Desiring an escape from the city, Lithuanian architect Ema Butrimaviciute of the Vilnius–based architectural practice Utopium crafted a rentable retreat that would be “as small as possible,” yet spacious enough to fit all the comforts of home.

With an ancient forest as a backdrop and beautiful, unfettered views of the Lithuanian countryside in front, the Etno Hut smartly defers to the landscape with its minimalist, compact design of just 150 square feet.

Minimal site impact was a guiding principle for the streamlined cabin that’s elevated off the ground on a steel foundation. SIP construction allowed the project to be assembled in a speedy three days.

Ema also dressed the interiors in a pared-back aesthetic with a natural material palette that keeps focus on the outdoors.

Etno Hut features a fully equipped kitchenette, a bathroom with a spacious shower, a dining area, and a queen-size bed (with an extra pull-out bed) to meet the basic needs of two people. Most of the fittings were custom made for the project.

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“One of the tasks was to avoid those uncomfortable things that are usually found in tiny houses, such as transformable furniture or ladder stairs,” explains Butrimaviciute.

The remote beauty of the property proved a drawback during construction however, since finding contractors willing to travel the distance for such a small project was difficult.

“The design of the house is simple and easily adaptable to every site,” concludes Butrimaviciute. “It can merge in both: urbanized territory or countryside. In the near future, there is a plan to build bigger units that would look similar in matter of a design, however a little bigger.”

The cozy hideaway is available to rent starting at 60€ ($69) a night.

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Utopium

Builder/ General Contractor: Trustus

Interior Design: Utopium

Interior Finishing: Sluoksnis

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