Little Cabin in the Woods

Little Cabin in the Woods, completed in 2026 by Imprint Architecture and Design, LLC, sits on a wooded plot in Ely, Minnesota. Designed for a family seeking a reliable retreat between travels, the compact 1,100-square-foot project occupies a high precipice to reduce site disruption, with the structure set directly on bedrock. The siting takes advantage of views over a nearby ravine, with careful attention given to minimizing clearing in the dense forest setting. The cabin provides two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a loft designed for sleeping, all organized around a vaulted main space that combines the kitchen, dining, and living functions. A retractable screened porch extends the living area outdoors and connects visually to the landscape. Large energy-efficient windows and a tight thermal envelope ensure comfort throughout the seasons, supplemented by slab-on-grade radiant heating and a wood burning stove. Interior treatments favor light-colored walls with green accents, referencing the surrounding forest, and exterior finishes include a white-washed cedar siding and standing seam metal roof for durability with minimal maintenance. The roof form, influenced by traditional A-frame cabins, is adapted to manage snow and shelter the entry, linking personal memory with practical design.

Typical architect fee for a 1,100 sq ft new home here: $37,000 – $63,000Full services, Minnesota · BLS wage and Census construction data

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