words Nicola Churchward

images Thomas Mayer

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.