The Ohio Valley Hut is a 600-square-foot, off-grid cabin located on a 2,000-acre family cattle farm in Belmont County, Ohio. Designed and built by architect Greg Dutton, the project was inspired by Scandinavian design and the "hygge" concept of coziness. Completed in 2018, the hut was a collaborative effort with Dutton's brother, Chris, their father, John, and other family and friends. The cabin's sustainable, minimalist approach earned it a 2019 AIA Ohio Honor Award and a 2020 AIA Columbus Architecture Honor Award. The hut is nestled in the woods on a high bank, with a prime view of one of the many lakes on the farm. The property, which the family purchased in 1981, was originally a strip mine that has been reclaimed over the decades through their stewardship. The cabin's foundation consists of simple concrete piers, allowing it to "touch the earth lightly" and minimize its environmental impact. The exterior is clad in cedar shingles, which will weather over time to a soft gray that will allow the building to blend even more seamlessly into its surroundings. The design is heavily influenced by aspects of farming, using traditional and logical building techniques with simple, economical materials. Inside, the cabin features a "country minimalism" aesthetic. A large, 25-foot expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows connects the interior with the surrounding landscape, allowing the setting to take center stage. The interior finishes include bleached eastern pine flooring and white shiplap walls. The space is kept serene and uncluttered, with a wood stove fireplace providing warmth and a cozy focal point. The off-grid functionality of the cabin is powered by solar panels. A nearby solar hut captures energy for the cabin's utilities, while a rainwater collection system provides fresh water. Credits Architecture and Design: Greg Dutton / Midland Architecture Interiors: Liz Dutton Construction: Greg Dutton, Chris Dutton, and John Dutton, with assistance from family and friends Photography: Alexandra Ribar