into the woods or out in the desert, how cabins employ unique forms to blend into nature

UNCONVENTIONAL CABINS BLENDING nature and ARCHITECTURE

Usually found in rural or semi-rural locations, cabins come in various shapes and sizes. These cozy abodes are designed to adapt to diverse landscapes and climates, often with the aim of providing tranquility and seclusion to their inhabitants. As the off-grid lifestyle gains popularity, cabins are increasingly sought after by those yearning for independence from conventional utilities, a self-sufficient way of living, an escape from the urban chaos, and a strong connection with nature.

With summer in full swing in the northern hemisphere, we have gathered a series of cabin retreats that blend into their natural surroundings through form and materiality. Tucked into the woods or out in the desert, the following projects embrace simplicity, encouraging users to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature.

cabin Anna in the Netherlands by Caspar Schols | image by Jorrit ‘t Hoen

TINY DWELLINGS Amidst Serene Landscapes

From the most adventurous to those who refuse to compromise comfort, cabins offer the perfect getaway spots for any kind of escape from the city. Nestled amidst serene landscapes, these tiny dwellings provide a tranquil shelter away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Their architecture takes a distinctive approach to providing shelter, adapting to the weather, mood, and occasion while harmonizing with its environment.

In the Anna wooden cabin in a Dutch park, Caspar Schols has developed a sliding double-shell exterior that allows it to open up and merge with its surroundings. At the same time, Line Solgaard Arkitekter’s Kjerringholmen Cabin in Hvaler, Norway, is designed with a multifaceted exterior that captures a range of views from within.

image by Jorrit ‘t Hoen

In the Fragrant Lake of Huanggang City in China, the Sprite Cabin by Wiki World takes the shape of a crystal-like formation with a fish-scale-inspired outer layer adorned with wooden shingles that blend with its wooded surroundings.

For the boldest of explorers, Sara Underwood and Jacob Witzling set a new standard with their resilient Desert Cabins in the vast expanse of the Sonoran Desert. Clad in steel, the cabins are crafted to endure intense temperatures and can be situated in the remotest of locations, inspiring adventurous journeys. For those who might question the choice of metal in the heat of the desert, the designer duo explains that steel is a commonly used material in these climates. Contrary to popular belief, metal siding does not intensify the heat inside the cabin. In fact, steel’s reflective properties help mitigate the sun’s radiant heat.

Lucia Smart Cabin in Inari, Finland by Pirinen & Salo | image by Marc Goodwin/Archmospheres

Another unconventional approach is the Lucia Smart Cabin in Inari, Finland, by Pirinen & Salo. Clad entirely in glass, it disappears between the trees while creating an ideal setting for stargazing on a clear night and panoramic vistas of the natural landscape. In the same logic is Leckie Studio‘s mirrored Arcana Cabins in Ontario, Canada, which is camouflaged within its bucolic background. Meanwhile, in a compact 18 sqm space, Sigurd Larsen places nature at the forefront within a muted black box-like cabin in Germany. Tall ceilings, expansive windows, skylights, and spacious sliding glass doors redefine the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, framing the natural environment.

Awakening joy and wonder, the elevated designs invite inhabitants to rediscover the thrill of climbing and enjoy the panoramic views from above. In this spirit, Gert Wingård has completed the Trakt Forest Hotel in Sällehägnad, Sweden, adding floating volumes amid the treetops. Supported by eight pillars, each unit offers immersive views of the encompassing woodland. Likewise, Hebra Arquitectos’ Lecho Viejo in a Chilian rocky forest finds its place delicately raised on one side by a stone plinth. This design maximizes daylight through a generous six-meter-wide glass facade, most of which can be fully opened, all while minimizing its impact on the landscape.