Madriguera Eco Reserve Stays by S-AR is the first built component of Glampeer, a hospitality initiative that aims to integrate architecture into mountain-based nature tourism. Located within a forested area that opens onto a small valley in Sierra de Arteaga, Mexico, the project explores how built structures can frame and enhance the experience of the surrounding landscape.

This initial phase comprises two separate cabins, Cabaña Conejos and Cabaña Liebre, each designed with distinct spatial programs but unified by a consistent material palette including wood, concrete, steel, and glass. Positioned along the western edge of the site’s natural slope, both cabins are oriented to maximize views toward a nearby mountain range. Their siting leverages the terrain for unobstructed visual access to both the valley and the forested backdrop.

all images by Recording Architecture

S-AR Sets Cabaña Conejos and Cabaña Liebre on a forested slope

Cabaña Liebre is compact in scale, roughly equivalent to a standard tent footprint, yet incorporates full interior amenities including a bathroom and kitchen. The structure employs a hybrid system of concrete supports and steel framing, enclosed with thermally insulated wooden boards. A concrete volume containing the bathroom and storage is inserted into the larger wooden shell. A surrounding terrace provides exterior space, adaptable for temporary features such as a portable fireplace. Cabaña Conejos, the larger of the two, accommodates multiple functions including sleeping, cooking, dining, and living, with the capacity to adapt interior configurations based on occupancy needs. The building is constructed using load-bearing concrete block walls and lightweight concrete slab systems, clad externally with thermally insulated black-painted wooden boards. Interior surfaces include wood flooring with a natural finish and walls coated with a cement and black paint mixture. Additional features include a workspace, a balcony, a rooftop viewing platform, and multiple access terraces.

Both structures operate as contemporary interpretations of the mountain refuge typology, using material economy and structural clarity to establish a visual and spatial dialogue with their environment. Madriguera Eco Reserve Stays by S-AR Studio frame specific landscape views while maintaining compact footprints, prioritizing environmental responsiveness and architectural precision.

two cabins, Cabaña Conejos and Cabaña Liebre, anchor the project

set on a forested slope, the cabins open toward a small mountain valley

each cabin is oriented to frame views of the surrounding mountain range

Cabaña Liebre occupies the footprint of a standard tent with full interior amenities

a consistent material palette of wood, concrete, steel, and glass unifies both structures

Madriguera Eco Reserve Stays integrates architecture into nature tourism in Sierra de Arteaga

Cabaña Conejos supports a range of living functions in a larger footprint

multiple terraces connect the interior to varied outdoor spaces

the cabins frame key landscape views without disrupting the terrain

interior surfaces feature natural wood floors and cement-finished walls

material economy and clear forms guide the architectural language

wooden insulation panels enclose the cabin, ensuring thermal comfort

each structure interprets the mountain refuge through contemporary design

project info:

name: Madriguera Eco Reserve Stays
architects: S-AR | @stacionarq

location: Sierra de Arteaga, Mexico

photographer: Recording Architecture | @recording.architecture

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Tucked within the weathered coastline of rural Maine, OPAL Architecture’s Little House on the Ferry sidesteps the typical image of a single homestead set against a picturesque view. The project takes shape with three modest, prefabricated structures, nearly matching, positioned just so among the remnants of a former granite quarry. At first glance, the cabins appear to rest gently on the site, yet their placement reveals a more deliberate reading of place. Each sits in conversation with the stone around it, recognizing both the industrial past and the ongoing resilience of the recovering ground.

The guest house serves a family that travels from Austria to Maine each summer, joining an older main residence nearby. The new timber structures offer privacy for visiting friends and relatives, but they also deepen the experience of being in this particular landscape. Instead of dominating the site, the buildings register its scars and its softness. The design finds meaning in dispersion — each volume a fragment in dialogue with granite blocks and exposed bedrock.

images © Trent Bell Photography

cabins perch Lightly over rural maine landscape

OPAL Architecture’s cabins in Maine remain minimal in plan and expression, a gesture made possible by the use of prefabricated cross-laminated timber. Fabricated in Quebec from black spruce and ferried over to the island, these panels act as the full structural system, forming floor, walls, and roof. They arrive precut, slotting into place with precision. This construction method allowed the architects to ensure minimal disturbance to the fragile site, while producing a building envelope that is both strong and tactile. The grain of the spruce reads through the interiors, where the tone is kept pale and clear, letting the landscape carry the color.

Connection between the three buildings is managed by a series of decks that trace over the ground with lightness. These floating platforms act as thresholds, paths, and outlooks. They refuse any single axis or entry point. Instead, they reinforce the site’s inherent irregularity, allowing the architecture to feel both settled and momentary. Nothing is over-defined. The buildings are aligned more with the grain of the land than with each other.

each cabin responds differently to the contours and character of the quarry site

architecture in response to all seasons

OPAL Architecture designed the cabins to be used primarily in the warmer months of Maine, with large, operable windows ensuring natural ventilation. In the shoulder seasons, sliding wooden shutters temper the low sun and help insulate. When the owners leave for Austria in late fall, the shutters close the buildings up entirely. These movable elements add a quiet rhythm to the facades and offer subtle reminders of the life inside: one moment open to sea air and chatter, the next buttoned up and silent until next year.

Interior furnishings, drawn largely from the Thos. Moser collection, reflect a similar attitude toward restraint and care. Each piece is positioned as though placed thoughtfully and without hurry. The dining chairs, bedroom tables, and living room accents feel well suited to the project’s scale. Like the architecture itself, they support the experience of the site without distracting from it.

three micro-cabins are connected by a network of open decks

wooden shutters control sunlight and secure the house through the winter months

the elevated decks float over granite and brush, linking the buildings gently

interior finishes are kept pale and minimal allowing views to take center stage

the project is furnished with select pieces, created in Maine by Thos. Moser

the design reads the site carefully and builds lightly in response

project info:

name: Little House on the Ferry

architect: OPAL Architecture | @we.are.opal

location: Maine, USA

design partner: Riley Pratt

contractor: GO Logic

structural engineer: Albert Putnam Associates

photographer: © Trent Bell Photography | @trentbellphotography

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Timber Twist is a work created for Virserum Konsthall Art Museum in Sweden by Ulf Mejergren Architects (UMA) and Esperöd Art Team’s Travis Child, invited as part of the Träkraft (Wood Power) exhibition. Its inspiration comes from the Bagworm moth, whose larvae build protective cases from twigs, moss, and gravel, woven with silk into camouflaged shelters. When mature, the larva fastens its case to a branch and pupates. Only the male emerges with wings; the female remains in the case for life, lays eggs, and dies. These tiny architects build remarkable homes, yet lead restricted lives—a paradox that invites reflection on the shells we build: not just walls and roofs, but the mental, emotional, and societal frameworks formed early in life. ‘These structures offer safety and identity, but can also limit us. Around us lies a vast world, physical and metaphorical, we may never fully explore unless we question our own shells’, shares UMA’s team. This became the foundation of Timber Twist: a human-scale tribute and gentle provocation, inspired by the Bagworm.

all images courtesy of Ulf Mejergren Architects (UMA)

Aspen logs in spiraling formation shape Timber Twist cabin

Seeking to echo the larva’s subtlety and craft, the creative team of Ulf Mejergren Architects (UMA) and Esperöd Art Team’s Travis Child turned to traditional timber techniques. Aspen logs were joined using wooden dowels, with no metal, honoring a craft of invisible strength and quiet precision. Timber Twist reimagines the log cabin. Instead of a rectangle, it takes on a triangular form where each layer rotates slightly, forming a spiraling shape. The round entrance, chisel-carved to resemble tooth marks, is a quiet homage to the beaver, another skilled woodworker fond of aspen’s soft grain. Inside, visitors can sit and look upward into a vortex of timber and time. The space invites contemplation of the homes we build, and the deeper idea of home itself: how it grounds and protects us, but might also quietly confine us. Timber Twist offers a pause and a possibility to imagine other ways of being.

Timber Twist is installed at Virserum Konsthall for the Träkraft exhibition

inspired by the Bagworm moth’s camouflaged larval shelters

Timber Twist is constructed entirely from aspen logs and wooden dowels

visitors are invited to sit and contemplate the layered construction

each timber layer is rotated slightly to create a continuous twist

entrance is carved to resemble beaver tooth marks in soft aspen

spiral geometry replaces the traditional rectangular log cabin form

the design references silent precision and subtlety found in nature

Timber Twist invites pause and reflection within a spiraled space

diagram of Timber Twist

project info:

name: Timber Twist
architects: Ulf Mejergren Architects (UMA) | @ulfmejergrenarchitects, Travis Child – Esperöd Art Team

location: Virserum, Sweden

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Located in the Kozak Plateau near Pergamon in Turkey, the Cabin in Woods by Ediz Demirel Works. is a small-scale structure intended for short-term rental. The project, resting on the existing dry stone terrace walls of an old vineyard, is designed to minimize disturbance to the surrounding landscape while establishing a defined architectural presence through its contrasting materials and construction techniques.

The architectural form is defined by a prefabricated steel frame and corten steel cladding, which distinctly contrasts the natural terrain and stone foundation. A horizontal opening in the metal shell provides panoramic views, establishing a deliberate visual relationship with the surrounding plateau. Additional facade apertures are articulated as angular projections, emphasizing the spatial boundary between interior and exterior. The base of the cabin utilizes a reinforced dry stone wall, integrated with the irregular existing stone conditions of the site. Reinforced concrete is poured in situ to stabilize this foundation. The superstructure, consisting of prefabricated steel elements and corten panels, is assembled on-site. This separation of ground and enclosure, stone and steel, produces a layered tectonic reading.

all images by Egemen Karakaya

Cabin in Woods project explores themes of material contrast

The structure is organized around a sunken central space, designed as a conversation pit, embedded into the topography. This recessed core functions as the primary gathering area and is surrounded by auxiliary spaces, including wet zones and service areas. These are attached as linear extensions from the central core. A mezzanine level within the enclosing shell accommodates sleeping and work functions, optimizing the compact interior volume.

The structure’s identity is derived from the juxtaposition of two distinct architectural strategies: a grounded, topography-integrated foundation and a visually distinct, prefabricated shell. Cabin in Woods project, developed by

Ediz Demirel Works.’ architectural team, explores themes of material contrast, contextual adaptation, and modular construction, positioning the cabin within the broader discourse of contemporary rural architecture.

Cabin in Woods is set within the Kozak Plateau near Pergamon, Turkey

the cabin rests on historic dry stone terrace walls of an old vineyard

prefabricated steel framing defines the cabin’s architectural language

angular facade apertures articulate the boundary between inside and out

the steel and corten superstructure was prefabricated off-site and assembled on location

corten steel cladding creates contrast against the natural stone foundation

reinforced dry stone foundations integrate with the site’s existing terrain

stone below and steel above create a clear material separation

the form engages both with the land and the larger rural context

the interior layout maximizes function within a compact footprint

project info:

name: Cabin in Woods
architect: Ediz Demirel Works. | @edizdemirel.works

location: İzmir, Turkey

collaborator: Tuna Ökten

photographer: Egemen Karakaya | @egemenkarakaya

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Wiki World’s Cabin of Sails is located in Wuhan Ganlushan Culture Creativity City, China, a large-scale cultural and tourism complex with an emphasis on ‘ice and snow+’ programming. This project marks the architectural practice’s first venture beyond remote wilderness contexts into an integrated urban tourism development. Within this framework, the design objective remains focused on creating spatial experiences that are visually and functionally distinct from urban environments. As part of the ‘Island Living Plan,’ the cabin is one of a series intended to explore spatial isolation and environmental integration through compact architectural interventions.

The cabin is designed with a width of only two meters, equivalent to the dimensions of a double bed, and takes inspiration from the form of a sailboat. Positioned above a raised terrace, the structure is elevated to create a sheltered outdoor area beneath. The spatial arrangement includes a narrow entrance bridge, a compact indoor area, and an upper loft accessed by a steep staircase. The loft serves as the bedroom. The cabins are situated on an island and accessed exclusively by boat, with each unit having its own small dock.

all images courtesy of Wiki World

wiki world’s Sailboat Cabins use prefabricated laminated timber

In response to the surrounding forest environment, the design team at Wiki World intentionally minimizes the structure’s footprint. By reducing the size of the dwelling, the structure limits its physical impact and allows for more direct interaction with the surrounding landscape. The narrow form and elevated placement minimize ground disturbance and integrate with the site’s natural conditions. The terrace provides open views of the surrounding water and landscape, and its adjacency to the shoreline allows for recreational activities such as fishing.

Constructed using prefabricated glued laminated timber, all structural components were digitally modeled and customized to ensure precision and efficiency. Each element is designed for prefabrication and assembly, allowing for rapid on-site construction with minimal environmental disruption. The construction process preserved the existing vegetation, including trees and bamboo, and maintained the original topography and pathways. The cabins are supported by independent foundations and do not rely on continuous slabs or artificial landscaping. The facade uses carbonized wood cladding, treated through a manual charring process. All joints and connections utilize a system of reusable metal components, enabling repeatable assembly and disassembly. The cabin system aligns with Wiki World’s broader design approach focused on prefabrication, modular construction, and ecological sensitivity. The project continues the studio’s exploration of compact, adaptable architecture that engages with natural contexts through minimal means and intentional spatial restraint.

designed by Wiki World, this compact retreat explores minimal architectural interventions in a natural setting

inspired by the form of a sailboat, the design references ideas of movement and anchored solitude

each cabin is only two meters wide, matching the width of a standard double bed

the cabin rests above a raised terrace, creating a sheltered outdoor space beneath the structure

each cabin includes a private dock, emphasizing boat-only access and controlled site circulation

structural components are made from prefabricated glued laminated timber, ensuring efficient assembly

elevated placement minimizes ground contact, preserving natural soil and vegetation conditions

carbonized wood panels form the facade, treated using a traditional charring technique for durability

project info:

name: [Wild Home #133#] – The Cabin of Sails

architect: Wiki World
design team: Mu Wei, Feng Zhaoxian, Wu Baorong, He Wen, Liao Xiaotian, Wang Yuanying

location: Wuhan, China

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Located 1,650 metres above sea level on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau range, the AUM cabins by Arthur Kariev Architects sit just outside the Ile Alatau National Park, 25 kilometres south of Almaty, Kazakhstan. The project consists of two guest cabins constructed to accommodate visitors and provide access to the highland landscapes of the Kazakh Tien Shan. The design prioritizes environmental preservation and minimal impact on the site.

The architectural concept centers on the integration of built form with its natural context. To minimize disturbance, the cabins were constructed using timber-framed SIP panels placed on metal piles, eliminating the need for deep foundations. All utilities were installed underground to preserve the original terrain, and a springwell located nearby supplies clean water. Heating is facilitated by indoor water heaters. A key element of the project is the reuse of salvaged materials. The exterior facades are clad in reclaimed larchwood sourced from dismantled structures in the Altai Mountains of East Kazakhstan. These planks, primarily taken from old roofs, were selected for their weathered texture, marked by moss, mold, and time. The material was collected and transported across the country before being sorted and assembled on-site, complete with original nails.

all images by Ilya Ivanov

AUM cabins’ Interior Layouts rooted in Kazakh Tradition

The team at Arthur Kariev Architects designs the two cabins to serve different functions. One features two bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling east-facing panoramic windows and a shared bathroom. The second includes a kitchenette, living room with a library, and a bathroom with views of the surrounding western mountains. The living area is organized around a wood-burning stove, which is surrounded by handmade tiles in deep green and blue tones. Seating areas incorporate traditional syrmaq carpets with regional motifs, produced by local artisans. Interior finishes are minimal and function-driven. Plywood treated for moisture and fire resistance lines most of the interior walls, excluding the bathrooms. The space is designed for flexibility, allowing occupants to adapt the layout according to individual needs.

The project combines traditional Kazakh building principles and materials with contemporary methods of construction. It seeks to reduce environmental impact while providing a functional and adaptable space that maintains a direct relationship with the surrounding landscape.

AUM cabins sit 1,650 metres above sea level on the northern slope of the Trans-Ili Alatau range

located just outside Ile Alatau National Park, the cabins offer access to the Kazakh Tien Shan highlands

the project consists of two guest cabins designed to accommodate visitors in a natural mountain setting

construction employs timber-framed SIP panels on metal piles to minimize site disturbance

the facades are clad in reclaimed larchwood sourced from dismantled structures in the Altai Mountains

the project avoids deep foundations to reduce its environmental footprint

weathered timber was chosen for its textured surface, bearing visible traces of age and exposure

cabins can be dismantled and the materials reused in the future

one cabin includes two bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the eastern landscape

a central wood-burning stove defines the living room layout in the main cabin

the architectural concept centers on the integration of built form with its natural context

the architecture integrates local traditions with contemporary construction techniques

project info:

name: AUM cabins
architects: Arthur Kariev Architects | @arthurkariev

design team: Arthur Kariev, Gulnara Mukasheva, Darkhan Amantaev, Baltabek M, Bakhtiyar Sayan, Ulan Medeu

built area: 75,3 sqm

location: Almaty Region, Beskainar Village, Kazakhstan 

photographer: Ilya Ivanov | @photoivanov

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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Somewhere between a backyard fort and a modernist miniature, the Kid Cabin by Imaginary Objects is like a dream treehouse in Thailand. Recently completed in Chonburi, the playful project is not perched in the trees but rooted in the landscape, striking a balance between groundedness and imagination. Like a micro-retreat for children, the cabin is designed with an element of wonder while maintaining an architectural sensitivity.

Found in a sweeping field alongside an RV, the Kid Cabin is at once a hideaway and a station for watching the horizon. Inspired by the informal magic of treehouses but opting for a firmly grounded foundation, the cabin leans into ideas of simplicity, tactility, and open-air living. The lightweight teak structure is a nod to traditional Thai housing vernaculars, yet it’s refreshingly unburdened by nostalgia. It contains just two small bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and a breezy open deck that acts as the de facto living room — a liminal zone where inside and outside trade places.

images © Jinnawat Borihankijanan

kid cabin: a house designed for children

The Kid Cabin is a study in permeability by the design team at by Imaginary Objects. The bedrooms feature windows that open wide , turning walls into nothing and making nature an immediate house guest. The deck extends outward with a cantilevered table that dares you to dine, draw, or daydream at the very edge of the cabin’s footprint. Every gesture of the architecture encourages immersion. This is not a space that keeps its inhabitants separate from the outdoors — it insists them step into it.

Kid Cabin by Imaginary Objects Scales Everything to Kid Logic is designed at a child’s scale. Steps, ladders, and even the bathroom door are all sized to child-sized dimensions, subtly teaching young inhabitants that space can respond to them, not the other way around.

By including a large communal sink front and center, Imaginary Objects anticipates the chaos and curiosity that kids bring with them. Whether rinsing off muddy finds from the field, washing paintbrushes, or prepping for a science experiment, the space is primed for play and process. The project is not afraid of mess. Rather, it symbolizes an invitation to make one.

Kid Cabin is a grounded treehouse-inspired retreat for children in Chonburi, Thailand

the lightweight teak structure draws from traditional Thai houses while feeling fresh and contemporary

a cantilevered table extends from the deck, encouraging dining creativity and connection to the landscape

Kid Cabin blurs the line between interior and exterior with wide, openable windows

two compact bedrooms, a shared bathroom, and an open-air deck define the modest layout

the cabin’s elements like steps, ladders, and doors are scaled specifically for children’s proportions

Imaginary Objects invites kids to engage directly with nature and embrace messiness

project info:

name: Kid Cabin

architect: Imaginary Objects | @imaginaryobjects.co

location: Chonburi, Thailand

area: 45 square-meters

completion: 2024

photography: © Jinnawat Borihankijanan | @jinn.bor

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Architecture students of Soochow University in Suzhou, China, complete the XBAMBOO Cabin, made out of raw bamboo and timber, a serene retreat inside the Dushuhu Campus. The 6-square-meter pavilion functions as a teahouse and meditation space, offering a tranquil environment framed by a lush bamboo forest. The project fosters hands-on learning in computational design, advanced fabrication, and real-world construction.

The outer shell of the cabin is made from acrylic panels and precisely cut wooden keels, improving airflow while letting in soft light. The shape of the keel frame was optimized using AI, more specifically, GAN algorithms, to keep the structure lightweight and efficient. Assembling the frame with tree branches and bamboo poles adds an organic touch, creating a layered, textured effect. Thoughtful openings bring the space to life—a welcoming front door connects to the main road, while a big bay window on the south side frames the bamboo forest.

bird’s eye view of the cabin | image courtesy of Soochow University School of Architecture

Fusion of Traditional Timber Techniques and Robotic Fabrication

The students at Soochow University School of Architecture explore a hybrid structural approach through XBAMBOO Cabin, inspired by historical timber constructions and contemporary robotic-fabricated architecture. The design-to-build process combines point cloud scans of raw materials, parametric structural optimization, GAN-based design, robotic craftsmanship, in-situ 3D printing, and customized bamboo-timber joints. Locally sourced materials play a key role, with tree trunks and branches forming the structural columns and curtain wall truss bracings, while bamboo arches, harvested from the campus garden, create organic lines.

To fully utilize the irregular forms of natural materials, the collected tree trunks and branches were 3D-scanned, digitally modeled, and robotically crafted for precise connections. Structural arches incorporate bundled thin bamboo poles combined with Moso bamboo segments, a species commonly used in construction. Two distinct jointing techniques enable the assembly. The ‘plug-in’ joints, where Moso segments are inserted into prefabricated slots and secured with bamboo sticks, and the ‘add-on’ joints, where thick bamboo poles rest on custom footings 3D-printed onto tree trunks. The cabin sits atop a steel frame with four concrete foundations, allowing for minimal environmental impact.

structural arches made from thin bamboo poles

solar panels on the roof power lights inside the cabin

the outer shell of the cabin is made from acrylic panels and precisely cut wooden keels

windows on the south facade

plug-in timber-bamboo joint

bamboo arches and pruned tree components compose the curtain wall truss bracings

sunlight shines into the cabin through the parametric facade

the cabin sits atop a steel frame with four concrete foundations

project info:

name: XBAMBOO Cabin

architect: Soochow University School of Architecture

location: Suzhou, China 

area: 6 square meters

design team: WANG Sining, FAN Haojie, XIA Xinyue, LI Shunuo, ZHENG Huangyan, XU Haoyi, ZHANG Jingyu, YE Fan

principal investigator: WANG Sining

research assistants: FAN Haojie, XIA Xinyue, LI Shunuo, ZHENG Huangyan, XU Haoyi, ZHANG Jingyu, YE Fan construction team: QU Zhengyun, BAI Kaiwen, HU Yidan, WANG Yingda, ZHANG Yewen, FANG Yujie, LUO Lifeng, CHEN Xinzhi, GAN Chenyu, WU Yujie, CHEN Shumei, ZHOU Yage 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

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American studio Altura Architects takes to the dense forests of Sylva, North Carolina to complete this Spruce Ridge Cabin. The home occupies a site nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, a high altitude that creates a distinctive microclimate that supports rare species of flora and fauna. Designing with minimal environmental impact was a priority, resulting in a modest structure with a reduced footprint. The cabin consists of two cantilevered volumes clad in dark cedar, and a footbridge leading to the entrance creates a transitional experience between civilization and nature.

The project is commissioned by a client with a strong commitment to environmental conservation. Situated in a red spruce forest at 5,700 feet, the location presents a unique ecosystem that required careful design consideration. The evergreen canopy contributes to a delicate habitat, making preservation of the land a central goal of the project.

images © Keith Isaacs

altura architects minimizes visual and environmental impact

Altura Architects designs its Spruce Ridge Cabin to exist in respectful dialogue with the forest. The architects site the structure downhill from the road, and ensure a forty-foot-wide forest buffer is maintained to camouflage the building. A pedestrian bridge crosses this preserved woodland, enhancing the sense of separation from the outside world and reinforcing the connection to nature.

The home’s exterior cladding mirrors the tones of the surrounding red spruce forest. Vertical cedar siding on the cantilevered wings complements the tree-lined backdrop, finished with a dark pine tar stain for durability and insect resistance. The cabin’s base and connecting core are clad in cement plaster tinted to match the local granite rock formations, further embedding the structure into its natural setting.

Spruce Ridge Cabin is located in a dense forest in North Carolina at nearly 6,000 feet elevation

Interiors that Frame north carolina’s forest

In planning its Spruce Ridge Cabin, the team at Altura Architects makes use of an efficient layout with a simple structural concept. Two cantilevered sections — one dedicated to shared living spaces and the other to private quarters — are unified beneath a single roof. A central stairwell and entryway connect the volumes. The design incorporates three porches that provide varied vantage points, from views of the forest floor to glimpses through the treetops.

The interior design incorporates warm, natural finishes to further the home’s arboreal atmosphere. Birch plywood panels and cabinetry create a cohesive aesthetic, while floor-to-ceiling windows maximize exposure to the surrounding forest. A screened porch with an eighteen-foot folding door extends the interior into the landscape, fostering an immersive living experience.

Environmental consultants and arborists consulted the architects to ensure responsible site management. Measures to minimize ecological disruption include an integrated stormwater system, a compact building footprint, and soil preservation techniques. Meanwhile, looking ahead to the future, a forest management plan further supports the long-term health of the site.

the cabin is designed to minimize environmental impact and preserve the ecosystem of the red spruce forest

a footbridge leads to the entrance creating a gradual transition from civilization into nature

two cantilevered volumes clad in dark cedar respond to the surrounding forest

the dark pine tar stain on the exterior protects against the elements while complementing the natural context

floor to ceiling windows and an 18-foot folding door in the screened porch maximize views

the cabin’s layout includes two distinct wings for public and private spaces connected by a central stair

project info:

name: Spruce Ridge Cabin

architect: Altura Architects | @alturaarchitects

location: Sylva, North Carolina

contractor: Carolina Builder Services
environmental consultant: Equinox Environmental | @equinox_environmental

photography: © Keith Isaacs | @keithisaacsphoto

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Located in Jiangxia District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, The Cabin of Palette is part of the Wiki World Co-Building Plan, which aims to develop a series of nature-integrated homes. This structure follows a series of artistic cabin designs, including past projects such as the Pure Blue Cabin and the Maze Cabin.

Positioned within a forest, the cabin is designed to provide both shelter and openness to the surrounding environment. The climate conditions of the region, characterized by cold winters and hot summers, informed the development of a green elevated, palette-shaped roof that enhances airflow. The canopy is marked with contour lines and supported by light wooden structures. The home consists of three interconnected volumes—bedroom, living room, and bathroom—arranged in a circular layout to offer varying perspectives of the landscape. Large covered terraces extend from the front and back, providing shaded areas suitable for summer heat and seasonal rains. A private courtyard allows for outdoor activities such as bonfires.

all images by Wiki World, Pan Yanjun, Cai Muan

black carbonized wood clads The Cabin of Palette’s structure

The exterior features a contrast between the green roof and black carbonized wood cladding. The wooden structural elements supporting the roof are arranged in a non-uniform pattern, contributing to both aesthetic and functional qualities. The 10cm x 10cm wooden support beams are distributed irregularly around the structure, reinforcing stability while maintaining visual openness. For the design, Wiki World’s architects introduce a dual character—when viewed from above, the structure appears abstract and expressive, while at ground level, the materiality emphasizes natural textures and tactile engagement. The carbonized wood facade, combined with open-air spaces, enhances the sense of integration with the forest environment.

The cabin utilizes a prefabricated glued-laminated timber system, with digitally fabricated components that allow for full off-site assembly. The construction process prioritizes minimal environmental impact. Existing trees and vegetation are preserved, and the structure is elevated above the ground to avoid altering the natural terrain. The use of modular wood elements, assembled with small metal connectors, ensures adaptability and reusability. The carbonized wood facade is hand-treated using traditional techniques, reinforcing durability while maintaining a connection to natural craftsmanship.

the Cabin of Palette is a nature-integrated retreat in Wuhan, China

Wiki World builds small-scale, nature-integrated living spaces

Wiki World follows a design philosophy centered on small-scale, nature-integrated living spaces. The Cabin of Palette continues this exploration, focusing on the relationship between built form and the surrounding environment. By retaining the original woodland textures and incorporating prefabricated wooden structures, the project emphasizes a sustainable and interactive approach to architecture. The design encourages direct engagement with nature, from the sensory experience of walking barefoot on wooden surfaces to the acoustic qualities of the surrounding forest.

a cabin designed for both shelter and openness within a forest setting

large terraces extend from the cabin, offering outdoor comfort in all seasons

elevated above the ground, the cabin preserves the natural landscape

the green palette-shaped roof enhances airflow and provides shade

non-uniform wooden beams add visual depth and structural support

the structure contrasts a green roof with black carbonized wood cladding

hand-treated carbonized wood cladding highlights traditional craftsmanship

prefabricated glued-laminated timber ensures efficiency and sustainability

a circular layout arranges the bedroom, living room, and bathroom for optimal views

the cabin’s materiality enhances tactile engagement and sensory experience

the project reinterprets small-scale architecture for modern, sustainable living

Wiki World follows a sustainable design approach, engaging with natural textures

project info:

name: [Wild Home #118#] – The Cabin of Palette

architect: Wiki World, Advanced Architecture Lab

location: Wuhan, Hubei province, China

floor area: 60 sqm 

materials: Pre-fabricated timber, Isoplam, Bach

design team: Mu Wei, Feng Zhaoxian, Wu Baorong, He Wen, Xu Xiaodong, Liao Xiaotian, Wang Yuanying

construction: Wiki World

wood supplier: Glue laminated wood from Finland

isolations: Rothoblaas, Italy

photographers: Wiki World, Pan Yanjun, Cai Muan

illustration: Wang Yuanying

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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