Wenatchee River Cabin stands lightly above the floodplain in Wenatchee, WA, United States, a compact retreat shaped by Wittman Estes for one dedicated outdoor enthusiast. Conceived as a base camp and eventually embraced as a full-time home, the elevated cabin turns a modest footprint into a layered daily routine centered on the forest and river. Simple forms, durable materials, and a clear program keep the focus on lived experience rather than show.
Living Unit sets out from Ljubljana, Slovenia, as a compact yet ambitious cabin concept by OFIS architects. The project explores how a self-contained wooden shell can adapt to shifting terrains, climates, and uses, from tourism to emergency shelter. Conceived in 2017, the modular unit turns a small footprint into a surprisingly complete retreat with kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping arrangements ready to multiply across different sites.
Tiny Auro is a remarkable cabin conceived by Trawa Arquitectos, situated in Puerto Varas, Chile. Finished in 2024, this distinctive edifice encourages individuals to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the great outdoors. Positioned between the breathtaking Calbuco volcano and the peaceful banks of Lake Llanquihue, this haven pays tribute to the allure of the Lakes Region.
The Idea House designed by JHL Design in Lake Oswego, United States, is a family retreat with expansive windows and concrete floors, designed in 2008. Nestled in the trees of southwest Portland, the home blends modern design with natural surroundings, featuring concrete flooring and plywood walls for warmth and grounding.
Situated along Germany’s only fjord, the Vacation Home at the Schlei seamlessly blends Scandinavian charm with the surrounding natural landscape. Designed by the renowned firm Gärtner Büro und Wohnen in 2023, this cozy cottage in Kappeln features generous window walls that offer breathtaking views of the Schlei estuary.
The interior showcases a harmonious balance of natural materials, creating a serene and inviting retreat from everyday life.
Ofland Escalante, a captivating hotel project designed by ANACAPA Architecture, offers a unique retreat in the heart of Utah, United States. Blending seamlessly with the stunning natural landscape, this 17-acre destination encourages guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the high desert plateau.
The design emphasizes a warm, casual ambiance, with custom-designed cabins featuring glass walls that invite the stunning Escalante vistas inside. Complemented by amenities like a clubhouse, pool, and spa-quality bathhouse, Ofland Escalante captures the romance of the American West, providing a modern yet authentic experience for all who seek to connect with the great outdoors.
The Grist Mill Cabin by Modus Studio blends contemporary design with the natural beauty of Rogers, Arkansas. Perched on a three-acre site beside Beaver Lake, this cabin stands as a testament to sustainable architecture, minimizing environmental impact while emphasizing views and connectivity with the outdoors. With locally-sourced Cypress and modern metal, the cabin offers a unique retreat amidst the Ozarks’ rolling hills.
Step into Urubici Lodge, a minimalist retreat crafted by Luciano Lerner Basso in the serene highlands of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Designed in 2023, this concrete masterpiece is ideal for couples or as a unique Airbnb getaway. Surrounded by an endangered Araucaria forest, it blends harmoniously with nature, embodying the spirit of contemporary Brazilian architecture. Large glass panels invite the outside in, creating a seamless interaction with the natural landscape.
Urubici Lodge is more than just a retreat; it’s a haven of tranquility and a celebration of modernist design, offering a peaceful escape in southern Brazil’s stunning highlands.
