Nestled in an ecological allotment garden in Groningen, the Netherlands, the Poplar Garden House is a small, contemporary shed designed by architect Haiko Meijer of Onix for his own family. Completed around 2011, the 32-square-meter cabin was conceived as a low-impact, off-grid retreat within the Tuinwijck allotment gardens, a green space where city residents can rent plots for gardening and leisure. The design prioritizes simplicity and sustainability, using materials and energy systems that respect its natural setting. The house features a simple gabled roof but is modernized through large openings and vertical glazing strips that echo the poplar panels used for its construction. Constructed entirely from uniform poplar planks, the house is both a functional living space and an artistic sculpture, with the boards covering the interior and exterior. This unified material palette, from the walls and floors to the foundation and roof, creates a consistent and warm aesthetic. The planks are designed to be removable, allowing for future artistic customization. Its L-shaped floor plan and strategic placement create two distinct outdoor areas: a sunny, extroverted space facing a playground and a private, introverted, and shaded space facing a drainage ditch. The interior features a central living space, a compact kitchenette with a gas cooktop, and a concrete counter that merges with a built-in fireplace. With no electric power supplied to the allotment, the house is completely powered by natural daylight and rooftop solar panels. A circular skylight and narrow vertical windows illuminate the space, while a raised sleeping loft offers a cozy, elevated sleeping area. Project credits Architecture: Onix Principal Architect: Haiko Meijer Photography: Peter de Kan