words Nicola Churchward

Masquerading as a stack of firewood, rustic yet modern, movable and built from sustainable material - this log cabin has it all.

Created by Dutch designer and architect Piet Hein Eek, the structure - built on wheels to bypass building regulations – is a rehearsal space for a musician.

The tree-trunk exterior encases a steel frame salvaged from a builders' yard. The facade is made up of small cross-sections of tree trunk, arranged and positioned by hand then fixed with glue and copper brackets. This puzzling effect extends over the window-covers to complete the log-pile illusion when the cabin is unoccupied.

The plywood interior - Eek uses the cheapest variety as "it has the richest texture" - is an unexpected contrast to the exterior. It is modern and clean with pale-blue walls that work with the panoramic shuttered windows to give the room a bright and fresh feel.

Colourful bespoke upholstery, minimalist storage and simple furniture complete the perfect space for long working hours. The latest in a series of log cabins and garden houses from the designer who made his name with scrap-wood furniture, this project is pure Eek.

All images: Thomas Mayer

picture The facade is made up of small cross-sections of tree trunk that extends over the window-covers.

picture The log cabin was built for the musician Hans Liberg to compose and rehearse his music.