This Minimalist Wood A-Frame Is a Treehouse for Adults

An endearing Swedish summer house with massive windows, plywood interiors, and a climbable facade, by architect Leo Qvarsebo

This Minimalist Wood A-Frame Is a Treehouse for Adults

Author

Field Mag

Photographer

Åke E:son Lindman

If you’re a regular on architecture blogs and collect cabin-related coffee table books, then the Summer House in Dalarna may be familiar. Though it has made the rounds a few times before, with summer steadily approaching we couldn’t help but find ourselves again marveling at the funky triangular cottage, and again admiring its perfectly simply design brief—to create a space for cooking outdoors and indoors, with a quiet reading area and bedroom beneath the stars.

And so here we are, sharing one of our all-time favorites simply for the sake of spreading the delight this little cabin was designed to embody.

Defined by a sloping front facade that doubles as a climbing wall for the kids of architect and owner Leo Qvarsebo, the unique summer house embodies carefree summer fun.

Leo-Qvarsebo-Summer-House-Fieldmag-3
Leo-Qvarsebo-Summer-House-Fieldmag-9

Large picture frame windows and the structure’s directional design embrace and celebrate the natural setting—the site faces a green grass pasture with its back to a typical Swedish forest—while a large terrace and minimalist plywood interior with encourage a life lived mostly outdoors.

Designed as “like a treehouse for adults,” the split-level house is made entirely of wood and features a largely open main floor with intimate living quarters and large dormer windows up top. All of which orient towards the expansive surrounding landscape. With stunning views from every turn, the modest summer house draws the outside in, and reminds visitors to get outside and make the most of what Mother Nature offers.

Leo-Qvarsebo-Summer-House-Fieldmag-2

Leo-Qvarsebo-Summer-House-Fieldmag-5
Leo-Qvarsebo-Summer-House-Fieldmag-6
Leo-Qvarsebo-Summer-House-Fieldmag-8
Leo-Qvarsebo-Summer-House-Fieldmag-7
Related articles
The 20 Best Iceland Airbnbs for Lovers of Adventure & Good Design
The 20 Best Iceland Airbnbs for Lovers of Adventure & Good Design

These expertly curated cabin rentals set among the island nation's legendary remote landscape prove Iceland’s beauty can't be topped

A Comprehensive Guide to Dry Saunas, Home Installation & the Best Temps
Field Mag's Comprehensive Guide to Dry Saunas: Health Benefits & More

We're sweating the details on dry saunas, including health benefits, optimal temps, and what to know about home installation

Home Sauna Guide: Transform Your Wellness Routine + 6 Best At-Home Saunas
Home Sauna Guide: How to Embrace Heat Bathing Without Leaving the House

Embrace the healing power of deep heat with our home sauna guide, including a short list of the best home saunas on the market today

Treehouse Rentals: The 25 Best Treetop Cabins From Around the USA
The 25 Best Treehouses for Rent Across the USA

From New England to California, Midwest, Mountain West, and Deep South, these one-of-a-kind treehouse rentals guarantee a memorable trip

The 20 Best Rental Cabins in Texas for a Lone Star State Getaway
The Best Cabins for a Luxe Lone Star State Getaway

From Hill Country to Big Bend, Austin to Marfa, there's no shortage of awesome areas to visit and places to stay in Texas

22 Best Airbnbs in Vermont for Cabin & Adventure Lovers
The 22 Best-Designed Cabin Rentals for Trips to Vermont

Log cabins, mid-century A-frames and cozy cottages perfect for experiencing the Green Mountain State's most beautiful terrain and outdoor activities

More articles
This Minimalist Wood A-Frame Is a Treehouse for Adults

Gallery Mode

Photographer

Åke E:son Lindman

Back to article