These Tiny Cabins in Poland Offer Creature Comforts in the Woods
Set in the pine forests and beaches of Lubiatowo, these tiny cottages are an idyllic getaway.
In the small town of Lubiatowo in Northern Poland, six cabins known as Szumilas ("Summer Houses") make up a holiday retreat. Owners Magda and Chris, both energetic 30-year-olds, sought a change of pace from city life. Inspired by their own travels—especially hostel experiences—and an appreciation of the great outdoors, they decided to invest their savings in building a series of holiday homes with nature at the forefront.
The holiday homes exude a charming, laid-back atmosphere.
Photo by Alka Murat
They reached out to Raca Architekci to make their dream a reality. The small, two-story structures are designed with natural materials that harmonize with their surroundings.
The simple structures are a modern play on the traditional cabin with wood-clad exteriors and gabled roofs.
Photo by Fotomohito
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The gabled form of each house is clad with larch wood and topped with a black metal roof and chimney. Punched window openings, recessed deeply in the facade, add a contemporary twist to the traditional cabin.
A simple material palette of wood, steel, and glass clads the exterior of each house.
Photo by Fotomohito
The tongue-and-groove wood boards are divided at the half-height by a contrasting, black steel plate.
Photo by Fotomohito
An exterior deck forms the entry to the house, extending the living space and providing a platform for gathering with friends and family. Further blurring the lines between inside and out, the doors can be opened wide to increase the living room area.
Black-framed windows and doors tie in with the black metal roof and dark chimney.
Photo by Fotomohito
Above the deck is a shade sail which provides protection from the elements. The string lights add a sense of playfulness and atmosphere.
Photo by Alka Murat
Natural materials extend inward with exposed wood beams, plywood accents, and wood-paneled walls. The mostly white-and-gray color palette is accented with shades of green that draw from the surrounding forests.
A muted color palette of mostly whites and grays is accented by green hues and natural wood finishes, as in the exposed wood beams above.
Photo by Fotomohito
Shop the Look
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Your all-purpose carryall. No matter how many bags we’ve got laying around, it feels like we’re always on the search for that one, perfect carryall to sling over a shoulder and take on a quick trip to the corner store, farmers market, or the beach. We’re pretty sure this is that perfect bag we’ve been looking for, and the plot twist is that it’s made entirely out of… paper! Each bag is made in Italy, and the paper itself is made from a cultivated fiber, meaning the production of these bags isn’t contributing to deforestation. It looks and feels like leather (and is similarly stretched and tanned to make it durable), but is entirely washable and able to stand up to daily use—just what we want in our everyday, every-way bag. Photo Courtesy of Food52
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Made of durable stainless steel and modeled after professional barista equipment, the Field Barista Kettle is designed to consistently deliver a precise pour. Use the kettle at home or outdoors for pour over coffee and tea. Simply fill with water and set over a heat source to boil. After use, remove the handle for easy storage. The Field Barista Kettle is part of the Field Barista Set and pairs with the Field Barista Coffee Drip and Field Barista Coffee Grinder.
ShopMerely 474 square feet, the homes seem surprisingly spacious. The ground floor includes a kitchen area, large bathroom, and living room, complete with a sleeper sofa and wood-burning fireplace.
A wood-burning fireplace is the heart of the living room, set off by a stacked tile wall in a soft green hue.
Photo by Fotomohito
The kitchen may be small and compact, but it provides all the necessities for cooking. Lower birch cabinets combine with white lacquer board uppers, creating a sleek look. A metal-and-leather pendant light by Nordlux hangs above the dining table.
Photo by Fotomohito
Adjacent to the kitchen is a full-size bathroom.
Photo by Fotomohito
The bathroom is finished with the same green tiles as used in the chimney well. Large-format tiles imitating terrazzo line the bathroom floor and shower walls, including the built-in bench.
Photo by Fotomohito
A custom-made, birch-and-steel frame cabinet with a marble top and ceramic vessel sink is accented by round mirrors.
Photo by Fotomohito
Wood stairs lead to two bedrooms upstairs, each with its own framed view of the surrounding landscape. Scandinavian style is evident throughout. Clean, simple lines blend with contemporary furnishings, light fixtures, and custom-built pieces by Raca Architekci.
A black steel railing adds a contemporary edge to the wood stair. Wood paneling wraps the walls of the interior stair, drawing in the texture and warmth of the outdoors.
Photo by Fotomohito
One of the two bedrooms includes two smaller beds. A glass door opens to a small Juliet balcony with a glass rail.
Photo by Fotomohito
The second of the two bedrooms includes a double bed and desk area. Similarly, the glass door can be opened to further connect the sleeping space to the outdoors.
Photo by Fotomohito
The custom-made furniture is constructed of varnished plywood in combination with black steel frames. Here, a wardrobe and desk are combined as one unit, complete with a full-length mirror.
Photo by Fotomohito
Natural green hues are incorporated throughout, including the bedding and artwork. Raca Architekci designed the custom-built headboards seen in the cabins.
Photo by Fotomohito
Available to rent for full weeks at a time, these charming holiday homes start at 350 Polish zlotys per night.
Project Credits:
Interior Design: Raca Architekci
Owner: Domki Szumilas
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