When the Norwegian architect couple, Bendik Manum and Annelise Bjerkan, designed their beautiful rustic cabin, located in Trollheimen Meldal, Norway, the goal was to create a simple and maintenance-free getaway. The result is a functional and minimalistic retreat that retains its air of comfort and convenience.
This eco-friendly cabin might only be 118 square feet (11.5m2), but it has everything this family of four needs for comfortable and relaxing holidays on the slopes. They can sleep soundly in the double bed and two children’s bunk beds, dine comfortably at the dining table with chairs and even use a dining bench as an additional guest bed.
However, it’s well and truly back to basics in this cabin. Along with its small size and simple design, this Norwegian home away from home has no electricity, solar panels, or running water. Water must be collected from a nearby stream. This nature-loving family must also wander outside to the nearby outhouse to use their composting toilet.

This 118 square feet (11.5m2) ski cabin in Trollheimen Meldal, Norway, is proudly owned by Norwegian couple Bendik Manum and Annelise Bjerkan. They took great care to design something basic yet comfortable and convenient for everyday living during winter. Bendik and Annelise also chose all building materials with the environment in mind, such as short-traveled pine and a recycled slate roof. They also filled all the gaps between the logs with moss they painstakingly collected.

The wholly natural interior can’t help but make you feel rested and cozy. The walls, ceiling, floors, and all furniture feature natural wood. While the space is undoubtedly small, all family members have one drawer each for their personal possessions built under the double bed and dining bench.

Norway winters can be brutal, but Bendik and Annelise’s family can remain warm in their cabin courtesy of an efficient wood stove. It’s placed in a corner by the main entrance and can heat the cabin within minutes. It also has a drying rack behind it and all the pots and pans this family needs for convenient cooking.

It might look like something is missing in this kitchen, but there isn’t! You don’t need a refrigerator in the middle of a Norwegian winter, where temperatures can drop as low as -40 degrees. This family’s kitchen is simple yet well-stocked, with plenty of utensils and servingware displayed on four quaint shelves. A three-burner gas stove also takes pride of place on the single kitchen countertop.

Drying clothes in winter can be challenging, but not in this cabin. A space-saving clothes dryer has been installed on the ceiling, allowing for fast and easy drying once the wood stove is cranking.

While the bench by the kitchen table makes meal times for a family of four a breeze, it’s also a multi-functional piece of furniture. It can quickly become a guest bed, meaning this 11.5m2 cabin can comfortably house up to five guests.

Managing wet clothing and footwear can be challenging in a traditional-size home, let alone one as small as this cabin. Fortunately, there is a 65 sqft (5m2) closed-in porch for clothing and footwear storage. This room can also be used for storage and even hot baths after a day of winter fun!

Despite the cool temperatures, this cabin and its surroundings are an idyllic slice of paradise for ABendik and Annelise. They enjoy time inside and outside.