Architectural firm Studio Ellsinger has unveiled its latest creation, the Hee House, a unique holiday cabin featuring a hat-shaped aluminium roof. Located near a beach in the scenic village of Heestrand, this compact yet imaginative cabin is designed to harmonize with its untamed natural surroundings while maximizing its small plot.
A Compact Footprint, Towering Design
The seven-by-seven-metre cabin is a second home for a young family and embodies a design philosophy that “grows upwards.” Its steep-pitched roof, clad in untreated aluminium sheeting, provides both protection from the elements and a striking visual appeal.
“Our house aimed to leave the ground and its surroundings as untouched as possible, as well as triggering curiosity,” said Mikael Ellsinger, co-founder of Studio Ellsinger.
Inspired by the firm’s previous project, Villa Ellsinger, the Hee House employs similar design principles, integrating the wildness of the plot with the minimal footprint of the structure.
Thoughtful Interiors and Lofted Living
Inside, the cabin boasts a seven-metre-high ceiling, which creates a spacious living area. The main living space on the ground floor includes an open kitchen and dining area with large windows offering serene views of the surrounding pine forest. A custom wood-burning stove, framed by an oversized bookshelf, serves as a focal point, while red-tiled floors add a striking contrast to the untreated pine walls.
Above, a loft accessed via a simple staircase includes a children’s sleeping area, a sofa bed, and a workspace. The loft can be screened off with a large curtain, ensuring both privacy and flexibility for its occupants.
Innovative Roof and Maritime References
The cabin’s distinctive hat-shaped roof comprises two sections: a narrow, steeply pitched side and a broader, lower canopy. This design provides natural shade and shelter while emphasizing the structure’s playful geometry. Studio Ellsinger avoided traditional beams in the steep roof by employing a horizontal glulam (glue-laminated timber) frame, which supports the roof load while maintaining an open, beam-free interior.
Ellsinger added a personal touch to the cabin with maritime-inspired circular prisms embedded in the loft windows and front door.
“On the old sailing ships, they used glass prisms in the deck to spread light before electricity. The prisms in the door are the same sort that spreads light into the otherwise dark entrance hall,” explained Ellsinger.
Custom Furniture and Natural Materials
Hee House’s interiors prioritize simplicity and warmth. Untreated pine cladding, custom-built furniture, and earthy tones create a cozy yet modern aesthetic. The red-tiled kitchen floor contrasts beautifully with the neutral wood tones, while thoughtful design elements ensure every inch of space is functional and stylish.
Studio Ellsinger’s Portfolio and Legacy
Founded in 2010 by Mikael and Fanny Ellsinger, Studio Ellsinger is known for its innovative designs, including Villa Ellsinger, which perches on rocky stilts above Sweden’s southwest coast. The Hee House continues the studio’s legacy of blending contemporary architecture with natural landscapes.
Other notable small cabin projects include a series of off-grid structures on Helsinki’s archipelago and a concrete gabled retreat in Mexico, showcasing the versatility of compact, nature-inspired designs.
