Is This Gravity-Defying Cabin Even Real?
Suspended among the treetops of Quebec, this striking cabin by Kariouk Architects looks more like a futuristic mirage than a woodland retreat. Perched on a steel support above a rocky cliff, the cantilevered black volume hovers dramatically over the forest floor, creating the sensation of floating in midair.
The design was born out of strict zoning rules that required a 100-foot setback from the lake. Instead of blasting through rock, the architects elevated the structure using prefabricated CLT panels and glulam beams, preserving the landscape while achieving a daring architectural feat. A continuous band of windows stretches the length of the cabin, offering sweeping views of the surrounding forest and water.
Beyond its bold form, the cabin is powered by solar energy and heated with a high-efficiency wood stove, proving that sustainability can meet high design. Inside, warm wood finishes and a vibrant blue kitchen contrast with the stark black exterior, making this treetop hideaway as inviting as it is gravity-defying.
Photography by Scott Norsworthy