada, by Brian MacKay-Lyons

Dark-stained floorboards complement the light and exposed timber beams and columns of this cabin on a farmstead in Nova Scotia.

Its living room has large windows for looking out over the rustic landscape but retains a sheltered feel with low ceilings, a soft rug and comfy leather furniture such as the 2 Fauteuil Grand Confort armchair by Le Corbusier.

Find out more about Enough House ›

L-shaped sofa and armchair inside cabin living space — Photo is by Tom Bird

Looking Glass Lodge, UK, by Michael Kendrick Architects

A black fireplace is suspended from the ceiling of this sitting area, located in the Looking Glass Lodge in East Sussex.

The room has a pared-back design filled with woven furnishings and wooden surfaces, helping to ensure the focus stays on the floor-to-ceiling glazing.

According to its designer Michael Kendrick Architects, the studio’s aim was to give the cabin “a sense of transparency and belonging within its setting”.

Find out more about Looking Glass Lodge ›

Sitting and dining area of The Hat House in Sweden — Photo is by Jim Stephenson

The Hat House, Sweden, by Tina Bergman

Despite its tall ceilings, The Hat House’s living-dining space has been made to feel snug with its warm material palette dominated by different woods.

These include spruce panels on the walls and end-grain spruce blocks for the floor. A cushioned window seat allows the owner to immerse themself in the view.

Find out more about The Hat House ›

Living room of Bruny Island Cabin by Maguire + Devin — Photo is by Rob Maver

Bruny Island Cabin, Australia, by Maguire + Devin

Baltic pine lines almost every surface of this off-grid cabin in Tasmania, designed by Maguire + Devin with references to traditional Japanese houses.

Nearly every piece of furniture forms a part of the building’s frame, creating a minimalist and uncluttered interior. This includes a raised seating area, positioned beside a pane of glass and finished with a low-lying table and rugs for sitting.

Find out more about Bruny Island Cabin ›

Living space of Biv Punakaiki cabin — Photo is by Stephen Goodenough

Biv Punakaiki, New Zealand, by Fabric Architecture

Hidden within the rainforest in the coastal village of Punakaiki, this holiday cabin has large spans of glazing that aim to immerse occupants in the landscape.

Furnishings are few and far between to prevent distracting from the view, but a homely feel is created through the warm and exposed timber structure and mid-20th-century furnishings including a leather butterfly chair.

Find out more about Biv Punakaiki ›

Mobile forest cabin at Het bos roept campsite by The Way We Build — Photo is by Jordi Huisman

Forest Cabin, Netherlands, by The Way We Build

Arches made of poplar give a chapel-like character to this tiny mobile cabin, located on a campsite in the Robbenoordbos forest in the Netherlands.

Its compact living area is deliberately simple, furnished with just a writing desk and a wood burner for warmth and offering visitors a meditative space to “rejuvenate close to nature”.

Find out more about Forest Cabin ›

Living room of Iragüen Viñuela Arquitectos ski cabin — Photo is by Marcos Zegers

House by the Cautín River, Chile, by Iragüen Viñuela Arquitecto

Iragüen Viñuela Arquitectos opted for dark-stained wood for the interior lining of this ski cabin in Chile, creating a moody yet cosy living area where the outside views take centre stage.

“The interior of the house, completely covered in black wood, allows a great contrast with the white winter and green summer landscape, and offers an atmosphere of introspection and calm according to the vocation of shelter,” said the studio.

Find out more about House by the Cautín River ›

Living space in Cabin Nordmarka by Rever & Drage Architects — Photo is by Tom Auger

Cabin Nordmarka, Norway, Rever & Drage

An angular corner window animates the unadorned living room of Cabin Nordmarka that Rever & Drage recently completed in Norway.

The green and blue tones of the forested surroundings form a colourful backdrop to the elevated space, which is characterised by light timber planks and matching furniture.

Find out more about Cabin Nordmarka ›

Interior of The Author's House in Denmark by Sleth — Photo is by Rasmus Hjortshøj, Coast

The Author’s House, Denmark, by Sleth

Landscape studio Sleth designed this writer’s cabin to blend in with its natural setting on the outskirts of Aarhus.

Douglas fir planks line the living room, creating a cosy retreat for the owner while echoing the surrounding trees. Bookshelves at the base of its gabled profile help reduce the height of the room, making it feel even more snug.

Find out more about The Author’s House ›

Bergaliv Landscape Hotel, Sweden, by Hanna Michelson

This compact wooden cabin nestled in the treetops of a Swedish mountain is one of four designed for the Bergaliv Landscape Hotel.

Like many other cabins on the list, the interior is simply finished. This draws attention to a wooden L-shaped bench and window seat, designed for visitors to get lost in the views out over the landscape.

Find out more about Bergaliv Landscape Hotel ›

Reference

Cabins

Suspended bridges connect round cabin hotels in Mexico

modular cabins made of aluminum and glass embed into village houses in china

Superposition Village Initiative Transforms Rural China

pods are inserted into the houses’ existing structures

Feste designs Agder Day-Trip Cabins for 25 locations in southern Norway

Electric Bowery arranges steel and wood cabins for Hudson Valley hotel

Relogged house by Balbek Bureau reinterprets traditional log cabins

Ten cosy cabins with living spaces that frame views of nature

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