Concrete house by Nickisch Sano Walder Architects built from remnants of a log cabin
Nickisch Sano Walder Architects has deconstructed an Alpine log cabin to create the framework for a stark concrete hideaway with the same footprint and form as its predecessor (+ slideshow).
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_gaudenz_danuser_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Situated in Flims, in the Swiss Alps, the 40-square-metre house known as Concrete Cabin replaces an aged log cabin to provide a holiday home for up to two people.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_gaudenz_danuser_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
Restricted by a planning order that demanded "the character of the persisting cabin" be retained, local studio Nickisch Sano Walder Architects chose to use the original timber as the mould for the new concrete house.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_gaudenz_danuser_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
As a result, the cast concrete walls of the structure feature round log-shaped indents that are imprinted with a wood grain.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_gaudenz_danuser_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
"This ensemble created an image that leaves a strong memory about this place," said the architects.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_ralph_feiner_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
The building is divided over two floors, with a living and cooking area at ground level, and a bedroom and bathroom concealed in the leftover cellar of the original cabin.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_ralph_feiner_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"Guests in Flims mostly spend their days in the surrounding nature – the cabin is used as a refuge, a resting and recreation place," said the firm.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_ralph_feiner_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
A small extension to the rear of the cabin accommodates the staircase between upper and lower levels, as well as a storage room and toilet.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_gaudenz_danuser_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
The cabin was designed with only a single window on each level, but there are few artificial light sources.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_ralph_feiner_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
"To provide an intimate atmosphere to the interior space the cabin didn't need much light, rather precise openings with specific glimpses into the forest," said the architects.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_ralph_feiner_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
A circular skylight punched out of the thick ceiling over the fireplace – also cast in concrete – funnels additional light into the living area.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_gaudenz_danuser_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
On the lower level, a glazed wall and doorway runs parallel to a polished concrete bathtub in the bedroom.
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_dezeen_5.gif)
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_dezeen_4.gif)
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_dezeen_3.gif)
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_dezeen_2.gif)
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_dezeen_1.gif)
![Refugi Lieptgas Concrete Cabin by Nickish Sano Walder Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Refugi_Lieptgas_Concrete_Cabin_by_Nickish_Sano_Walder_Architects_dezeen_0.gif)