The Kuku-Ranna Summer House, designed by Arhitektuuribüroo Eek & Mutso, is an award-winning residential project in the village of Vääna-Jõesuu, Estonia. Located approximately 35 km from Tallinn and 150 meters from the sea, the house features a minimalist A-frame structure with kinetic elements that open it to its natural surroundings during the summer months. Completed in 2020, the project was commissioned as a seasonal retreat, which influenced its unique "closed" and "open" personalities. The house is designed to blend seamlessly into the forest landscape, resembling a tepee or a traditional farmhouse, but with a modern twist. When not in use, it is a discreet, unnoticeable structure with its striking black exterior made of yakisugi—burnt wood—cladding. When the residents arrive, the house transforms dramatically: Kinetic shutters: Large shutters on the main facade rise like wings to reveal a large glass wall, while a rear shutter opens to a small workshop. The dark, protective exterior contrasts with the light, minimalist interior, which is visible once the house is open. The A-frame structure cleverly maximizes its 80 square meters of net area. The interior features a ground-floor living space that extends onto a terrace, a compact sauna and bedroom tucked into the lower eaves, and a master suite on the upper level. The light-colored interior features a blend of modern furniture and repurposed vintage items, such as an oval window salvaged from a Tallinn Art Nouveau villa. A double bass is also repurposed as a shelf. Gaps in the floorboards upstairs allow warm air to rise and light to filter through, contributing to the feeling of airiness. The house rests on a concrete slab and features a timber frame. Steel elements were used to ensure the rigidity of the moving shutters. Awards and recognition 2021 Estonian Architecture Awards (ERAMU prize): Winner for a private house. 2021 Estonian Association of Interior Architects: Nominee for the annual award. Credits Architects: Arhitektuuribüroo Eek & Mutso Lead Architect: Madis Eek Landscape Design: Margit Mutso Engineering: Toomas Tammerik Photography: Toomas Tuul Manufacturers: Balti Plaadikaubandus, Emotionwalls, Hansacom, Pinska, Prokliima, Raidkivi, Silman