The Lucia Smart Cabin is a 258-square-foot cabin with an almost 360-degree view of its riverside site in Inari, Finland, alongside Juutuanvuono Lake. Designed in 2019 by architects Pirinen & Salo for Finnish glass company Savon Lasituote, the cabin was prefabricated and delivered to site turn-key ready. Oh, and it's also constructed almost entirely of glass.
Despite its footprint, the Lucia cabin is both a residence and workspace, the perfect size for simple living solo or with a partner. And while its all-glass exterior is immediately eye-catching, it's the bright orange interior that makes this dwelling truly unique.
Designed to maximize views, the cabin's thin steel structure imposes few disruptions to the eyeline from inside-even from bed with your head on the pillow. And while an all-glass exterior typically tends to create a host of thermal discomforts from drafts to overheating, the glass used for Lucia was tested at negative 31 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it can endure bitter Nordic temperatures.
Heated floors also help to keep things warm, and curtains line the lower perimeter of the interior to help cool the cabine and increase privacy when deseired.
Although the cabin is almost wholly naturally lit, designers did integrate lighting into the steel armature, cleverly disguising it as to not disrupt the view. Once illuminated, the lights refract off the glass to create a mini spectacle inside that is enhanced by changing weather outside.
At its center, Lucia holds a bed and sofa unit, which sits in front of a small dining table and kitchenette. Behind the cooking space lies a full bathroom, spacious storage, and the cabin's entry. Outside the door, a patio is just big enough for a lounge chair (or pile of muddy hiking boots). And last but certainly not least, stairs lead down to a wooden deck on the water's edge for the best view of all.
Published 01-20-2022
