Completed in 2021, the Lipno Lakeside Cabin is a 118-square-meter retreat located in the Bohemian Forest near Lipno Lake in the Czech Republic. Designed by the Lyon-based firm Les Archinautes, the cabin was built in place of a previous wooden structure and serves as a base for mountain sports enthusiasts. The design reinterprets principles of local Bohemian Forest architecture, featuring a compact, gabled shape and a rectangular floor plan. The architects placed great emphasis on connecting the cabin with its natural surroundings. The living space centers around a large, square, gabled window that frames views of the lake and the two mountain peaks behind it. Inside, the building's exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) panel structure creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, bringing the scent, color, and feel of the forest indoors. The exposed wood was treated with hard wax oil with a UV filter to preserve its color over time. The cabin's thoughtful design accommodates both functionality and connection to nature. The ground floor includes a small room, bathroom, laundry room, and a sauna, with additional storage for sports equipment. An attic level features two bedrooms with circular windows, and another bathroom and pantry. The cabin is wrapped by a wooden terrace that is sheltered by the roof's overhang, providing flexible outdoor spaces for relaxing and storage. The construction utilized sustainable methods and local materials, with the wood-intensive build sequestering more CO2 than was produced. Credits Architects: Gabriela Králová of Les Archinautes Architect (co-founder of Les Archinautes): Estelle Morlé Construction: 3AE Photography: Petr Polák