Designed by Slovenian architects Jana Hladnik Tratnik and Tina Lipovž of Studio PIKAPLUS, The Wooden House is an 82-square-meter family retreat completed in 2015. Situated in a forest clearing in Kanji Dol, Slovenia, the project was created for a young Slovenian family who, living in a big city in Italy, wanted a home that allowed them to be surrounded by nature. The design is a modern interpretation of the traditional mountain cabin, with exaggerated angles and oblique sides that give it a distinctive appearance while allowing it to blend into the surrounding landscape. Its simple form was intentionally created to minimize disruption to the environment and withstand the harsh Slovenian weather. The Wooden House's exterior is protected by durable, dark metal siding and thick insulation, which contrast with the light-wood interior. This warm, timber-clad interior offers a sense of being outdoors and helps blur the line between interior and exterior spaces. A large glass facade on one side of the house lets in ample natural light and provides expansive views of the forest and hills, connecting nearly every room to the natural surroundings. The layout maximizes the home's limited space with an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area on the ground floor. Two bedrooms and a play area are located on the second level and overlook the main living spaces. The house also features a sauna on the ground floor and minimalist furniture in dark tones that provides contrast to the light wood interior. A deck and minimal landscaping integrate the house into its surroundings. The project received second place nationally for the best wooden construction in Slovenia in 2016. Credits Architects: Jana Hladnik Tratnik and Tina Lipovž of Studio PIKAPLUS Photography: Miha Bratina Manufacturers: ALJOŠIN, INLES, and RIHTER