Imagine lying in bed in a tiny glass cabin at the foot of Iceland’s most active volcano and watching the spectacle of the northern lights, or a five-hour-long sunset play out through the transparent roof and walls that surround you. This is the magical reality crafted by Estonian brothers Andreas and Jaak Tiik. The duo’s company ÖÖD Homes built a tiny cabin for Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland on a remote site at the foot of the Hekla volcano in the south of Iceland.

“ÖÖD Iceland is a house of transparent glass that allows for next-level stargazing from the comfort of your home and bed,” says CEO Andreas Tiik. “The apocalyptic scenery is a dramatic match—add strong howling winds and the comfort of a warm, homely cabin and you get the perfect out-of-this-world hideaway.”

Reykjavík. The front part of each cabin—for sleeping—is almost entirely glass, while the rear—where the living, kitchen and bathroom spaces are located—is clad in timber for privacy." layout="wide" credit="Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland" photoUserId=""/>

ÖÖD created two identical cabins for Andreas and Sabrina Dedler, who rent them out to guests through their company Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland. The 200-square-foot cabin has all the necessities for living—a bedroom, small living space, kitchenette, and bathroom—arranged in a tiny floor plan.

Like other ÖÖD homes, the cabins were constructed in a factory, then delivered and installed on-site in just one day. “ÖÖD Iceland has been created with the surrounding landscapes in mind,” says Tiik. “Transparent glass is a perfect match with the Icelandic nature, letting in as much of its beauty as possible.”

The bedroom is set at the front of the cabin, which is entirely encased in glass so that guests can sleep under the stars. A more private living/dining space and kitchenette are located to the rear. Black hexagonal tiles on the floor and kitchenette backsplash help to define different zones in the open space.

The cabin’s design is inspired by Viking culture and Nordic mythology—from the rustic, handcrafted bed to the symbolic Viking moon element on the roof, and the custom cord and wire pendant above the dining table. Nordic mythological symbols and runes also adorn the exterior of the home.

“One of the challenges was to accommodate everything necessary in such a small area—we had to maximize every inch of space available,” says Tiik. “Large drawers below the bed, for example, provide ample space to stash everything from clothing to additional blankets for chilly nights.” The cupboards are also designed to accommodate travelers suitcases.

Shop the Look

The “rustic Nordic” kitchen features dark oak cabinets that complement the black hexagonal tiles that climb from the floor to the backsplash. The cabinets have been deliberately left open to create a welcoming atmosphere. “Imagine how cold and closed off the space would look if everything were hidden in cabinets,” says Tiik. “Instead, everything is out in the open, creating a space that feels more like a home and less like a storage unit.”

A door from the kitchen leads into the bathroom, which features copper and stone details and a dramatic wall crafted from geometric 3D tiles. “When the light is turned on, the shadow effect is very eye-catching,” says Tiik. “These particular tiles were chosen thanks to the Viking arrow-like pattern, and the industrial-style lights give it a little bit of an underground feeling.”

One of the major challenges with the large expanses of glass was controlling light in the summer months, when it doesn’t get dark at all—a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. “These long sunsets can be both beautiful and disturbing,” says Tiik. “Therefore, we installed pleated curtains around the bed, which provide privacy as well as shelter from the constant daylight.”

“People visiting ÖÖD Iceland are immensely impressed by the natural forces that you can enjoy in the comfort of the home,” says Tiik. “ÖÖD Iceland is less an accommodation and more an experience—the only time that you have to leave the beautiful view is if you fall asleep.”

Related Reading:

12 Stunning Glass Cabins That Make Dreamy Getaways

This Tiny Glass Cabin Lets You Sleep Under the Northern Lights

Project Credits:

Design: ÖÖD House and Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland

ÖÖD House CEO: Andreas Tiik

ÖÖD House Head of Production: Jaak Tiik

Homeowners: Panorama Glass Lodge (Andreas and Sabrina Dedler)

Structural Engineer: Procad OÜ (Aarne Nirk)

Interior Design: OÜ T22 (Tiina Teng-Tamme)

Cabinetry Design: RR Interior

Photography: Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland

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