Hasta La Ideas

2024 is around the corner, and we’re having a look at some of the exceptional architectural designs we covered in 2023. If you’re searching for a cozy and quaint cabin to get away to and relax, then you’ve reached the right spot. Cabins are by far the best type of vacation I’ve come across. They’re a peaceful and tranquil option to abandon your urban life and woes, and simply unwind in nature. If you’re wondering where to head for your next cabin retreat, then you can refer to this collection of beautiful and super cozy cabins that we’ve gathered. They’re the perfect haven nestled amid nature, providing you a break from your everyday hectic life – and we’ve curated our best cabin designs from 2023 for you!

1. Space of Mind Cabin

Dubbed the Space of Mind cabin, this 100-square-foot prefab cabin was designed by the Finnish architecture studio Studio Puisto during the pandemic. It is an adaptable cabin that can be built almost anywhere and used as a garden office, or an off-grid holiday retreat.

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes the Space of Mind cabin unique is that it is modular, and can be used as a garden office or an off-grid holiday retreat as mentioned earlier. It is a flexible space designed to offer people a home away from home, making them feel comfy no matter what.

What we like

• It features a modular structure that can be utilized for various functionalities

What we dislike

• There isn’t any option or alternative to customize the interior of the cabin

2. Kjerringholmen Cabin

Called the Kjerringholmen Cabin, this unique cabin in the Hvaler archipelago occupies 63 square meters and has a cozy and spacious appeal that instantly makes you feel at ease. As you enter the cabin, you are welcomed by an airy and calming vibe that is rarely seen in homes.

Why is it noteworthy?

Kjerringholmen is proof “that large houses don’t necessarily mean more quality of life. In just 63 square meters, with smart planning, it still has plenty of usable space,” said the studio. Although it occupies only 63 square meters, it is a spacious home supported by steel pillars, while being surrounded by a dusky rocky landscape.

What we like

• The cabin perfectly merges with the natural landscape, which offers a surreal ambiance
• The cabin is designed to support a smart way of living

What we dislike

• The home may go unnoticed by birds, and they could crash into it since it merges so well with its surroundings

3. The Romotow

Dubbed the Romotow, this one-of-a-kind trailer features a fixed chassis that supports the rotated closing living unit. The trailer can swivel around at a full 90 degrees to form a fully functioning cabin with an extra outdoor living space.

Why is it noteworthy?

During transit, the 30.5ft Romotow remains closed, however, when it is stationed for overnight camping, the main living unit with panoramic glass windows on both sides can be swiveled, creating two sections – a large deck, and a sleeping/living cabin.

What we like

• Equipped with a 395W solar panel on the roof which supports an off-grid lifestyle

What we dislike

• The trailer needs to rotate a complete 90 degrees, and that free space may not always be available, which can be inconvenient

4. Shiship Cabin

Dubbed Shiship, this stunning seasonal cabin is built from a repurposed shipping container. Designed by Repère Boréal, this cabin is located in Quebec, Canada, and the name translates to ‘duck’ in the indigenous Innu language.

Why is it noteworthy?

The cabin is a modern and contemporary version of a wilderness cabin, and it is equipped with space-saving custom-made furniture designs, and other smart features. It is 31 feet in length and 8 feet wide and is clad with durable cedar wood planks, which form a thick frame, and offer the space a natural and contemporary aesthetic.

What we like

• The kitchen and bed are connected via a built-in wine rack, which also doubles up as a night table, uniting the two space

What we dislike

• The cabin is a bit cramped, and not well-suited for bigger families

5. The Nest

Called the Nest, this stunning property in Hocking Hills, Ohio is designed to enjoy and experience the natural beauty of the hills. The cabin is quite comfortable and cozy, specifically the living room, which is excellent for movie nights with your family and close friends!

Why is it noteworthy?

The cabin features an outdoor patio with a DIY suspended bed which is made with a recycled trampoline, that is an excellent spot to lounge about in. The Nest features a unique layout that gives the impression that the space is bigger than it is. This makes the cabin stand apart from other tiny homes on the market.

What we like

• Features a unique and innovative layout that makes it seem much more spacious and airy than it is

What we dislike

• Not everyone may like the barn-style door since it is quite old-fashioned and doesn’t provide much privacy

6. Hideaway House

Called the Hideaway House, this lovely little home is tucked away amid nature, providing a surreal and secluded cabin that is ideal for a weekend getaway. You can only access the home through a tucked-away road at the base of the mountain, hence making it a bit difficult to reach.

Why is it noteworthy?

Nestled on a 52.7-acre private mountain, the Hideaway House is a blackened timber cabin that is surrounded by lush green ancient forests, creating a living space with a vibrant and enticing connection to nature, making it the perfect fit for a peaceful vacation.

What we like

• The home has access to stunning views of British Colombia’s Gulf Islands
• It has a lovely indoor-outdoor connection to nature

What we dislike

• The home is quite difficult to get to since only a tucked-away road leads to it

7. White Rock Cottage

Dubbed the White Rock Cottage, this stunning elevated cabin is nestled on a forested hillside in Nova Scotia. It is a cozy cabin that is wrapped in corten steel and occupies almost 1500 square feet in a lush green five-acre property in Gaspereau River Valley.

Why is it noteworthy?

This surreal cottage is blessed with views of the valley as if it is neatly perched on a steep incline. You can enter the home via a tight driveway, and a grave footpath, but you may need to climb it slowly, and it can take quite some time to reach.

What we like

• Functions as a serene space for residents to connect with nature

What we dislike

• It is an elevated cabin, hence it might be inaccessible for some people with physical disabilities

8. Trakt Forest Hotel

The Trakt Forest Hotel in Småland is a collection of five lovely and cozy suites that are supported by five stilts, which gives the visitors the impression that they’re chilling amongst the tree canopy! It is designed to “put nature in focus”, and the cabin is accompanied by a restaurant and sauna in the complex.

Why is it noteworthy?

While building the cabins, the studio wanted to create minimal disturbance to the surrounding landscape, and hence they positioned the suites on steel columns placed on concrete plinths. The cabins were constructed using locally-grown wood.

What we like

• Allows you to chill amongst the tree canopy
• Built using locally sourced wood

What we dislike

• Deserves a gallery/balcony to improve the experience

9. Casa Monoculo

This stunning contemporary home is called the Casa Monoculo and was designed by Alan Chu. It is nestled above a densely forested area of Eldorado and is elevated above the ground, providing a unique and innovative twist to the concept of treetop living.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is not simply an ordinary treehouse, it is spacious and modern, no different than any of the finely done villas you see today. It provides expansive views of the beautiful surroundings while creating a luxurious living experience.

What we like

• Provides a luxurious and cozy treetop living experience with a unique twist

What we dislike

• It doesn’t seem like the house can accommodate a large number of guests, better suited for smaller parties

10. NKN-18 Cabin

Nokken recently introduced the NKN-18 – a cutting-edge and revolutionary 18 sqm that provides versatility in the form of customizable options and accessories.

Why is it noteworthy?

The NKN-18 Cabin by Nokken is created for various configurations and features co-branded bespoke designs. The cabin is designed to be a plug-and-play solution that can meet the diverse needs and requirements of people.

What we like

• The exterior can survive harsh climatic conditions
• Robust and durable design

What we dislike

• A minimal and simple cabin, so not very well-suited for those who prefer more amenities

The post 10 Most Innovative Designs of 2023: Cabins first appeared on Yanko Design.

Scalloped sections of green-painted timber clad the facade of Lumber 4, a mixed-use building in Norway designed by local consulting agency Oslotre to demonstrate the capabilities of timber construction.

Located in an industrial area on the outskirts of the city of Kristiansand, Lumber 4 comprises a ground floor with commercial spaces and five floors of office space above.

Timber construction specialist Oslotre acted as architect, interior architect and structural engineer for the project, which was constructed using a composite structure of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and concrete.

Connecting to the stair and lift core of the building, the recessed ground floor of Lumber 4 curves to follow the adjacent road while the upper floors project outwards, supported by large, angled wooden beams.

“The floors are constructed using a composite structure of CLT and concrete, creating a slim and efficient floor system that spans long distances while also addressing fire and acoustic requirements,” explained the studio.

“Diagonals on the ground floor facilitate better vehicular access around the building, while the existing communication core from the adjacent building phases contributes to lateral stability and access to the office floors,” it added.

Internally, high ceilings and large windows create light, airy workspaces, divided by partitions of wood and glass into a mixture of private meeting spaces and communal areas.

The third and fourth floors have been united with a double-height atrium, which features a wooden staircase and large light fitting at its centre.

On the exterior, glazed openings and curved panels of green timber create a checkerboard pattern across the office storeys, while the curved ground floor features full-height glazing framed with timber that has also been painted green.

“The eaves above the curved elements are straight, creating a curved shadow on the panel,” described the studio.

“Over time, the paint under the shadow will weather, leading to a changing facade with lighter and darker curved sections,” it added.

Internally, the wooden structure of the building has been left visible, with white-pigmented spruce panels and exposed wood-wool acoustic panels used to clad the walls and ceilings.

Ducting was also left exposed throughout, painted a pale beige colour to better blend in with the wooden surfaces.

“Wooded elements are prominently displayed in the interior, providing warmth in winter and cooling in summer,” said the studio.

Other projects recently completed in Kristiansand include one of two outdoor care retreats by Snøhetta, designed to provide “physical and psychological respite” to patients at two of Norway’s largest hospitals.

The photography is by Kyrre Sundal and Christoffer Imislund.

The post Curved panels of green timber clad office in Norway by Oslotre appeared first on Dezeen.

A curvilinear thatched hut has been paired with terracotta-hued tiles at the Amsterdam store for homeware brand Polspotten, which was designed by local studio Space Projects.

The studio created the store to straddle a shop and an office for Polspotten, a furniture and home accessories brand headquartered in the Dutch capital.

Characterised by bold angles and arches, the outlet features distinctive terracotta-coloured walls and flooring that nod to traditional pots, Space Projects founder Pepijn Smit told Dezeen.

“The terracotta-inspired colours and materials refer to the brand’s first product, ‘potten’ – or pots,” said Smit, alluding to the first Spanish pots imported by Erik Pol when he founded Polspotten in the Netherlands in 1986.

Located in Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighbourhood, the store was arranged across a series of open-plan rooms, interconnected by individual geometric entryways.

Visitors enter at a triangular opening, which was cut away from gridded timber shelving lined with multicoloured pots that mimic totemic artefacts in a gallery.

The next space features a similar layout, as well as a plump cream sofa with rounded modules and sculptural pots stacked in a striking tower formation.

Travelling further through the store, molten-style candle holders and Polspotten furniture pieces were positioned next to chunky illuminated plinths, which exhibit amorphously shaped vases finished in various coral-like hues.

Accessed through a rectilinear, terracotta-tiled opening, the final space features a bulbous indoor hut covered in thatch and fitted with a light pink opening.

The hut provides a meeting space for colleagues, according to the studio founder.

“The thatch, as a natural material, absorbs sound as well,” explained Smit.

Next to the hut, Space Projects created an acoustic wall illustrated with “hieroglyphics” of Polspotten products, which references the gallery-like theme that runs throughout the outlet.

“The store was inspired by Polspotten’s use of traditional techniques combined with a collage of their reinterpreted archetypes,” said Smit.

Elsewhere in Amsterdam, Dutch practice Studio RAP used 3D printing and algorithmic design to create a “wave-like” facade for a boutique store while interior designer Linda Bergroth created the interiors for the city’s Cover Story paint shop to streamline the redecorating process for customers.

The photography is by Kasia Gatkowska.

The post Space Projects creates Amsterdam store with thatched hut for Polspotten appeared first on Dezeen.

As a veteran in the motorcycle industry, Buell’s foray into the world of e-bikes with the Fuell brand has already seen impressive offerings, from the urban-friendly Flluid e-bike to the cyberpunk fantasy motorcycle Fllow. Delving further into the electric segment, FUELL’s latest electric bike is a mind-bending body-bending wonder. Designed to cater to both city commuters and outdoor enthusiasts, the Folld-1 e-bike blends cutting-edge technology with a robust design, setting new benchmarks in the folding e-bike segment.

Designer: FUELL

The e-bike’s highlight is the fact that it folds in half, making it much more convenient to carry around and travel with. The Folld-1 relies on a unibody magnesium alloy chassis, which also conceals the bike’s built-in battery. The use of magnesium alloy not only reduces the bike’s overall weight but also maximizes its durability. The folding design of the Folld-1 makes it a practical choice for urban dwellers who may have limited storage space. It can easily be folded and stored in small spaces or transported in a car trunk for outdoor adventures.

At the heart of the Folld-1 lies a powerful Bafang rear hub motor. This motor delivers a nominal output of 750 watts and 85 Nm of torque, allowing the bike to reach a top speed of 20 mph. Contrary to popular belief, these specs aren’t all about raw power; they also ensure a smooth ride across various terrains, from city streets to more challenging off-road paths. Compliant with European e-bike regulations, the Folld-1 also offers a version with a 250-watt motor limited to 25 kilometers per hour.

The battery is a core component of any electric vehicle, and the Folld-1 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It’s equipped with a 720-watt-hour battery, boasting Samsung cells, which provide an impressive range of up to 70 miles on a single charge in the lowest assist setting. If you’re using full-assist at maximum speed, you can still enjoy a range of about 30 miles. The battery is removable, which adds a layer of convenience for charging.

Other notable features include a Shimano Altus 8-speed gearset, Tektro HD-E 350 hydraulic disc brakes, and a foldable rear rack capable of holding up to 22 pounds of gear. These components not only provide a reliable and safe riding experience but also enhance the bike’s utility​​​​. For those who prefer not to pedal, the Folld-1 comes with a convenient throttle control. This feature allows the rider to cruise effortlessly without pedaling, adding to the overall convenience and ease of use of the bike​.

The Folld-1 is currently priced at $2,495, with an introductory offer reducing it to $1,995. This pricing positions the Folld-1 as an affordable option in the e-bike market, undercutting even its non-folding Flluid e-bikes by a significant margin.

The post This Folding E-Bike from FUELL also boasts an impressive 110-mile range first appeared on Yanko Design.

There’s a retro design craze that’s gripping multiple industries, from fashion to music to gaming. The latter is probably one of the most prolific sectors, spewing out new designs based on old models every year or sometimes more than once a year. Regardless of the origin, almost all these retro gaming devices have the same goal of allowing people today to experience the games of the past the way they were meant to be played, at least to some extent. Some, however, do try to just mimic the looks while offering a bit more freedom in what you can do with the device, like this rather unusual Game Boy SP look-alike that’s meant to ride on your wrist and act as a smartwatch when you’re not playing games on it.

Designer: Jason Rogers

There’s no shortage of small gaming handhelds, some of which can even be attached to a key ring. They’re not great at comfort or ergonomics, but these novelty items capture a lot of attention and even let you play a few retro games on the fly. You do have to take them out or pull them off your key ring before you can use them, though, which translates to seconds or minutes of lost opportunities.

The Retro Gaming Watch loses no time, no pun intended, by having that gaming handheld always at hand, or in this case, on your wrist. In its inactive, unused form, it masquerades as a regular though thick smartwatch, with a standard squarish display and typical features such as a digital watch face and notifications. It doesn’t have activity tracking, though, because that would require cramming more hardware in an already cramped space, space that would rather be used for running games instead.

The watch changes its tune the moment you detach it from its strap, unfolding to reveal a clamshell-style gaming device not unlike the Nintendo Game Boy SP. Given the existence of gaming devices smaller than this, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Retro Gaming Watch can handle a few emulated games, at least the 8 to 16-bit titles that can fit in the device’s small memory. Where you get your emulated content, of course, is up to the reader’s ingenuity.

The Retro Gaming Watch is supposed to be a sort of counter-movement to the “Great Conformity” that is happening in a world filled with Apple Watches and its clones. It recalls a time when watches looked fun and could even be used as toys, at least for a younger crowd who wouldn’t be embarrassed wearing bulky and sometimes gaudy designs for everyone to see. Again, it’s not going to offer the best gaming experience, presuming it even becomes an actual product, but it has that novel character and rebellious spirit that’s going to tickle the fancy of many gamers, even if they’re just gonna wear it for show.

The post Retro Gaming Watch puts a tiny handheld on your wrist, also tells the time first appeared on Yanko Design.