Small Forest Cabin Transformed Into a Family Retreat
In this secluded area in the Taunus mountains of Germany, a family enjoys their weekends in 312 square feet of space
This family found the rustic forest to be an idyllic place when the cries for more mindfulness and an escape from everyday life became louder. Thanks to detailed planning and tranquil architecture, they created a place where the interior matches the surroundings. And because of carefully chosen materials, one hardly notices that the cabin is only 312 square feet in size.
Before: “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,” says the interior designer.
After that, it all came down to skillfully 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,“ Böckle says.
The exterior architecture of the cabin had to remain as it was. However, the attic was able to be opened up so that the maximum height was reached and brightness now streams in through skylights.
“The terrace was built and used as a means to create the feeling that the windows were closer to the ground,” Böckle says.
After that, it all came down to skillfully 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,“ Böckle says.
The exterior architecture of the cabin had to remain as it was. However, the attic was able to be opened up so that the maximum height was reached and brightness now streams in through skylights.
“The terrace was built and used as a means to create the feeling that the windows were closer to the ground,” Böckle says.
“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,” Böckle says.
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,” Böckle says. During the day, the children often lie in the nets, read books or simply enjoy their own quiet space while the parents relax outside.
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,” Böckle says. During the day, the children often lie in the nets, read books or simply enjoy their own quiet space while the parents relax outside.
When it came to choosing materials, it was immediately apparent that the cabin should look well grounded, peaceful and tranquil. For a cabin located in the middle of the forest, this meant one thing: lots of wood.
“I think interior design has to blend in [and] surfaces should fit in with the surroundings,” Böckle says. “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 cozy interior.
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“I think interior design has to blend in [and] surfaces should fit in with the surroundings,” Böckle says. “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 cozy interior.
Shop for decor on Houzz
Before: The outdated tiles on the floor and the old-fashioned paneling made the cabin look uninviting.
After: This ultra-cozy sleeping nook was built in its place. The parents’ custom-fitted bed is made of reclaimed spruce. During the day, the bedding can be hidden away in the built-in storage space underneath the bed so that it 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,” Böckle says. 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 roof beams, the monochrome look comes together. “Small details, such as a sink that can be concealed, make this kitchen really special,” says the interior designer.
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“We managed to design a kitchen that, simultaneously, provided all important features but didn’t look too much like a kitchen,” Böckle says. 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 roof beams, the monochrome look comes together. “Small details, such as a sink that can be concealed, make this kitchen really special,” says the interior designer.
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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,” Böckle says. The tiles are virtually indestructible as they are fired at extremely high temperatures.
A small bathroom was also designed for the cabin renovation. 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 sink, 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 that it is flush with the surface.
“We decided to go for a composting toilet system,” says Böckle. In addition to a small sink, 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 that it is flush with the surface.
There is no heating system installed in 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,” Böckle says. “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 and spreads warm air throughout the room.
The stove’s convection technology ensures that cold air is routed past the firebox and spreads 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 center stage in a room like this” Böckle says. Light sources that are too dominant and visible would detract from the tranquility 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,” Böckle says.
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.
The house was not retrofitted for energy efficiency. However, the windows were replaced with double-paned glass.
Textured plaster was first applied to the exterior of the cabin, which was then painted gray. “We don’t aim to create trendy designs,” Böckle says. “Our goal is to meet our clients again in five to 10 years, and have 80% 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.
The house was not retrofitted for energy efficiency. However, the windows were replaced with double-paned glass.
Textured plaster was first applied to the exterior of the cabin, which was then painted gray. “We don’t aim to create trendy designs,” Böckle says. “Our goal is to meet our clients again in five to 10 years, and have 80% 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 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. “For the little ones, but also the grown-ups, this place is simply paradise,” Böckle says.
“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,” Böckle says. At the end of the day, the remodel was still expensive. “However, the sentimental return value for the client and his family is priceless,” he says.
“My expertise is to curate and connect elements so that they come together in harmony,” says the 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.”
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“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.”
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Read more stories about homes around the world
Find design and remodeling professionals near you
Shop for home products
Who lives here: A young family of four
Size: 312 square feet (29 square meters) plus a deck
Location: Taunus, Hessen, Germany
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, Germany, 15 years ago, and the two had maintained contact. “He approached me about a year before the 2020 lockdown as he had purchased some forested land in the Taunus with a small cabin on it,” Böckle says. The owner was committed to making the small cabin of 312 square feet into a refuge for himself and his family.
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