Author
Ellen Eberhardt
As we’ve watched interest in prefab construction continue to expand globally, with plenty of swoon-worthy cabins coming from almost everywhere, it’s Estonia that consistently seems to deliver the most innovative and eye-catching designs and manufacturers. Iglucraft is the latest to grab our attention with wonderfully exciting forms reminiscent of Tortiga Cabins, another curious company recently featured here on Field Mag.
Awarded runner-up in Dwell’s 2020 Design Awards and with clients in David Beckham and Gordon Ramsey, Iglucraft’s old-school-meets-modern aesthetic is getting plenty of attention. It’s not hard to see why.
Reminiscent of a hobbit house or gnome home, these clever saunas, cabins, and, offices are hand-built using a shingle technique used on traditional farms and barns of the area, and the result is a modular cabin straight out of your cottagecore dreams.
Launched in 2018, the company started off building saunas. They were round, in part to combat the growing number of box-like prefab saunas popping up at the time. And to help distribute moisture more organically—steam tends to “bounce off” flat walls and rigid corners of rectangular saunas, unpleasantly hitting spa-goers with a cloud of steam.
The sculptural design technique seemed to be successful for the company, as they’ve not only expanded their sauna offerings from the one-person Single Iglusauna ($11,800 USD) to a six-person Triple Iglusauna (~$17,760 USD), but Iglucraft has additionally introduced modular cabins and offices as well.
Built in the same traditional technique and ranging from about $31,000 to $60,800 USD, the cabins offer a variety of floor plans, accommodating one person up to an entire family. Cabin Model 1, the smallest in the collection, features a kitchenette and bedroom within its adorable 95 sq ft. At 215 sq ft, the Family Pod offers a restroom, kitchenette, living area, and dining area that cleverly converts into a second bed.
Similar to Manta North, the Latvia-based prefab home manufacturer known for its superior design and dangerously easy online ordering system, Iglucraft too embraces an element of fun with web direct ordering.
Click through custom interior and exterior finishes, like white spruce or natural aspen, then submit your design to get the real process started.
All Iglucraft structures are made with sustainably-harvested Estonian wood, insulated to allow all-season use, and made to withstand a variety of climates. The company deliveries globally, though of course, delivery and installation will require additional fees.
Nonetheless, the handmade huts are nothing short of absolutely charming, and a testament to the endurance of traditional building techniques, as well as their beauty.
Published 07-15-2021
