stuff we drool about

Opal Lake Cabin

Designed by Opal Architecture, this lakeside gem combines innovative wooden design with exceptional sustainability. Located in the picturesque rural Northwest Connecticut, this remarkable home showcases the perfect blend of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and wood fiber insulation, achieving an impressive level of energy efficiency. By utilizing wood as the primary building material, Opal Architecture emphasizes its sustainability and minimal environmental impact.

Designed to replace a seasonal cottage, this single-level cabin maximizes its volume by concentrating the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Private areas, including the primary bedroom suite and a study/guest room, spread out to the west and east respectively. The stepped façade ensures every major space enjoys breathtaking lake views.

Despite its complex geometry, the Opal Lake Cabin successfully utilized prefabricated CLT panels for the structural walls, ceilings, and roof. These panels, left exposed on the interior, provide both structural support and a stunning finish. Encased in rigid wood fiber insulation and adorned with prefinished ash siding, the cabin achieves an energy-efficient Passive House standard. To further reduce reliance on the power grid, the cabin incorporates Teslas Solar Roof and Powerwall technology, enabling electricity generation and storage.




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Home for an Artist - Image

Home for an Artist

Tucked between meadow, wetland, and sea, the Home for an Artist is a tranquil cabin and studio retreat designed by Laura Killam Architecture on a remote Northern Gulf Island in British Columbia. The compact 650-square-foot cabin blends rustic charm with modern minimalism, honoring its surroundings while offering year-round comfort. Elevated on point footings and nestled among Shore Pines, the cedar-clad cabin captures sweeping views of the meadow, sandy beach, an...
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SUSPENDED HOUSE - Image

SUSPENDED HOUSE

The Suspended House is a remote getaway unlike any other. Envisioned by talented Iranian architect Milad Eshtiyaghi, the unique A-frame style cabin literally hangs off a cliff and is not for the faint-hearted. The impressive house respectfully maintains a minimized footprint on the land, and is anchored to a large mast by tension cables. Envisioned for the coastal region of Mendocino, in North California, the floating dwelling also features triangular windows on thr...
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SURFER HUT | PORTUGAL - Image

SURFER HUT | PORTUGAL

It is hard to imagine a better environment to build a shelter connected with nature. On the Portuguese coast (about an hour south of Lisbon) lies a hidden piece of paradise...Comporta. Designer and creator of recycled furniture Pequenina Rodrigues, fell in love with the natural beauty of the surroundings and without hesitation, designed this divine shelter. The structure of the house is divided into four traditional fishing huts. In the main hut lies the living room...
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