It’s back! This iconic architectural gem is peaking again.

Mention “a cabin in the woods” to some folks, and they might imagine the opening scenes of a schlocky horror flick. Scream queens aside, if you twist that statement slightly to “an A-frame cabin in the woods,” it will likely set their design senses tingling with thoughts of a chic Instagrammable space with a wall of windows and soaring ceilings. And you know what? They wouldn’t be wrong.

The distinctive A-frame style is built on historic building practices based on practicality: the shape is a snap to build affordably, as well as ideal in snowy northern climates. Those advantages and the heady postwar optimism of the 1950s meant the first examples garnered major media attention and launched the A-frame into the lexicon of midcentury design and architecture. The craze grew, leading to prefabricated kits being offered throughout the 1970s. And then? Pop! The bubble burst and the design world moved on.

Thankfully, good design has longevity, and the A-frame has again become covetable. Case in point: check out Chalets Prunella in Quebec, a resort comprised of a series of A-frame cabins in a gorgeous forest set- ting an hour north of Ottawa. Stylishly kitted out with all mod cons – hello, hot tubs and outdoor stoves! – it will have you ready to chill out and take a few wish-you-were-here snaps.

Want to build your own? Luckily, there’s no shortage of smart design- forward firms ready to help. Award-winning Canadian design is on offer from British Columbia’s The Backcountry Hut Company, which sells a sleek small-scale prefab A-frame bunkie that can be built in less than a week. Not to worry if you’re not handy with a hammer, the company can also send a team to build it for you. For larger builds, the options widen to include firms that will sell you only the architectural plans, like U.S.- based Den. With eight versions on offer, and customizable options, their seriously cool renderings give us all the feels. Plus, Den lists completed projects that you can rent, so you can try out the architecture before purchasing. And now, you’ll have to excuse me while I get back to checking dates at a chic Scandi-inspired A-frame in the mountains for my next vacay. That’s a plan that deserves an A+.

Rent An A-Frame

Photo by Chalets Prunella

Chalets Prunella offers four A-frames that sleep two to four people, so they’re perfect for a romantic escape or a getaway with the gang. 

A-Frame Construction Plans

Photo by Den Outdoors

You can find complete A-frame retreat plans, from US$2,495 (800 sq. ft. plan) at Den Outdoors.

Build An A-Frame Kit

Photo by The Backcountry Hut Company

Want to try something pre-fab? The A-frame kits from The Backcountry Hut Company are some of our favourites. Try one like the System 00 Prefabricated 100 sq. ft. A-frame kit above for $69,600. 

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