A Green Exterior Helps This Cabin Blend Into The Forest

November 9, 2023
A modern two bedroom cabin with green metal standing seam siding and exposed wood structure.

Scalar Architecture has completed a modern cabin in Connecticut that has a minimal ecological footprint.

A modern two bedroom cabin with green metal standing seam siding and exposed wood structure.

Designed as a 1200-square-foot retreat for a family of writers and producers, the cabin is only accessible via foot or light utility vehicle.

A modern two bedroom cabin with green metal standing seam siding and exposed wood structure.

The cabin is located in a hilly and forested area with big rocks and not much topsoil. To be eco-friendly, the architects built the compact cabin with stepped living and dining areas, two bedrooms, a loft, and a porch that faces southeast.

A modern two bedroom cabin with green metal standing seam siding and exposed wood structure.

There are some openings in the cabin’s design that help it fit into the surrounding terrain and allow light to travel through to the interior.

A modern two bedroom cabin with green metal standing seam siding and exposed wood structure.

The roof is designed to collect rainwater, while the cabin is mostly made of wood with a standing seam metal siding and roof.

A modern two bedroom cabin with green metal standing seam siding and exposed wood structure.
A modern two bedroom cabin with green metal standing seam siding and exposed wood structure.

The design also takes into account the direction of the sun, winter winds, and summer breezes, with the covered porch extending the living space.

A modern cabin with a covered porch and central open area.

Inside, the social areas all occupy the same space, with the living room facing the windows.

A modern living room in a two bedroom cabin.
A modern living room with a wall of windows in a two bedroom cabin.

The dining area, which is located on a different level than the living room, is furnished with a wood table and black chairs. It separates the kitchen and living space.

This dining area, which is located on a different level than the living room, is furnished with a wood table and black chairs, and separates the kitchen and living space.
This dining area, which is located on a different level than the living room, is furnished with a wood table and black chairs, and separates the kitchen and living space.

The kitchen is located along the wall behind the dining area, while a ladder provides access to the upper loft area of the cabin.

This cabin kitchen is located along the wall behind the dining area, while a ladder provides access to the upper loft area of the cabin.
A modern cabin with a ladders that provides access to the upper shelves and loft area.

Each of the two bedrooms are lined with wood and include a vertical window with tree views.

A bedroom lined with wood include a vertical window for natural light and views of the trees.
A bedroom lined with wood include a vertical window for natural light and views of the trees.
A bedroom lined with wood include a vertical window for natural light and views of the trees.

In the bathroom, blue tiles line the walls, grey tiles line the floor, and accents of black provide a contrasting element.

In this modern bathroom, blue tiles line the walls, grey tiles line the floor, and accents of black provide a contrasting element.
In this modern bathroom, blue tiles line the walls, grey tiles line the floor, and accents of black provide a contrasting element.

Here’s a look at the floor plan that shows the layout of the cabin.

The floor plan of a small 2 bedroom cabin.
Photography by Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzman + Rocio Romero) | Architecture: Scalar Architecture – Julio Salcedo – Principal in Charge, Tomás Rodríguez, Elda Hernández, Sharon Mendoza, Raúl Tenoira | Interior Design: Paul Feldsher | Contractor: Bill Haley | Structural: Zen Rill | Windows: Andersen