Surrounded by towering trees in a wooded setting near the shores of Lake Michigan, the Liten Hytte House was wrapped in functional corrugated cladding to mimic the verticality of the forest while standing out from the woodland shades. The compact cabin was designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson architects for relaxed summer living, its name inspired by the Norwegian phrase for ‘little cabin’.
The 1,000 square foot retreat draws on the clients’ Scandinavian roots along with their memories of large family gatherings that took place in a modest family cottage. The brief for the architects was to capture this spirit – of communal gatherings at close quarters – for the project, while contributing a contemporary element. The new design paired a simple, almost linear layout with flexible living spaces that could adapt to the occasion. On the ground floor, the kitchen, dining and living areas are brought together in one open space, while a primary bedroom sits just off to the side. On the level above, a reading nook and additional sleeping area overlook the main room, reinforcing the strong sense of connection throughout the compact interior. Efficiency was a key concern to the project, with built-in storage, adaptable furniture and durable materials added to allow the cabin to shift easily between quiet weekends and busier family stays. A concrete floor keeps things low-maintenance during sandy summer months, while the corrugated metal cladding offers resilience against harsh winters, while referencing the agricultural buildings found across the region. Plywood was used for joinery, stairs, window, and door frames, adding warmth and texture, while bright green accents appear across the interior in a playful touch.
Despite its modest footprint, carefully chosen materials, thoughtful detailing, and smart use of space make Liten Hytte a dynamic, contemporary take on the classic lakeside cabin.
Photography © Corey Gaffer