Excerpt: Hytta by Adam Hofman and Dominik Ilichman is an architecture project that combines privacy, nature, and a quality workspace in a modern cabin. The main idea was to create a space that blends in with its natural surroundings and offers plenty of space for introspection and inspiration, with a nod to Scandinavian minimalism. A large terrace and windows on every side let in natural light and allow the interior to flow into the outside, inspiring creativity.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] A cabin where one has uninterrupted time to think and relax: Humans are creators by nature. It fulfills them to materialize their dreams and breathe life into their ideas. However, people often encounter obstacles unique to the current day and age: continuous notifications, digital noise, and the constant need to check their phones.
These distractions prevent them from fully realizing their potential and delving deeply into matters that are important to them. For this reason, Dominik Ilichman and Adam Hofman have created Hytta – a modern cabin in nature where one can create and reflect on important matters without interruption.
Minimalism for maximum focus: The main intention was to design a place that works in harmony with its natural surroundings to provide ample space for reflection and spark inspiration. The combination of privacy, nature, and a quality workspace enables the user to free themselves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and explore new ideas and the things they truly value.
The goal was Scandinavian minimalism. No unnecessary elements to distract the user. At the same time, Hytta includes the standards that people are accustomed to today, so that they feel comfortable and can concentrate without interruption. Spacious terrace and windows on all sides connect the interior with the surroundings, allowing nature to be used as a source of creativity and inspiration.
Spatial arrangement: Hytta is situated on a south-facing slope at the edge of a pine forest, which separates the cabin from the surrounding civilization, providing plenty of privacy. Its floor plan is inspired by a former hunting cabin, preserving its overall shape. On the ground floor, there is a living area with a kitchen, a foyer, a bathroom, a utility room, and a second outdoor bathroom accessible from the outside.
The main living area has a high gable roof, providing generous space for creativity. From the living area, one can access the bathroom, which offers a striking and intimate atmosphere, thanks to the black screed and furniture. The staircase in the kitchen, made from delicate sheet metal, is suspended by cables and ascends gracefully to the main bedroom.
This bedroom faces east, and through its large window the morning sun enters the room, allowing the user to watch nature awaken, right from the comfort of their bed. The bedroom also provides access to the first of two cozy nooks. The second nook is situated on a small loft above the main living area and is accessible via a ladder. Both nooks provide additional sleeping areas, allowing Hytta to comfortably accommodate up to six people.
In the living area, a large oak dining table serves as both a dining area and a workspace. Technical facilities, including a computer monitor, can be easily extended above the table from one of the library cabinets. The quality of the workspace is further enhanced by Starlink internet service and biodynamic lighting that does not emit blue light after dark, promoting better sleep. Hytta is primarily heated by a cast-iron wood-burning stove with secondary temperature control provided by underfloor heating.
Finnish sauna for quality relaxation: Quality relaxation is also an essential part of undisturbed creativity. That’s why just a few metres away from Hytta, one can find a modern Finnish sauna with a cold immersion tub. The facility is situated on slightly sloped terrain, offering uninterrupted views of nature while one enjoys the sauna.
With dimensions of 6 x 3.5 metres, the structure consists of a relaxation area, a shower, and the Finnish sauna itself. Just like Hytta, it embodies the spirit of Scandinavian minimalism and, thanks to its deep charred-timber cladding facade, almost blends into the surrounding nature. The construction is anchored with earth screws, and access to the facility is provided via a steel ramp, giving the building a pleasant sense of lightness.
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