Architect's Mind-Blowing Cabin Floats 60 Feet Above the Ground - OFF GRID CABIN TOUR

This is a super remote and very dramatic off-grid cabin that hovers 60 feet above the ground thanks to a clever design that uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) and a steel mast in a unique way! The cabin is 100 feet long with the last 25 feet being cantilevered, and the south-facing side is entirely composed of windows to optimize solar gain in the winter.
The m.o.r.e. CLT cabin was designed by Paul Kariouk of Kariouk Architects, and it's also his home away from home that he shares with his partner Antonio. They spend as much time as they can here, even when it means snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in on the unplowed 5km-long driveway carrying everything on their backs!
It is completely off the grid, and it has a well for fresh water, solar panels for electricity, wood for heat, and propane for cooking.
You can find out more and follow Kariouk Architects here:
kariouk.com/
/ karioukarchitects
/ karioukarchitects
/ @karioukarchitects
This cabin took many years to go from a concept to being complete, partly because they were pushing the boundaries of what cross-laminated timber could do, but also because it took a while for the municipality to approve and permit the design. But with patience and determination, Paul made it happen!
We hope you enjoyed checking out this cabin tour as much as we did!
Thanks for watching!
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COMMENTS
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CREDITS
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Music Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Editing Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credit: Exploring Alternatives
Winter Photos by: Scott Norsworthy
www.scottnorsworthy.com
#offgrid #cabintour #treehouse

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! You can follow and find out more about this cabin, and about Kariouk Architects, here: instagram.com/karioukarchitects/ kariouk.com/ m.o.r.e. Cabin has also been nominated for the Archello House of the Year (rural) Award! You can vote for the cabin here: archello.com/awards/archello-awards-2023/projects#house-of-the-year-rural

[@suzimpeters]

Thanks for link. I’m following.

[@jaeeluv]

👍🏿

[@Houseds]

Thanks for sharing

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

I’m surprised it’s not in the shape of a leaf

[@somphothbsiratsamy3748]

It’s not worth it, you still gotta come back to the fuked world of society

[@7Jennifer]

I greatly appreciate that the municipality was willing to work with you on this (whether they thought it would be built, or not) and allow this spectacular design to be placed as it is. The openness of the ramp is such a smart move. I wonder if it helps to keep animal visitors off of it, so they don't come knocking on the front door. This is a dream home and wow, what a vista! Please give the fluffy bear some pets from me.

[@Varangian_af_Scaniae]

"that the municipality was willing to work with you on this" Really special to have bureaucrats that can bend the rules a tiny bit. Not that common.

[@Earsex4life]

@@Varangian_af_Scaniaemore so understand the rules and why they exist and allow for approvals where the core reason why you have the rules are not impacted when making a decision. In this case he mentions water and land impact not being impacted in the way a regular home would. So yes it’s nice to have people use their brains and understand the rules.

[@maximusmiles8435]

It's nice when our government master smile upon us. It's almost like sunshine.@@Varangian_af_Scaniae

[@BHARGAV_GAJJAR]

It's remotely located so municipality probably didn't even care

[@larrylipshitz9430]

Yeah how much did you donate to their campaigns?

[@robertwilson8789]

Pole built homes are a fantastic way to build on varied terrain sites with out excessive destructive impacts. It also has several benefits such as safety from flooding, great access to underfloor utility installations and of course zombie proofing . Thanks for the vid.

[@jageun7488]

my first thought was, you can just detach the ramp by the entrance and you're safe from zombies!

[@DanceintheRaine666]

OF COURSE, ze ZOMBIES!

[@Peter_S_]

Wow! EXCEPTIONAL! This is one of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen. Hats off to the architect and owner. Beautiful work, Sir! 🏆👍

[@jean-yvesmartin6934]

Yeah i like the way he says "cabin"..its a Home indeed..and so freaking cool.

[@DanceintheRaine666]

Ones remote cabin is often constructed to be used as ones RETIREMENT HOME when the time comes. As such you design for the present and the future, as one hopes ones kids will want their own kids ~ should they spawn one day ~ to enjoy the unique experience of a remote cabin. ❤

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

​@@jean-yvesmartin6934 it's a mix of a Spa Home. Incredible view plus nature

[@littlenest]

A beautiful off grid house in the middle of nowhere perched like a birds nest with a view of all those tree tops, this is the dream! ♥

[@BP-xe7dw]

I have seen their cabin on numerous blogs but never seen a tour of it. So glad that the owner/architect was able to give numerous technical explanations of the design. I love the limited footprint foundations in general, this was a very thoughtful execution of the project. This could have been even longer, I wouldn't have minded at all. Great work.

[@DanceintheRaine666]

I agree, though i had not before seen this structure.

[@FaveWasteOfTime]

What a gorgeous cabin. I can totally imagine looking out on that vista on a snowy day with a fire crackling away beside me and a warm drink in my hand.

[@Croissinate]

I love that dog with all my heart

[@stacylbrewer]

Haha! Same!

[@jnel715]

All I can say this has got to be one of the most stunning off the grid homes and environments I have seen for a while.

[@BemaBiz]

Now that’s an “air” B&B!

[@descartes451]

The shape is what really helps set this apart. In addition to the geometry helping to provide strength to the span, it takes it away from looking like an elevated shipping container, which I'm sure the municipality would not approve of. Great job!

[@Documentx-ie4ly]

horrible shape

[@kelleyhawk6595]

This is the most wonderful off grid treehouse I’ve ever seen!!! Bravo!!!

[@betzibarrett]

Thank you for the architectural combination of beauty, utility, and comfort.

[@julietphillips1991]

Pretty special for sure! It's like a tree house but not. Love how well-organized it is! Jethro needs his own sofa, being such a big boy and all!

[@SplinterSchaan]

Thank you to this gentleman for letting us into his cabin and giving us such a great tour. One of the best I have ever seen. Beautiful place.

[@stacylbrewer]

Imagine waking up in that master bedroom with that absolutely STUNNING view! Bet they are glad they kept it open.

[@gregduhon5510]

Really AMAZING !!!! Congratulations on your beautiful off-grid retreat.

[@grafja]

One of y'alls best videos yet. Lovely to see how much effort was put into having the least amount of impact on the land while still creating something amazing.

[@isailwind3471]

If it was built with the least amount of impact on the land you’d barely be able to see it. This is a monstrosity.

[@TThomas-si7yn]

When he said his dog's manners are "in development" I got a good laugh.

[@casadekids]

Wow, very impressive; I've always loved heights, and dreamt of living in the trees--and you guys have done a magnificent job of realizing this for yourselves.

[@dylanrieck6671]

I always enjoy seeing what architects design for themselves

[@JoanneSgrignoli]

Spectacular! I'd bet that Frank Lloyd Wright would have enjoyed seeing this beautiful, ingenious home. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@timgulotta7595]

Frank actually built the Infinity Room at the House on the Rock in Spring Grove Wisconsin. The layout is similar.

[@JoanneSgrignoli]

@@timgulotta7595 I'll have to see what they have online about that house. I've been fortunate to have toured Fallingwater in Western PA and Taliesen outside of Scottsdale, AZ.

[@kevincasey2947]

The owner/architect provided a very elegant description of the design elements. I was surprised he didn't mention anything about the engineering of the wind shear protection of the pedestal.

[@paulkariouk7708]

I love feedback like that! Usually when I go off about engineering as opposed to more obvious aesthetics, folks start to yawn. My engineer comrade on this, the extremely gifted Dan Bonardi, won big awards for his work on this.

[@bernardkealey6449]

@paulkariouk7708 I’m loving a lot of your other featured projects as well. It’s an absolute privilege tho to have such a detailed and intimate walk through of m.o.r.e with the owner who is also the architect. Hi to Antonio and Jethro too from down under!

[@bchearne]

Exactly what I thought about as soon as I saw the building. I’d want to be sure of the strength, because high winds are very scary sometimes. I’d love an engineering heavy video on this structure, even if it’s a short one

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

WOW! You couldn't get much more environmentally friendly than putting your home 60 feet above the ground while leaving almost all of the ground below the home as open space.

[@shmuelpollak3272]

Yes you could. Simply not building a mostly uninhabited home, heated by wood, in the middle of nature...

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

​@@shmuelpollak3272 How profound. You're a real genius...

[@thomasfouts2700]

I am a fan of house/cabins built off the ground. I built one myself, although not in the same league as this incredible beauty! Such wonderful forethought and planning! Having the physical model to show the Planning and Zoning people really helped I'll bet. I was a Zoning Official along with a Building and Planning Official. This would have been a favorite project for me. Everything about this structure is interesting and unique. Love it!

[@levibates]

Unbelievable architecture! Love the roof lines! And nice bold, blue flat panel cabinetry. Thanks, E.A. for shooting a phenomenal architectural property(amazing choice)!

[@clarkclarke]

Absolutely gorgeous... Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

[@MURDER_WITH_A_V]

The most comfortable off-the-grid setup ever. 🖤🖤

[@JWCreatesArt]

The simplicity and minimalism of this build is so elegant and clearly exceptional. Kudos gents!!

[@bengoodchild883]

Beautiful. I'm happy you brought your design to life together

[@ExploringAlternatives]

m.o.r.e. Cabin has been nominated for the Archello House of the Year (rural) Award! You can vote for the cabin here: archello.com/awards/archello-awards-2023/projects#house-of-the-year-rural

[@MeanMogy]

What an amazing home! Best comment to summarise this house was "...we're at the level of the trees and there's birds and animal life down below us ...'

[@lyher2722]

Beautiful, sustainable design.! Low impact on the environment and the animals. Not disrupting their natural paths. *Note: Young urban developers - This also makes it pretty much deer proof.! No deer is going to leap through your windows. Putting in a single concrete footing instead of an entire slab is also environmentally conscious and cost effective. Also the right engineered footings will withstand minor earth quakes, strong winds. Less trees falling on you if you're that high.

[@marieevebujold]

I'm speechless. What an amazing house. Love the lakes in Quebec.

[@shawnvegavelez121]

Even with my fear of heights I'd love to live here. Very well laid out.

[@Dontlicktheballoons]

It breaks my heart. You guys missed such a perfect opportunity for a floor light. You could have looked down at all the wildlife below and they would have no idea you were up there. What a wonderful feature that could have been.

[@jenniboo9441]

It may not have been structurally feasible to do something like that. The majority of the home is free-hanging in the air. I would assume the structural integrity had to be very precisely calculated and once they figured it out they couldn't stray from it at all

[@paulkariouk7708]

Yes, the lighting you mentions was part of the initial design but in the end I ditched that as I feared it might confuse the night critters, especially "my" bats. The cabin has lights inside but we keep them dim in the evenings for this reason. @@jenniboo9441

[@THATGuy5654]

Yeah, they mentioned having an air pocket under the floor to keep it insulated, so I'm not sure there was any practical way to square that.

[@dorothythorpe6183]

Oh my! This is wonderful! Not only is it a beautiful experience but it is so practical and well thought-out. Bravo on the details, too! (Jethro's trough, the puzzle layer, not damaging the hill)

[@whitneylake2107]

Great episode. Gives me food for thought on a future build. I have lived off grid for twenty six years and my advice is "add two or three times as many solar panels if you can". Having a well and a gray water/black water septic system is also vital. Fascinating design as well. I also advocate SIPs panels for any climate. Thank you

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I wish they would have explained their waste water situation. I assume it's a septic system of some sort.

[@emary711]

Congratulations, really a spectacular result. I spent many years in the field, but lately have felt kind of burned out. This cabin rekindled some of the feelings of passion I had in my youth for architecture, truly an inspiring project.

[@dondoan1222]

I love this!!!! This could be my dream home!!

[@ESLTeacherTom]

Nice place, thank you!

[@sarahtyster7342]

this is amazing, so beautiful and thoughtful, but at the same time so homey and welcoming and delightful. What is more how full of love it feels. Well done to you both and also I love the pup, he's so happy, and that he has his own backpack. just heavenly all round.

[@barbarajoyhuhtala3495]

The Architecture Faculty's students are going to love this! The engineering is seemingly simple, yet quite complex geometry. Lovely design and functionality in such a unique form. Glad you guys got it done!

[@Dionysus_333]

Love this man, beautiful architecture

[@juliojreyes6234]

This cabin is amazing. I would love to stay there

[@AndreaAubertin]

This cabin is spectacular!! What a great design...love all the windows!!

[@Scrobner]

Your dog is such a beautiful MONSTER boy! Love it!❤

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Wow now this is totally awesome. My husband RJ and I both love the design. RJ doesn't do heights very well. Thank you Matt and Danielle for sharing their story and their design ❤

[@ryansoo4000]

I like this house a lot. Perhaps you might consider adding a screened pavilion raised up on a single post to combat the black flies in summer. It could either be up near the front door (so not too far off the ground) or farther out and accessed from a door cut into the wooden side of the living room. That would be quite dramatic - walking out across a little "sky bridge" to a second floating pavilion.

[@Tina37212]

Good idea. I also wonder if they have problems with squirrels jumping from the trees onto their rooftop!!! I have this issue and HATE it! lol

[@MrMikeTauber]

Fascinating engineering and low impact on the site - very educational and inspiring. Happy dawg too 😄

[@Blueshade]

What a beautiful place to get away to! I love seeing what architects live in themselves as they are so talented at designing structures for others. Love the wood color and the blue kitchen gives it an elevated modern look. See what I did there. Kudos to you gentleman, you have made a little peace of heaven on earth.

[@user-fu6rf1vi5b]

Thanks for thinking of the trees and animals

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Utterly inspiring. What a fabulous project. I’ve always thought about building into the hillside, not levitating above it. Genius!

[@judysoderlund7680]

I so admire your architectural ingenuity! You put so much thought into this and I’m so glad it became a reality! ❤

[@thomasdundon4093]

Thank you for being so conscientious about the environmental impact. You made Nature and your audience (and you!) very happy.

[@isailwind3471]

I hope thats sarcasm.

[@shmuelpollak3272]

Must be sarcastic. Building a house in the middle of nature and burning wood to warm it. Hilarious!

[@isailwind3471]

@@shmuelpollak3272 and it blends right in, 🤣😂

[@Tchild2]

Fantastic home. I love it. Everytime I see a home like this I think, "How does the homeowner find such a competent home builder".

[@monicam7980]

What an amazing house - never seen anything quite like it

[@agatarosati8570]

Congratulations, it's wonderful!

[@paulkariouk7708]

Thanks very much, Bernard for the very kind words and thoughts.

[@suzimpeters]

Outstanding. I can feel myself with my loved ones in a place like this. To appreciate how moved I am by the loving creativity of the cabin, know I live in Hawaii.

[@joycemiller-bean1814]

Your cabin is enchanting and the two of you ( or rather the three of you) seem so contented there. You exemplify family and home. 👍🏾

[@randycrough4203]

who cleans those windows from the outside????

[@lindabenko1899]

😂 that is t h e question

[@jankoodziej877]

With the kind of money this must have cost, they can afford climbers to clean it 😂

[@Amethys12]

You saw that beautiful home, and THAT is your question?!?

[@bbernard1981]

I guarantee they don't get paid enough. 😅

[@MrJackal43]

In the North woods, the windows don’t get dirty on the outside… that’s a city problem. Flatlander….

[@whatbooks7908]

That's why I love architecture. This is the perfect abode!

[@gallopingg1]

SUPER COOL CABIN

[@pankupeach]

Oh wow another amazing house in Quebec! I'm going to go broke trying visit all these awesome builds!

[@Andre-fl5wt]

So cool to see this! As an engineer I appreciate the concepts out of new ideas, and be able to see them built, and in real life, what a great job! And of course, I would have a technical question regarding the structural design: in regards to the portion of the main support and the steel column, I wonder if there wasn't necessary to add an angled bracing between them? Just to allow some more strength in the longitudinal direction along the structure? I am guessing because there may not be seismic loads considerations in the region, but would be nice to know more, out of curiosity. Also, just thinking about the nightmare of dealing with the municipality to build something like this, it shows that it can be done, and that shows a great amount of passion to get it done! Nicely done, congrats!

[@SS-bq1yv]

stunning home. very cute pup.

[@bicyclist2]

This is so very innovative. This is one of the coolest designed houses I've ever seen. If I had the money, I'd want a house like this. I noticed a gas stove. It would be much easier if they had a electric stove. Thank you.

[@johanneberube6682]

Very beautiful!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Congratulations on your marvelous creation! Awesome, indeed, but cozy it is not. Yet, you are the father of a remarkable son. May you have happy times inside for many years. Thank you for an unforgettable glimpse❤❤

[@normanmerrill1241]

Brilliant idea…brilliant location ..brilliant design…so unique…so functional…well done..

[@janettemasiello5560]

Fascinating! The only thing I would add is a second couch facing the other. The more lounge room, the better !

[@lorenzoblum868]

And a bathtub!

[@sapphireseptember]

There is a bathtub! You barely see it when they show the bathroom though.

[@lorenzoblum868]

@@sapphireseptember my bad.

[@tagbee51]

Nice 😊

[@buddymccormack8668]

that is a cool cabin with amazing views, but the more important part is , look at that PUPPY ! WOW ! Jethro, what a cool dog. LOL

[@angelaj8958]

Incredibly beautiful!, and such a tiny footprint for the wildlife to deal with.

[@user-vs1nf7uf1c]

I loooooovvveeee this

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Happy you enjoyed the cabin tour, thanks for watching :)

[@anywaystohighway]

absolutely amazing!

[@jennygodfrey7711]

Wow...amazing cabin beautiful 👍👍

[@thejp6713]

Beatiful.

[@Kukaboora]

From architectural aspect it could be spectacular but from engineering standpoint, how much wind this structure can withstand? You can design anything, but can it be safe.

[@chamberfield1]

Amazing structure, but it's biggest flaw is not having a balcony which makes it nearly impossible to wash the windows.

[@beegee22]

Very well conceived and executed. Amazing that the little fireplace heats that whole space - especially being at one end of it.

[@robotic2000k]

What an amazing feat of architecture! Thank you for sharing.

[@stampscapes]

Pretty cool. Looks like a sculpture installation from a lot of different angles.

[@annetakubiak3374]

While enjoying the tour of this marvel cabin , I wished I was rich. GORGEOUS 💯

[@lisasavas5805]

❤❤❤NOW THATS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! Amazing, you did the WOW factor guys. Great Job❤

[@mml9544]

Very unique and well thought out. 👍

[@the_g9456]

This is one of the coolest homes I have ever seen.

[@AaronRandolphChen]

What a singularly unique and environmentally-friendly solution this is! I love it! Bravo!

[@rdembow]

Excellent design and elevation for enjoying nature!

[@painfree.yourself]

This cabin is absolutely fabulous. What a masterpiece. I wish the owners all the best ❤. Thank you for dreaming big and making it happen. Congratulations!

[@STLTHMC]

This is the most beautiful home I've ever seen. The most perfectly designed well thought out architecturally thoughtful small footprint❤

[@mulemule]

*Fascinating build. I'm stunned by the relatively small amount of solar panels (most off-grid homes seem festooned with them).*

[@Toldale15]

I love the passion this guy has for the home. Pleasure to listen to.

[@MatthewHill]

That place looks super-cozy. The owners seem adorable too.

[@justinrill2483]

this cabin is SO COOL good for you guys, congrats

[@BrooklynBotanicals]

Quite brilliant on so many levels with absolute simplicity cons another other than a marvel of perfection

[@elib7311]

Except for restocking, I’d never leave!

[@lorrizzo]

You guys are sooo lucky to live like this!!!! What a beautiful space that isn't obtrusive to nature. That view 😍😍❤❤❤You did an amazing job!! God bless stay healthy and safe!! 😊

[@benscheidhastoomuchtosay2094]

Brilliant and beautiful! I am a custom carpenter who believes most in usability. A+. I hope this level of intention infiltrates our industry!