Cabin in the woods Fairfield Connecticut

“This abandoned shed in the middle of 18 acres had endless charm and character. We worked with this rustic charm and remote wooded location and juxtaposed it with a clean minimal Scandinavian-inspired design for dramatic effect”

- Chris + James / Stewart-Schäfer

How lucky to discover an abanded shed in the middle of 18 acres of woods! This abandoned structure was untouched for over ten years and needed a complete gut. We kept the footprint the same but added some heigh in the bathroom with a dormer and a glass wall at the cabin's front. Our goal in the design was to create a dramatic contrast between the rustic wild exterior with the clean minimal bright interior. Materials were key in the design as we tried to utilize all the raw materials surrounding the shed, like the douglas fir. By utilizing the raw, rustic natural materials in an organized, minimal fashion, we only enhanced the contrast and feeling of drama in this space. We turned the small upstairs loft into a clever bedroom, with the clean light wood playing a crucial role in the design. We used the lofted ceiling to create a structure that feels like a cozy tent. The rest of the cabin was designed with the ethos less is more, utilizing some premium materials to give contrast again.