Tiny homes and cabins nestled in the wilderness, such as the Golden House, offer a close connection to nature. However, in rural Estonia, many of these structures tend to be dimly lit, with windows that are too small to fully appreciate the surrounding beauty. To address this issue, brothers Jaak and Andreas Tiik, the founders of ÖÖD, began crafting minimalist, mirrored cabins featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. These stunning creations are strategically placed near some of the most breathtaking landscapes across their homeland.
Nearly ten years later, ÖÖD has made a significant impact, supplying hotels, distilleries, and private estates in 25 countries with their innovative mirrored houses, saunas, and offices. Their offerings range from a compact 9.36 square meter glamping cabin to the luxurious 26.3 square meter limited edition Golden House, which boasts gold mirrored glass. Each design can be tailored to individual preferences while including essential amenities such as air conditioning, heating, a micro kitchen, a shower, a double bed, and an outdoor terrace.
The Golden House, a collaboration with British designers Buster + Punch, showcases exquisite leather, marble, and brass fixtures. Like all ÖÖD properties, it features a self-check-in system and is designed to be free from single-use plastics, televisions, and WiFi. Additionally, these cabins can be equipped for off-grid living, depending on the specific site and local solutions. With winter temperatures in Estonia often plummeting to -10°C, the Tiik brothers have honed their expertise in constructing resilient structures that can withstand harsh climates.
At the ÖÖD headquarters in Tartu, this year’s European Capital of Culture, new designs are in the works, aimed at Iceland. These upcoming creations will form the ÖÖD Hekla Horizon, a collection of nine cabins set to open near the Hekla volcano in early 2025. Designed as a ‘Northern Lights hotel,’ guests will have the unique opportunity to witness the mesmerizing auroras from the comfort of their beds, hot tubs, and an all-glass Northern Lights Lounge. In addition to enduring extreme weather, these cabins will harmoniously coexist with the local wildlife, including forest creatures that remain blissfully unaware of their presence.
This year, visitors at a mirrored cabin in Quebec found themselves in the enchanting company of a pack of wolves, while in Estonia, curious reindeer and crows—attracted by their own reflections—stopped by for a visit. The presence of birds around these reflective structures raises concerns, as they sometimes collide with mirrored surfaces. To address this issue, each ÖÖD house is equipped with UV film stickers that are visible to birds but remain invisible to humans, ensuring the safety of our feathered friends.
Despite the higher price tag of some reflective homes, ÖÖD houses offer a more affordable alternative. However, each location presents its own set of challenges. “The biggest lesson we have learned?” reflects Andreas Tiik. “Never underestimate the power of nature and the specific challenges it presents.”