You don’t always have to build or buy your own tiny house – sometimes, all it takes is a weekend away from the city. The so-called Buitenhuis (which translates to “outdoor house”) in the Netherlands offers the perfect setting for that kind of trip. Located amidst beautiful scenery near the tranquil town of Otterlo, it measures not more than 40 square metres.

You don’t always have to build or buy your own tiny house – sometimes, all it takes is a weekend away from the city. The so-called Buitenhuis (which translates to “outdoor house”) in the Netherlands offers the perfect setting for that kind of trip. Located amidst beautiful scenery near the tranquil town of Otterlo, it measures not more than 40 square metres.

Amsterdam-based architect Chris Collaris partnered with the design studio Dutch Intervals to develop this mini holiday home. The black wooden facade makes for an eye-catching contrast against its green surroundings. On the ground floor, the cabin retreat has one bathroom, one bedroom, and a spacious living area with an open kitchen. There’s also a second level with another sleeping bunk at medium height. A huge glass front separates the living room from the terrace, so the guests will see plenty of green whichever way they look. Inside, the “outdoor” feeling is present as well – thanks to wooden floors and furniture, lots of plants, and earthy colours on the walls. Gira Esprit switches and socket outlets with linoleum-plywood frames round off the nature-based concept.

You love to go hiking, canoeing, or mountain-biking during the day, but spending the night in a tent is not really your cup of tea? Then a cabin retreat like the Silberhaus in western Germany might be right up your alley. The owners, Kai and Mira Spangenberger, renovated and modernised the entire interior in 2020. 53 square metres – complete with one bedroom, a living and dining area, as well as a kitchen – offer enough space for groups of two to four people. During the colder months, you can spend cosy evenings in front of the fireplace or at the outdoor sauna. In the summer, a large terrace invites you to lean back and enjoy the picturesque view onto the surrounding woods.

As building land becomes more and more expensive, many people can’t afford to – or simply don’t want to – settle down on a large property anymore.

Recognising this trend, German architects Simon Becker and Andreas Rauch have developed a new housing concept. Cabin One is a minimal house that can be placed virtually anywhere: in the garden, on a parking lot, and even on large rooftops. You might use it as your primary or secondary residence, a holiday home, or a separate home office. The basic module of this cabin retreat comprises 25 square metres and can be further extended or downsized, if needed. It comes with a small kitchen, bathroom, and plenty of cleverly hidden storage space. For the interior, the Berlin-based architects chose a clear design language that is visible in every last detail – including the Gira E2 switches mounted on the wall. There’s also the option to integrate smart technology and thus add an extra layer of comfort. By way of example, you might use an intuitive control unit such as the Gira G1 for lighting and heating.

At a remote location surrounded by maple and poplar trees, Canadian architect Ravi Handa has built a two-storey house for a family of three. The Chalet Pic-Bois near Lac Brome, Quebec might seem quite simple at first glance, with its slim structure and gabled roof. But once you step inside this cabin retreat, you’ll soon realise how much thought went into its spatial concept. The living area on the ground floor has a high ceiling that reaches up to the roof, creating a cathedral-like ambiance. Handa used this vertical extension to integrate a gallery that serves as a bedroom. The minimalist interior is characterized by neutral colours, bright wood, grey fabrics, and black accents. Windows in varying sizes frame the idyllic view onto the trees outside.

Can you really calm down and restore your inner balance in three days? That’s what Visit Sweden sought to find out in 2017. During a case study, five international participants – who all worked highly stressful jobs – went to a remote island north of Gothenburg. They were housed in cabin retreats with glass roofs and facades, to bring them as close to nature as possible. Inside, there was just enough space for a double bed and some shelves on the wall. All participants spent most of their time outdoors – swimming, fishing, and cooking over an open fire. The result after three days: everyone’s blood pressure and pulse had dropped significantly, while the overall stress level was cut down by almost 70 percent. Following this initial success, the 72 Hour Cabins are now available for bookings at several locations.