ÖÖD Mirror Houses on Lake Päijänne, Finland
ÖÖD offers a range of “mirror houses”—tiny prefab cabins that are often used as guest houses, countryside getaways, and Airbnb accommodations. So far they’ve built projects in 12 different countries, including Estonia, Finland, and Norway. The ÖÖD Iceland home is a bespoke design, based on the clients’ wishes and strict local building requirements. These impacted everything from the dwelling’s structural properties and energy efficiency to the pitched roof.
Two cabins sit in the vast, empty landscape overlooking the Hekla volcano, around three hours’ drive from Reykjavík. The front part of each cabin—for sleeping—is almost entirely glass, while the rear—where the living, kitchen and bathroom spaces are located—is clad in timber for privacy.
The gable decoration is a Viking element traditionally used to protect homes from danger. The “moon” shape comes from the shape of Viking horns.
A floor plan of ÖÖD’s Iceland mirror house shows how the living, sleeping, dining, and bathroom spaces are arranged.
A floor plan and elevations of ÖÖD’s Iceland mirror house.
Both ÖÖD Iceland houses have a hot tub at the front overlooking the spectacular scenery. “This makes the experience even more surreal,” says CEO Andreas Tiik.
The glass front half of the cabin blurs boundaries between interior and exterior and completely immerses guests in the dramatic surroundings.
The cabins overlook the Hekla volcano, one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes. It is part of a 25-mile-long volcanic ridge, and during the Middle Ages it was referred to by Europeans as the "Gateway to Hell.”
The bathroom has a richly textured material palette, including a copper towel rack, natural stone basin, and white ceramic tiles. The painting reflected in the mirror depicts draumstafir, magical Nordic staves.
The kitchen features oak woodwork, black fixtures and fittings, and black hexagonal tiles that mimic the lines of the local landscape and represent the “basalt columns and moodiness of Iceland”.
The bed features luxurious supima linen and woolen blankets, as well as hand-knit pillows from a local artist.
The bed is custom-made by a local designer according to a brief by the client. It offers ample storage below to make the most of the small space.
The two cabins are named Freya and Alva, and feature the runes for “F” and “A” on the exterior timber wall. Signs from Nordic mythology are also found on the back of the houses. “The viking elements and the runes help the cabins fit into Icelandic history,” says CEO Andreas Tiik.
The custom pendant above the dining table was made by a small Lithuanian design studio based on a brief from the client. The black hexagonal tiles help define the different zones in the tiny interior space.
Watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your warm bed at Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland. Designed by the Estonian company ÖÖD Homes, the two 200-square-foot prefab cabins are thoughtfully made for small-space living. Each has a bedroom, living room, bathroom, and kitchen.
ÖÖD Iceland has a number of sustainable features, including substantial insulation, triple-glazed windows, thermally modified timber, programmable thermostats, and LED lighting.
The harsh local climate—including strong winds and acid rain caused by the volcanic landscape—was a particular challenge. The cabin features a copper roof, which is one of the few materials that can cope with acid rain.
The home office is enclosed on two sides by glass walls attached to a steel structure. The remaining two walls are clad in heat-treated wood.
The home office can be shipped worldwide, and assembly is a snap—although an electrician will need to connect the office to the grid.
The interior measures just 113 square feet. It’s designed so that a desk can be pushed directly up to the glass facade, allowing users to enjoy natural light and views.
The Home Office is an evolution of the earlier ÖÖD House, and it utilizes the same mirrored glass for its facade.
The glass panels reflect the office’s surroundings, reducing the visual impact of the built form and allowing it to effectively disappear into its setting.
The office features a small timber bench attached to the wooden side wall. “It adds some fun, personality and surprise to a usually uniform area,” says Kristi Kivilaid of ÖÖD House. “It’s a place to sit down for some fresh air or with a cup of tea and enjoy your garden.”
The glass walls allow the home office to become completely immersed in its surroundings. “Thanks to the glass panels and panoramic views, you have all the space on the outside that you can see from the inside,” says Kristi Kivilaid of ÖÖD House.
The home office is designed to be easily installed on foundation screws, which don’t require digging or a concrete foundation.
Both the exterior and interior of the houses imitate the surrounding wild nature
The forest reflects from the mirror house and the grandeur of the lake is seen just beyond
Mirrored surfaces and honey-toned cladding on the exterior create a seamlessly blended environment between nature and this modern resort
ÖÖD Mirror Houses are positioned on a specially built platform that extends out over the water
Every corner of the complex is designed to nourish the souls and minds of each guest
The unobstructed 180-degree views of the lake