Constructed by architecture and urban design students Timm Bergmann and Jonas Becker, who would later go on to found Studio Politaire, the "Small but Fine" Off-grid Cabin was completed in 2018 in a remote forest in Finland. The 280-square-foot structure was built on a modest budget of approximately $14,000, with the designers doing most of the work themselves. The off-grid cabin was designed as a simple and functional retreat to live in and reflect on self-reliance. Built on a rocky plot with a natural flat spot near a lake, the cabin’s design features four slightly offset rooms spread across a total floor space of 26.8 square meters, offering a different view of the surrounding landscape from each staggered window. The cabin's off-grid utilities include a water pump, a three-phase sewage system, and a hot water supply powered by solar energy and a wood-burning stove. To accommodate the cabin's location on swampy soil with no vehicular access, the designers first built a 650-foot-long elevated pathway to the nearest road. The foundation was built using concrete-filled steel pipes anchored into bedrock to ensure durability. The minimalist interior features wood-paneled walls and flooring, with plywood boards lining the ceilings. A wood-burning stove provides heat, while large windows allow natural light to flood the space and connect the occupants with nature. A small deck outside provides an open-air area for a tranquil retreat. Credits Architects: Timm Bergmann and Jonas Becker (Studio Politaire) Photography: André Boettcher, Studio Politaire