Completed in 2020, The Author's House is a private, 68-square-meter writing and living retreat designed by Danish architectural firm SLETH. Situated in a protected forest near Aarhus, Denmark, the cabin is a contemporary interpretation of the classic woodland cabin, designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. It was built on the existing plinth of a previous summer house, adhering to the area's strict building regulations. The client, a writer, sought an inspirational workspace that offered a close connection to nature, rather than a traditional holiday home. This focus on work over residence is reflected in the layout, which dedicates most of the space to a large, flexible living and studio area, with only a small sleeping loft and bathroom. The design emphasizes the transition between inside and out. Large, sliding glass doors allow the interior to extend onto an outdoor terrace, a feature that allows the writer to work in direct connection with the forest. The exterior is clad in a dark, reddish-brown copper, chosen to blend with the trunks of the surrounding beech trees and a nearby lake. This copper façade will naturally patinate over time, gradually turning green to further integrate the structure into the landscape. Inside, the material palette is warm and natural. The flooring, a mottled aggregate concrete, mimics the forest floor and extends out onto the terrace to blur the line between interior and exterior spaces. The interior is dominated by Douglas fir wood from Danish manufacturer Dinesen, used for the ceilings, built-in furniture, kitchen, staircase, and the home's walls, which are also lined with bookcases. In a splash of vibrant color, the fireplace is painted in a deep, electric blue. The project also features sustainable measures, including geothermal heating and an efficient use of materials, where leftover wood planks were used for additional furnishings. Credits Architects: SLETH (Søren Leth, partner and lead architect) Photography: Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST Contractor: Tømre-Snedkerfirmaet Aps Keld Ellegaard Sørensen Engineer: Ivar Lykke Christensen A/S Floors: FLIB BYG Aps Furniture and Interior Materials: Dinesen (Douglas fir wood)