Situated in the forested hills of Valea lui Enache, the CL02 Cabin by Vinklu beautifully shows us how minimalism can be both inspiring and deeply functional. The first impression is a sense of calm—a dark, understated silhouette softened by the filtered light of the surrounding trees. In this surreal cabin, less isn’t an aesthetic; it is intended to be a deliberate gesture toward finding contentment in simplicity. Every line and every finish supports the idea that a home should serve its inhabitants without demanding attention, quietly enabling the rituals of daily life.

The 55-square-meter structure stands where an earlier project failed, and it’s clear that Vinklu approached this second chance with a sense of reverence. The layout is straightforward: a ground floor with an open living area, a full kitchen, and a bathroom, and an upper level for rest. Each space is compact but never feels cramped, thanks to a vaulted ceiling and panoramic windows that extend the interior outward, inviting the forest in. The circular kitchen window frames a shifting tableau of leaves and light, turning even the most routine meal into an act of quiet observation.

Designer: Vinklu

The full-size kitchen is a luxury, especially in a home of this scale. It’s designed for those who find joy in cooking—ample countertop space, integrated appliances, and just enough storage to keep things tidy. The kitchen’s natural finishes echo the palette outside, blurring the boundary between interior and landscape.

The cabin is clad in dark, weather-resistant timber, allowing it to recede into the forest’s shadows. Inside, pale wood and minimal detailing create a sense of light and openness. There’s restraint in every decision, but also an invitation: to touch, to pause, to notice the subtle changes in the quality of light as the day moves on. The living area is open yet intimate, with just enough room for a small table and a pair of chairs. The focus isn’t on filling space but on creating an environment that feels both nurturing and uncluttered.

The CL02 Cabin’s relationship to its site is its most fabulous feature. The structure neither dominates nor disappears; it exists in dialogue with the landscape, responding to its contours and rhythms. Sustainability is embedded in the design—efficient insulation, passive solar orientation, and natural ventilation reduce the need for mechanical intervention. The house feels like a gentle addition to the hillside, its presence marked by sensitivity rather than intrusion.

Living in the CL02 Cabin is an exercise in mindful reduction. It’s not about doing without, but about having enough—and knowing that enough can be generous. There are compromises, of course: storage is limited, and the seasonal design may not suit every lifestyle. But for those drawn to clarity and contemplation, this is a space that offers both refuge and inspiration.

The post This Tiny Cabin Is Designed For Sustainable & Serene Living Amid Romania’s Forested Hills first appeared on Yanko Design.

Studio Wok recently gave a disused technical building at QuatroDesign’s headquarters in northern Italy a remarkable makeover. They transformed it into an artist residency, armed with living and sleeping areas, and a unique-looking roof. The Milan-based studio redid the headquarters for QuadroDesign in 2022 and then handled this second phase as well, which involved fixing an abandoned building. The main attraction of the project is a small cabin, that was initially used to accommodate electrical infrastructure for the production facility in Italy’s Piedmont region. The structure adopts the same pared-back style and neutral palette as QuadroDesign’s other redesigned offices and showroom.

Designer: Studio Wok

The cabin is placed in one corner of the property, with some lovely greenery surrounding it. It is equipped with a flexible space that will be used for commercial events, and to host resident artists. The original structure and shape of the cabin were untouched, but the footprint was a bit small for a residence. Hence, Studio Wok extended the space upwards into the existing roof, to make the cabin more suitable for hosting residents.  “The internal space, narrow and developed in height, is not usual for a home – in fact, it was designed to accommodate other functions,” said architect Nicola Brenna. “It was very stimulating to implement a ‘domestication’ process and make it suitable for living.”

The small cabin was freed of pre-existing partitions to create a versatile and free-flowing open-plan room on the ground floor. Different openings were added throughout this space, to form a bond with the outdoors, creating a surreal indoor-outdoor connection. It features newly installed sliding metal doors, which can be retracted to let the outdoors inside.

The room’s rear wall includes built-in joinery which offers support to a sofa, and integrates two steps that link with a metal staircase offering access to the upper floors. The opposite end of the room holds a wall of cabinets, which cleverly hide the entrance to the shower room and WC. The bathroom was added to make the space more worthy of being a full-time residence.

The building includes two mezzanine levels which contain intimate and personal spaces such as a sleeping area. This area is placed on a wooden platform right above the kitchen. Another set of stairs offers access to a seating area, situated in a pre-existing concrete walkway near the upper section of the roof. This space contains a simple wooden bench, with light streaming in from a window. It serves as a quaint and relaxing space to unwind after a long day.

The entire cabin showcases a minimal material palette, to create something that is an “almost sacred space”, according to the founders. Outdoor spaces were also added to the project, and a pergola was placed with space for an outdoor kitchen and dining area. A partly sunken small pool was integrated as well, adding another thoughtful and comfortable element to the property.

The post This Minimal & Quaint Artist Residency Was Once A Deserted & Disused Electrical Building first appeared on Yanko Design.