Houzz Tours
Germany Houzz: A Small Cabin Transformed Into a Forest Retreat
In this secluded area in the Taunus mountains of Germany, a family enjoys their weekends in 29 square metres of space
This family, based in Germany, found the forest to be an idyllic place when the cries for greater mindfulness and an escape from everyday life became louder. Thanks to detailed planning and a sense of tranquil architecture, they created a place where the interior of their small weekender matches the natural surroundings. And, with carefully chosen materials, one hardly notices that the cabin is only 29 square metres in size.
“I am actually someone who can envision a space pretty well. But, in this case, the interior of the cabin was so awful, I had to really stop and think how we could transform this space,” he says.
After that, it all came down to skilfully planning the execution of clever ideas. “Good planning means paying attention to the little things and tying things together. Similar to the way a chef combines ingredients so well that they taste all the more delicious. This is how design works for us,“ says Böckle.
Aside from adding the beautiful decking, the exterior architecture of the cabin had to remain as it was. However, they were able to open up the attic to reach the maximum height available and let natural light stream in via skylights.
“The terrace was built and used as a means to create the feeling that the windows were closer to the ground,” says Böckle.
After that, it all came down to skilfully planning the execution of clever ideas. “Good planning means paying attention to the little things and tying things together. Similar to the way a chef combines ingredients so well that they taste all the more delicious. This is how design works for us,“ says Böckle.
Aside from adding the beautiful decking, the exterior architecture of the cabin had to remain as it was. However, they were able to open up the attic to reach the maximum height available and let natural light stream in via skylights.
“The terrace was built and used as a means to create the feeling that the windows were closer to the ground,” says Böckle.
“The most important question for the interior was: how do we make this feel spacious? We needed a bathroom, privacy for a family of four, sleeping quarters and a kitchen,” says Böckle.
It quickly became clear that the sleeping area for the children should be set up under the roof. It’s now like a playground up there, which the children can access by climbing the ladder to the top.
“The safety nets between the beams are from a daycare design firm that also designs climbing parks. You can stretch the nets completely between the beams so there is no risk of someone falling down,” said Böckle. During the day, the children often lie in the nets, read books or simply enjoy their own quiet space, while the parents relax outside.
Searching for a designer for your own home makeover? Find interior designers near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
It quickly became clear that the sleeping area for the children should be set up under the roof. It’s now like a playground up there, which the children can access by climbing the ladder to the top.
“The safety nets between the beams are from a daycare design firm that also designs climbing parks. You can stretch the nets completely between the beams so there is no risk of someone falling down,” said Böckle. During the day, the children often lie in the nets, read books or simply enjoy their own quiet space, while the parents relax outside.
Searching for a designer for your own home makeover? Find interior designers near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
When it came to choosing materials, it was immediately apparent that the cabin should appear well-grounded, peaceful and tranquil. For a cabin located in the middle of the forest, this meant one thing: lots of timber.
“I think interior design has to blend in [and] surfaces should fit in with the surroundings,” says Böckle. “We decided to use reclaimed spruce with a brushed finish. We stained it for a more contemporary look. This material was used for almost everything, and the monochrome look creates the illusion of a much larger space.”
Warm and natural materials such as linen, wool and furs perfect the cosy feel.
“I think interior design has to blend in [and] surfaces should fit in with the surroundings,” says Böckle. “We decided to use reclaimed spruce with a brushed finish. We stained it for a more contemporary look. This material was used for almost everything, and the monochrome look creates the illusion of a much larger space.”
Warm and natural materials such as linen, wool and furs perfect the cosy feel.
The existing outdated tiles on the floor and the old-fashioned panelling made the cabin look uninviting. These were among the features to go after Böckle and his client reimagined the cabin.
It’s hard to believe that this cosy sleeping nook was built in its place. The parents’ custom-made bed was crafted from reclaimed spruce. During the day, the bedding can be hidden away in the built-in storage space underneath the bed so the room can also be used as a reading nook.
The mother requested a beautiful kitchen with plenty of space for cooking and storage.
“We managed to design a kitchen that, simultaneously, provided all important features but didn’t look too much like a kitchen,” says Böckle. The carpenter delivered on the expectations for a kitchen made from open-grained spruce with a brushed finish. In combination with the other fixtures and the ceiling beams, the monochrome look comes together. “Small details, such as a concealable sink, make this kitchen really special,” says Böckle.
“We managed to design a kitchen that, simultaneously, provided all important features but didn’t look too much like a kitchen,” says Böckle. The carpenter delivered on the expectations for a kitchen made from open-grained spruce with a brushed finish. In combination with the other fixtures and the ceiling beams, the monochrome look comes together. “Small details, such as a concealable sink, make this kitchen really special,” says Böckle.
Large stoneware tiles were installed on the cabin floor. This material choice for the floor was mainly due to practical reasons. “Children may come in with dirty shoes. This might be more frustrating if a more high-maintenance material, like wood, was used. The cabin is a place that everyone should enjoy using,” says Böckle. As such, the tiles the designer and his client chose for the flooring are virtually indestructible as they are fired at extremely high temperatures.
A small bathroom was also included in the cabin’s redesign. But how does a bathroom in the middle of the forest work without a sewer connection? “We decided to go for a composting toilet system,” says Böckle.
In addition to a small basin, there was room in the bathroom for a narrow walk-in shower. Every small detail reinforces the monochrome style of the cabin: the floor tiles merge seamlessly into the bathroom and the door can be closed so it sits flush with the surface.
In addition to a small basin, there was room in the bathroom for a narrow walk-in shower. Every small detail reinforces the monochrome style of the cabin: the floor tiles merge seamlessly into the bathroom and the door can be closed so it sits flush with the surface.
As an unexpected detail, there is no central heating system that runs throughout the cabin. “There are only two exceptions: an electric mat on the bathroom floor so that you don’t have completely frozen feet in winter,” says Böckle. “And a Bullerjan wood-burning stove. This is a Canadian product that produces a lot of heat with relatively little wood.”
The stove’s convection technology ensures that cold air is routed past the firebox to spread warm air throughout the room.
The stove’s convection technology ensures that cold air is routed past the firebox to spread warm air throughout the room.
Something else that’s noteworthy about this space: aside from the black swivel lamp above the bed, no other lighting fixtures are visible. “I think lighting elements shouldn’t take centrestage in a room like this,” says Böckle. Light sources that are too dominant and visible would detract from the tranquillity of the room. “Therefore, there are only downlights and LEDs that shine overhead from the rafters.”
The floor-to-ceiling windows meld the interior and exterior spaces. “The terrace should nestle up against the cabin and open up the living space to the outside,” says Böckle.
The windows and doors are made from larch wood, which will weather nicely. It was explicitly requested that the chosen materials age gracefully. After all, allowing things to live and develop imperfections is part of life. Indestructible objects rob the soul, this interior designer believes.
The cabin was not retrofitted for energy efficiency, though the windows were replaced with low K-value (double-glazed) glazing.
Textured plaster was first applied to the exterior of the cabin, which was then painted grey. “We don’t aim to create trendy designs,” says Böckle. “Our goal is to meet our clients again in five to 10 years, and have 80 percent of them say they would choose to build everything exactly the same way again. The objects and materials used should be timeless and durable. That is our view on sustainability.”
The windows and doors are made from larch wood, which will weather nicely. It was explicitly requested that the chosen materials age gracefully. After all, allowing things to live and develop imperfections is part of life. Indestructible objects rob the soul, this interior designer believes.
The cabin was not retrofitted for energy efficiency, though the windows were replaced with low K-value (double-glazed) glazing.
Textured plaster was first applied to the exterior of the cabin, which was then painted grey. “We don’t aim to create trendy designs,” says Böckle. “Our goal is to meet our clients again in five to 10 years, and have 80 percent of them say they would choose to build everything exactly the same way again. The objects and materials used should be timeless and durable. That is our view on sustainability.”
In the adjacent forest, the client commissioned a tree house with exciting climbing elements in the surrounding fir trees. You can clamber from tree to tree, make yourself comfortable with a cushion on one of the lookouts, or explore the secrets of the forest with binoculars. Children’s authors Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton probably couldn’t have thought up a better tree house. “For the little ones, but also the grown-ups, this place is simply paradise,” says Böckle.
Browse more child-friendly gardens with cubbies, treehouses and outdoor playsets
Browse more child-friendly gardens with cubbies, treehouses and outdoor playsets
“The cabin is actually an almost nondescript and low-key project. It’s a cave-like refuge, it’s not posh, it’s just natural,” says Böckle.
At the end of the day, the remodel was still expensive and cost €160,000 [approximately AU$262,000 at the time of publication]. “Tearing down the exterior to allow for something new to be created was a bigger portion of the budget than you would believe. With this, around the first €25,000 [approximately AU$41,000 at the time of publication] were already spent,” says Böckle. “However, the sentimental return value for the client and his family is priceless.”
At the end of the day, the remodel was still expensive and cost €160,000 [approximately AU$262,000 at the time of publication]. “Tearing down the exterior to allow for something new to be created was a bigger portion of the budget than you would believe. With this, around the first €25,000 [approximately AU$41,000 at the time of publication] were already spent,” says Böckle. “However, the sentimental return value for the client and his family is priceless.”
“My expertise is to curate and connect elements so that they come together in harmony,” says the interior designer. “The austere style of the cabin lends to its tranquil aura.
“There was also beauty in the fact that the client’s sole focus was to build something for him and his family to enjoy – not to show off. That’s why we were able to work so well together. If you need someone to bring your ideas to life, then I’m the right expert for you. I can achieve a great deal with just a few ingredients.”
Your turn
Which spaces or ideas in this cabin would you borrow for your own place? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the renovation conversation.
More
Loved this Houzz Tour? Enjoy your next read here with this unique London Houzz: Tour a Contemporary Loft in an Old Victorian School
“There was also beauty in the fact that the client’s sole focus was to build something for him and his family to enjoy – not to show off. That’s why we were able to work so well together. If you need someone to bring your ideas to life, then I’m the right expert for you. I can achieve a great deal with just a few ingredients.”
Your turn
Which spaces or ideas in this cabin would you borrow for your own place? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the renovation conversation.
More
Loved this Houzz Tour? Enjoy your next read here with this unique London Houzz: Tour a Contemporary Loft in an Old Victorian School
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Who lives here: A young family of four
Size: Just under 29 square metres, plus a terrace
Location: Hessen, Germany
Project Interior designer: Ralf Böckle of Schöne Räume ai
Ralf Böckle, an interior designer, had already collaborated with the owner of this home when he built a house in Frankfurt/Main 15 years ago, and the two had maintained contact since then. “He approached me about a year before the 2020 lockdown as he had purchased some forested land in the Taunus [mountains] with a small cabin on it,” says Böckle.
The owner wanted to transform the small dwelling, measuring just under 29 metres square, into a refuge for himself and his family, and Böckle proved the perfect pro for the job.