Eco-Friendly Cabin Design: Tiny Retreat in the Hills Offers a Cozy Green Escape

A cabin in the woods that is sustainable, has little carbon footprint and has been prefabricated to ensure little disturbance to the lot it sits in, AB Studio Cabin designed by Copeland Associates Architects ticks all the boxes when it comes to being a dream retreat. Eco-friendly cabin design finds new expression here with cross-laminated timber creating a cozy interior. On the outside one sees corrugate metal sheeting take over as gorgeous views of Ruahine Ranges and Taihape greet the homeowners. It is a tiny, woodsy cabin that is easy on the eyes and the planet!

Tiny-cabin-in-the-hills-in-Taihape-New-Zealand-provides-an-idyllic-escape — Tiny cabin in the hills in Taihape, New Zealand provides an idyllic escape

Since much of the cabin was prefabricated and assembled on the lot, the hilly terrain and the greenery around the site was largely left untouched. With an area of 69 square meters, the cabin has an adequate kitchen, an upper level bedroom, a small living and dining area along with additional sleeping quarters for guests. Cleverly placed openings throughout the cabin bring in plenty of natural light while the beautiful mezzanine and deck outside accentuate the gorgeous forest views one gets from this remote cabin. Locally sourced materials, passive solar design and the use of prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels ensure that this cabin is as green as possible!

Fireplace-in-the-living-room-offers-a-cozy-focal-point — Fireplace in the living room offers a cozy focal point

Niche-with-a-bed-that-can-also-be-used-as-work-table-with-natural-lighting — Niche with a bed that can also be used as work table with natural lighting

Picturesque-views-of-forest-landscape-and-hills-from-the-cabin — Picturesque views of forest landscape and hills from the cabin

Small-kitchen-and-tiny-dining-area-of-the-cabin-that-opens-up-to-the-outdoors — Small kitchen and tiny dining area of the cabin that opens up to the outdoors

Upper-level-bedroom-of-the-cabin-with-cozy-modern-appeal — Upper level bedroom of the cabin with cozy modern appeal

Initially we camped on the site enjoying its beautiful views and constantly changing light and atmospheric conditions. The desire emerged for the retreat to be a studio for art practice and a base from which to explore the landscapes of the Rangitikei – Manawatu. The brief then extended to require accommodation for occasional gatherings of friends.