A Tiny Norwegian Winter Cabin That’s Almost As Good As A/C
A tiny house covered in snow might seem like an unusual choice for a posting in August, but there’s a method to this madness. Doesn’t looking at that frost-encrusted landscape just make you feel cooler? And beyond that, there’s the design. Only 592 square feet and almost all roof, this tiny cabin is the perfect retreat from the elements, simultaneously very cozy and very modern.
The cabin is the work of Norse architect Håkon Matre Aasarød, who describes it as “a gabled roof where the edges of the roof stretch all the way down to the ground.” It’s located in the woods close to Lillehammer, Norway (the onetime site of the Winter Olympics, way back in 1994), which means that winter is a serious consideration. All those pitched roofs help keep snow accumulation to a minimum. They also, delightfully, serve another cold-weather purpose: as a man-made ski jump and sledding hill.
The cabin, which sits in a cluster of spruces with a view of a lake (very Hans Christian Andersen), is so remote that during the winter, it’s necessary for the owners (a very active couple in their 50s) to cross-country ski the last few kilometers to the home. As a concession to the somewhat challenging location, the house is designed to function completely off the electrical and water grids.
Inside, the soaring ceilings create a lofty, almost cathedral-like feel, framing dramatic views of the landscape. The unit’s bedroom is tucked into the cozy triangular wedge created by one of the sloping roofs. Above the kitchen there’s a loft for storage, or where guests can sleep: to the right of the kitchen is a storage room for skis (this home’s equivalent of a garage).
It’s really a masterpiece of design, a home that provides all the coziness you could want from a snow-covered cabin, with all the bright, uplifting minimalism you could want from a holiday retreat. I, for one, would love to pay a visit — just as soon as I learn how to ski.
To read more about the home’s design and see more photos, check out the full tour at Dwell.