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Jeff Waldman and Molly Fiffer built this 200-square-foot cabin on the site of their 10-acre property in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Their previous cabin, which they also built by hand, was destroyed in a forest fire in 2020.

... and when it's open, it's a desk!

Floor plan of Risom House by Lazor/Office

A white dogwood tree grows in the courtyard created by the addition of the ADU on one side and the extended garage wall on the other.

In the living room, a vintage Womb chair by Eero Saarinen and a vintage Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen face a 1960s coffee table by Risom. The side table is also by Risom, and the floor lamp is by Louis Poulsen. Beneath the window is a dollhouse built by Sven for Leah 35 years ago.

The seating area in front of the guest bedroom doubles as a perfect spot for cooling down during sauna sessions. The large decks were all built by Jussi-Pekka and his father.

The landscaping is an important part of the project—and is constantly evolving. Jussi-Pekka is currently building an outdoor shower surrounded by wildflowers, and has plans for a greenhouse to grow herbs and vegetables. He is also planning a series of paths winding through the forest.

The house itself is about 520 square feet, and there’s a separate sauna building with a guest bedroom, which is under 200 square feet. "I kept the buildings really small to keep costs down,

Floor Plan of Mökki and Sauna by Kontio

White oak rift-and-quartered cabinetry can be found throughout the home to provide ample storage, completed by Carey's Custom Woodworking.

Between the white-oak flooring and mixed-grain cedar ceiling planks, you'll find clean white drywall—a pleasing visual break from all the wood.

Green tiles bring a splash of color to the powder room; the countertop and sink are concrete.

Artemide Dioscuri Wall Globe sconces were used in all three of the home's bathrooms.