Completed in 2025, Cabin in Woods by Ediz Demirel Works is a 54-square-meter micro-cabin designed for short-term rental on the Kozak Plateau near Pergamon, in Izmir, Turkey. The cabin is situated on the existing dry stone terrace walls of an old vineyard, with a design that emphasizes the contrasting relationship between the structure and its natural landscape. This juxtaposition is a central theme, exploring the balance between blending into the rural environment and asserting a distinct architectural presence.

The cabin’s structure is anchored by its base, a reinforced concrete slab cast into the existing dry stone wall. Above this foundation, a contrasting form emerges: a prefabricated steel frame and a tent-like shell clad in corten steel panels, chosen for their industrial aesthetic and ability to weather and patina over time. This tectonic opposition between the rugged stone and the precise steel frames a narrative of both belonging and estrangement. The assembly of the prefabricated parts was completed on-site, minimizing disruption to the landscape.

Inside, the cabin is organized around a sunken central space—a contemporary interpretation of a conversation pit—embedded into the ground. This intimate, introspective area anchors the living space, creating a cozy and grounded social core. Auxiliary functions like wet areas and storage are arranged as linear extensions around this core. A mezzanine floor is tucked within the steel shell, providing space for sleeping and working.

The interior is in constant dialogue with its surroundings through strategically placed openings. A singular horizontal cut in the shell frames a panoramic view of the forested hills, creating a powerful visual connection to the broader ecological context. Elsewhere, smaller, angular windows project outward from the facade, offering sculptural moments that mediate between the interior and exterior.

Credits

Architects: Ediz Demirel Works

Location: Kozak Plateau, Izmir, Turkey

Year: 2025

Area: 54 m²

Photography: Egemen Karakaya

Manufacturers: Linea Rossa, Segezha Group, VitrA