local materials + traditional craft techniques make shelter's tiny 'nook' cabin in north carolina

located in a wooded site in swannanoa, north carolina, ‘the nook’ is a tiny cabin built with local materials and traditional craft techniques. the brainchild of photographer mike belleme, who developed the project together with shelter design studio, the wooded dwelling celebrates the area’s legacy of craft. almost everything in ‘the nook’ is made by hand by a network of local collaborators.all images by mike belleme

together with shelter design studio, mike belleme created ‘the nook’ as a collection of stories of cultural and personal history, ecology, and craft. belleme collaborated with some of the region’s most talented makers, resulting in an almost entirely handcrafted, hyperlocal dwelling. tightly nestled among tall trees, the house features cypress wood siding on its exterior, while the entryway consists of reclaimed oak boards and shou sugi bon, a japanese technique of charring and scraping wood for siding and ceiling.

inside, the cabin consists of an open, double-height space where a series of nooks serve different functions. these include a breakfast alcove, a tea loft, an entertainment loft, and a cozy sleeping area. two handcrafted ladders lead to the higher levels of the dwelling, one made from an ash log belleme found himself. the space is complete with a swing on the interior, which allows guests to take in the wooded outdoor views. you can read more about the collaborators and unique stories that make the ‘nook’ cabin on its dedicated instagram account, or book a stay to experience it yourself through airbnb.

project info:

name: the nook

architect: shelter design studio

location: swannanoa, north carolina, US