An Architect Crafts an Off-Grid Cabin on His Family Farm in Ohio

Situated on a 2,000-acre cattle farm owned by the architect’s family in the Ohio Valley, this off-grid cabin—fondly referred to as The Hut—expertly blends Scandinavian-inspired minimalism and the rustic, country lifestyle. 

Architect Greg Dutton teamed up with his brother, Chris, and his father, John, to craft this sustainable, 600-square-foot dwelling with simple materials and techniques. A foundation of concrete piers causes minimal impact to the earth underneath, while cedar shingles on the cabin’s exterior allow it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.  

Building the cabin was a true labor of love for Greg and his family. It rests on a wooded bank overlooking a lake on the farm, which originally was part of a coal mine.

"We’ve owned and worked the land for over 40 years, so there is a very deep connection to the property," says Dutton. "We’ve spent [many years] reclaiming the ground and bringing it back to a productive state. The spirit of stewardship extended to the design of The Hut. Building off-grid was another way of acting responsibly on behalf of the property."  

In keeping with that, the brothers built a solar panel hut in a nearby clearing that will supply solar power to the cabin and all its utilities. In addition, a rainwater collection system provides plenty of fresh water. These features work in tandem to keep this home’s footprint small. 

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Aesthetically speaking, the overarching goal for The Hut was to allow the outside landscape to take center stage. As such, a 25-foot wall of floor-to- ceiling windows lines the main living space, flooding it with natural light. Bleached Eastern Pine floors combine with white shiplapped walls to give a sense of being one with nature.  

It’s a theme that continues throughout the space, where details like light fixtures and kitchen countertops reflect these natural wood tones. Says Dutton, "This design, in particular, was inspired by Scandinavian country houses. The simplicity of those interiors was a big driver for the feel we were trying to capture inside the space." 

Greg wanted to design the kitchen in such a way as to create a juxtaposition between light and dark. But instead of choosing a basic black color for the built-ins, he incorporated a greenish-hued black as another way to incorporate nature into the home.

Related Reading: A Maui Couple Build an Off-Grid Tiny Home For $45K

Project Credits: 

Architect: Midland Architecture / Greg Dutton / @midlandarchitecture

Builder: Greg and Chris Dutton with Withrow Contracting

Structural Engineer: Conway Engineering / Bob Conway

Landscape Design: Matt Lokay

Cabinetry Design: Mullet Cabinet / Ryan Smith

Interior Design: Greg and Liz Dutton