2019 Best of Design Award for Residential — Single Unit: Glass Cabin
Designer: atelierRISTING llc
Location: Iowa

The Glass Cabin is an off-grid family retreat designed and built by Steven Risting of atelierRISTING. Reclaimed glass, a regenerated prairie, and natural materials inspired the design. Located in a flood plain, the structure is raised on columns, creating great views of the Midwestern grasslands. The large panes of clear and frosted insulated glass that define the facade are punctuated by operable windows, visually extending the outdoors into the interior rooms. The plan includes a great room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a screened-in porch, and three outdoor terraces. Western red cedar was selected for the interior and exterior structure, siding, and decking for its natural moisture resistance, insect resistance, fire resistance, acoustical properties, and renewability.

Honorable Mentions

Project Name: Bigwin Island Club Cabins
Designer: MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited

Project Name: Triple Barn House
Designer: Mork-Ulnes Architects

Editor’s Picks

Project Name: Ephemeral Edge
Designer: Dean/Wolf Architects

Project Name: Manifold House
Designer: David Jameson Architect