On the lakeshores of Moldova, just 20 minutes from Chisinau, LH47 ARCH has designed the Hobbit Wake Houses, three earth-sheltered cabins that blend naturally into their surroundings. Built within the country’s first wake park near the village of Panasesti, the project turns previously unused land into a thoughtful example of small-scale sustainable living.
Inspired by the mythic image of hobbit dwellings, each cabin is partly buried in the ground and topped with a green roof. Rather than appearing as conventional buildings, they rise as gentle landforms that restore the terrain. Domed profiles add a sense of protection, while panoramic glazing connects interiors to the water.
The walls are packed with straw bales, finished with clay-and-straw plaster, and protected with lime wash, rural techniques once common in Moldova. These methods create a self-regulating microclimate, stabilizing humidity and improving insulation naturally. Timber frames crafted by local specialists further reduce the carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete.
To secure the roofs, LH47 developed a mesh system that holds the soil in place so grasses can gradually take over. With time, the cabins become living mounds that disappear back into the landscape.
Inside, handmade timber beds reflect the same craftsmanship that defines the architecture. Each piece was built by Lemnaria, a local workshop, ensuring the interiors remain connected to regional traditions. Warm finishes and natural textures foster a sense of comfort and protection while still maintaining openness to the outdoors.
Every kitchen has its own distinct personality. Lemnaria designed variations in shelves, cabinetry, and fittings, creating spaces that feel both familiar and unique. Built from timber with care, the kitchens echo the improvisational quality of vernacular craft, making them an integral part of the cabins’ individuality, while the tiles and colorful appliances that match the interior of the door add a fun element.
The bathrooms, hidden behind the kitchen, are defined by bespoke details that bring artistry into everyday routines. Ceramic artist Eugenia Burlacenco crafted lighting and decorative elements, ensuring no two spaces are alike. Together with timber fittings, these handcrafted touches add character and reinforce the project’s focus on locally made, sustainable design.
The Hobbit Wake Houses show how ecological methods, heritage craft, and contemporary needs can align. By combining earth-sheltering, natural materials, and local artistry, LH47 ARCH has created cabins that are as much cultural statements as they are places to stay, disappearing into the land yet offering comfort, individuality, and a new model for small-scale sustainable living.