Tiny timber cabin by Jarmund/Vigsnæs has windows incorporated in its angled facades
Norwegian studio Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects has designed a small wooden cabin at the end of a garden in Oslo with an angular form that frames different views of its surroundings (+ slideshow).
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter_dezeen_sq.jpg)
Situated in a residential suburb in the Norwegian capital, the 15-square-metre structure was designed by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects to provide its owners with a quiet retreat intended as an alternative to a countryside cottage.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
"The clients wanted a space that would allow them to isolate themselves to focus on their writing and work, while at the same time offering a generous view over the surroundings," said a statement from the studio, which has previously designed a wooden cabin for hikers on a Norwegian mountain and a house with a faceted upper storey for Alain de Botton's Living Architecture project in England.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
The cabin's location at the edge of a north-facing slope overlooking a railway station and surrounded by bushes informed a design aimed at maximising light and views inside.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
Glazing fills the entire north facade, providing a view through the adjacent trees and over the edge of the slope that is intended to create a sense of the cabin hovering above its surroundings.
The large window fills the cabin's interior with natural light and a glass desk in front of it provides a work surface that ensures the light and views are not obstructed.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
The structure's south-facing elevation rises above a neighbour's hedge and incorporates windows and a glass door.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
"The south elevation is narrow to avoid too much sunlight that could disturb the workplace, and to provide privacy," the architects added. "The shape of the building is a result of the shift from the wide and low north elevation to the tall and narrow south elevation."
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
An overhanging section above the door that contains a seating area with a sheepskin mattress is flanked on one side by glass that is angled to ensure the space is not overlooked by neighbouring properties.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
Another sheepskin-lined seating nook that protrudes from the side of the main space has its own articulated lamp fixed to the wall.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
The interior is entirely lined with wood that echoes the external cladding, while a brown carpet with a complementary tone adds a textured surface.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Plywood is used to line the edge of the mezzanine and to construct a staircase with integrated storage that connects the two levels. A single length of rope forms a balustrade that is woven between the plywood surfaces and hooks attached to the ceiling.
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter-_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
Another cabin in the garden of a Norwegian home by architect Todd Saunders is shaped like a wedge with a hole in its centre, while a timber studio at the end of a garden in London by local studio Weston, Surman & Deane features slatted timber facades.
Photography is by Jonas Adolfsen.
Project credits:
Architects: Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects
Primary architects: Einar Jarmund, Håkon Vigsnæs, Alessandra Kosberg, Martin Blum Jansen
Contractor: Ing. Gunnar Johansson AS
Client: Arne H. Krumsvik and Turid Urke
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter_dezeen_3.gif)
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter_dezeen_1.gif)
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter_dezeen_2.gif)
![Writer's cottage by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/09/Writers-cottage_Jarmund-Vigsnaes-Arkitekter_dezeen_4.gif)