Today we’re heading to the mountains of Ottsjö, rural Sweden, for a peek inside a contemporary cabin that blends a pared-back Scandinavian aesthetic with a deep appreciation for nature.
Owned by photographer Sophie Odelberg and her fiancé Gustav, the cabin was designed by Stockholm-based studio Note and marks its first foray into full architectural projects. It consists of three identical pitched-roof sections, interlinked yet offset to follow the uneven terrain. Each section serves a distinct function, with a central walkway providing a seamless flow from the sociable living area in the middle to the more private spaces at either end. Throughout, panoramic windows capture the stunning views and maximise natural light, which can be in short supply in Ottsjö during the winter months. The steep roofs, meanwhile, are designed to handle the area’s heavy snowfall.
Natural materials play a major role in the identity and functionality of the cabin. Both the interior and exterior are clad in untreated Norrland pine, a locally available and sustainably grown wood that’s able to withstand the harsh climate. Varying panel widths create subtle variation and prevent the building from looking too monolithic, ensuring it nestles comfortably among the surrounding birch trees. Other surfaces are made from Norwegian marble, which was sourced from just across the mountains and sits beautifully with the pine.
The heart of the cabin is the kitchen, which occupies the central section. It was created by Nordiska Kök, who wanted to reflect both Scandinavian simplicity and the raw beauty of the mountains. The resulting design is crafted from oak, with a dark stain that stands out against the pine walls. The clean lines of the cupboards are counterbalanced by a curved island unit and rounded handles that echo the undulating landscape, while the worktops hint at the stone that lies beneath the current blanket of snow. This aesthetic has been carried through to the dining area opposite, where there’s a sleek pine table, chunky tree-trunk-like chairs, a recessed oak cabinet with sliding reeded-glass doors, and a glass vase with an organic form that reminds me of blocks of ice.
The living room is linked to the kitchen by an internal opening that creates two distinct spaces while maintaining a sense of openness. The tones, materials and shapes of the kitchen are again reflected in the oak sofa frame and coffee table, while a large rug and wall hanging add layers of warmth and texture. Lightweight, sculptural pieces such as a Bertoia ‘Diamond’ chair and a steel-based floor lamp balance out the solid wooden forms and provide a wonderful note of contrast.
The main bedroom sits in the roof void above. Sections of sloping ceiling form a cosy cocoon, while picture windows ensure a constant connection with the trees and mountains outside. The compact bathroom, meanwhile, uses pale grey marble and blonde oak to give a feeling of light and space that belies its small size.
The cabin is the kind of design I always love to see: minimalist yet cosy, and deeply rooted in its setting. I’m looking forward to sharing more architectural projects from Note Design Studio in the future, as well as more beautiful kitchens from Nordiska Kök. In the meantime, if this project appeals to you as much as it does to me, you might also like this Finnish cabin, this Norwegian home and this sustainable cabin in upstate New York.
Images nine, 11 and 12 courtesy of Note Design Studio; all other photography via Nordiska Kök
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