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Built around a live tree, the cabin reinforces its connection to nature with a natural material palette and large windows that pull the outdoors in.

Lofted amid eucalyptus and oak trees, Graham Paarman’s house in South Africa is a glassed-in, steel-frame structure with a veil of vertical slats. Excluding outdoor areas, it measures about 720 square feet. Half-round bays project to form a balcony, a pergola, a dining alcove, and a bathroom.

A glimpse inside a second bedroom with a fireplace.

The bedroom features the studio’s coat racks.

A ceiling fresco and mosaic floor steal the limelight in the Royal Junior suite.

The peaceful master bedroom feels secluded, but stays connected with the tree canopy.

The master bedroom occupies prime real estate in the home, with an entire wall of glass that turns the corner and leads to the lap pool on the deck. Sunlight is filtered at the clerestory level with wood battens and roll-down shades at the lower level.

The wood paneling in the master bedroom is original as is the tongue and groove ceiling. The master is the only room in the house without a connection to the outdoors.

The sleeping loft accommodates a queen-size bed. Original artworks by MSusan are double-sided and help to separate the space from the other areas of the home.

A look at one of four double-height bedrooms in the tallest structure. Each one comes with a “tapanco,” or loft, for sleeping or reading.

A sleeping area is tucked away underneath the rafters. Large windows brighten the space and provide views of the forested surroundings.

The headboard was built from three pieces of prefinished maple plywood that cost $80 each. “We’re obsessive about measurements because everything you transport in has to go back out if it’s not used,” says Jeff.

All three bedrooms are on the lower level. In the master, furnishings include a platform bed designed by Richard and Daniela and fabricated by Manuel Leon.

The ceiling is exposed corrugated metal salvaged from the old house’s pitched roof and reused as decking for the concrete slab overhead. The space also features a Jessie Velvet armchair from Altea Design, a Dune pouf by Kare Design, and a Quinn wool rug from Crate & Barrel. Outside, a hammock beckons.

The master bedroom accesses a private, secluded courtyard.

The master bedroom features spectacular views of the fjord.

Large operable walls of glass open the master bedroom up to an outdoor deck. The client's bed is equipped with casters to allow it to roll in and out onto the deck.

"We wanted to create a master bedroom separated from the entry hallway and oriented to the view and fireplace," says the firm. The view through the door is of the new office.