The Etno Hut is a 14-square-meter tiny house designed by architect Ema Butrimaviciute of the Vilnius-based firm Utopium. Completed in 2018, the hut was conceived as a rentable retreat to provide an escape from city life, offering a comfortable and uncomplicated experience in a small space. It is situated on a wild 50-acre property in Pakalniškės, Lithuania, on a slope that backs onto a dense, old-growth forest while opening up to sweeping views of the landscape. The hut's dark exterior allows it to blend subtly with its woodland surroundings, while a large south-facing window brings warmth and natural scenery inside.

A guiding principle for the project was minimizing its environmental impact. The hut was built on a steel foundation that was screwed into the ground by hand, and the entire structure, made from Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), was prefabricated and assembled on-site in just three days. The space beneath the hut is used for storage, with piping and cables concealed for a clean look.

Inside, the layout was designed for comfort and practicality, avoiding the need for complex, transformative furniture often found in tiny homes. The 14-square-meter space includes a fully equipped kitchenette, a king-size bed (with an extra pull-out bed), and a bathroom with a spacious shower. A wood-burning stove adds warmth and coziness. An outdoor deck extends the living space, creating a strong connection between the hut and the natural environment.

Credits

Architects: Utopium

Lead Architect: Ema Butrimaviciute

Photography: Leonas Garbacauskas

Contractors: Sluoksnis and Trustus