Designed by Belgian art dealer and designer Kris Ghesquière, The Mountain Cabin is a secluded retreat located in the Betania mountains, a 45-minute drive from Tbilisi, Georgia. Originally conceived as a weekend getaway, the project evolved into a more permanent refuge for the designer. Nestled in a location with no electricity, phone reception, or neighbors, the cabin is a testament to mindful, solitary living.

The small, one-room structure is built with a lightweight, timber-frame construction. A unique feature of the design is the use of sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors on one side, which not only provide expansive views of the wooded surroundings but also fully open to connect the interior with the natural landscape. When fully open, the cabin essentially becomes a semi-enclosed terrace, blurring the line between inside and out. Inside, the space features a polished concrete floor and a central steel-plate fireplace that creates a focal point. A black, custom-built kitchen is integrated into the wall opposite the fireplace, while a bathtub is strategically placed in front of the large windows to maximize the view. The ceiling is finished with pine plywood panels, while a skylight over the bed bathes the room in natural light.

The project was built over five months with the help of a small team of local carpenters. Materials were sourced locally, with the primary construction using timber and stone from the area, a choice that grounded the building in its natural surroundings. The home's design reflects a philosophy of prioritizing a connection to nature over modern conveniences, offering a quiet escape from the distractions of city life.

Credits

Designer: Kris Ghesquière

Photography: Interieri Magazine, Kris Ghesquière