You ve been dreaming about building your own cabin, where you can unwind,
connect with loved ones, and
create cherished memories away from city life's hustle.
Imagine building your dream cabin with no compromises on design, saving significant costs on architect fees, and confidently knowing the perfect cabin is right here, ready to be yours, no changes required.
Maybe you’ve thought to yourself:
"How do I know if it fits on my specific plot?"
"Can I build it on any terrain, flat or steep?"
"Will it fit my orientation, sun conditions, and views?"
"What happens if I do want some minor changes?"
"Would you handle the building permit too?"
"What about the construction company? Who will build it?"
And most importantly…
"Isn't it better to opt for the traditional route?"
From my experience designing high-end cabins for clients, I know how overwhelming it can be to make so many decisions, especially when it's hard to pinpoint exactly what you want.
I often hear my clients say: "This is exactly what we wanted, but we didn't know we wanted it."
When you see the final design, you'll either feel "this is perfect for us" or it's just not quite right. If browsing through some of my pre-designed cabins raises the first response in your mind, then it might be a fit for you.
If you opt for the traditional route, choosing a custom design might sound appealing, but unique doesn't always mean better.
In my 4+ years of experience working with private clients and developers and understanding their needs, I've observed patterns emerge.
The needs are often quite similar.
Similar-sized cabin layouts typically follow a standard pattern, with bedrooms, toilets near the entrance, and spacious living areas oriented towards the view, often featuring a loft above the sleeping area.
What differs is the total m2 and the orientation on the plot.
These cabins can be resized to fit specific needs like adding extra bedrooms while preserving the same visual concept.
They can also be rotated on the plot depending on the access, and some of them are already mirrored just in case the view fits the opposite direction.
Send us the site plan, and we will let you know if it's a good fit for your plot.
What if I could help you save hundreds of thousands in architect fees?
Picture finding the perfect cabin design here, no changes needed, knowing exactly what you'll get.
What if you can start your application within days and secure municipal approval in just 4 weeks?
Who am I?
Hi, I'm Diana, the founder of Tofan Arkitektur AS established in 2020, originally based in Tromsø, Norway, and currently operating from Oslo.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of collaborating with both private clients and developers, specializing in cabin design and residential homes.
Through my extensive experience, I've become intimately familiar with the needs and desires of my clients, enabling me to tailor designs to their preferences.
While I've predominantly focused on custom-made designs in the past, I've recently ventured into pre-designed concepts.
This shift stemmed from a desire to maintain the integrity of the design while streamlining the process, but also to offer an option to minimize building costs in a time where prices have increased.
Though these designs may not suit every plot, for those where they do, they offer significant benefits, including time, cost, and energy savings, as well as expediting the entire process.
If you want to learn more about me, check my full work at tofanarkitektur.com
So.. what does the pre-designed cabin imply?
Instant acces to download all the drawings required for municipality application.
You will receive:
- Ground floor plan
- Loft plan /roof plan
- 4 elevations
- 2 sections
- Doors and window schedule
These are provided as technical PDF, presentation pdfs, jpgs and DWG format, both in english and norwegian.
The positioning on your specific plot is included in the price. (site plan)
Send us the plot before you buy to make sure it fits well.
Who it's for:
- Private clients seeking a cabin for personal use
- Airbnb business owners aiming to expand their investments with iconic designs
- Developers looking to use the same design for multiple plots, note that the price is for one cabin only; feel free to reach out to inquire about multiple-use options.
- Those who want to speed up the process and avoid months or years of revisions.
- Individuals seeking to minimize building costs by reducing architect fees.
- Those who prefer not to have garage included in the cabin.
- Individuals who own a cabin plot in both concentrated cabin areas and remote settings.
- Those whose design requires only minor changes, an additional bedroom/room, or extra square meters in the living room.
- Suitable for both flat terrain and steep terrain, thanks to the pillar design that elevates the cabin while preserving the natural environment.
- Those who prioritize design and appreciate quality.
Who it's not for:
- Individuals with insufficient plot size; please send us the plot details before purchasing.
- Those who require a garage or parking to be included in the cabin.
- Individuals looking to double the size of the cabin; however, we also offer custom-made cabin designs, so feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] .
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: "How do I know if it fits on my specific plot?"
A: You can check the maximum size for each cabin. If your municipality provides a map where you can draw simple lines, you can measure to see if it fits on your plot by drawing a square with these dimensions:
Total length x width:
Cabin 70: 13.2 x 5.6m
Cabin 72: 13 x 7.2m
Cabin 91: 15 x 10m
Cabin 115: 18 x 10m
Cabin A65: 16 x 8m
Cabin A84: 18 x 8m
If you're still unsure, email us at diana@tofanarkitektur with the plot address, and we'll assess its suitability.
Q: "Is there really a big difference in price?"
A: Yes, some architects can charge up to 800,000 NOK for a similar design. Our prices offer exceptional value.
Q: "Can I build it on any terrain, flat or steep?"
A: Yes, the design is adaptable. On flat terrain, it's straightforward. For steep terrain, the concept involves using pillars to elevate the cabin above the ground, minimizing landscape impact.
Q: "Will it fit my orientation, sun conditions, and views?"
A: Many cabins are already mirrored. If the view is in the opposite direction, check the mirrored version. If not, a simple rotation of the cabin may suffice.
Q: "What happens if I do want some minor changes?"
A: While the pre-designed cabins are optimized for those satisfied with the design and size, we can accommodate minor changes for an additional fee. Reach out to discuss further. For significant changes, a fully custom-designed option may be preferable.
Q: "Would you handle the municipality application too?"
A: Yes, we offer this service for an additional cost of 2500 euros. However, you're welcome to handle it with an external partner if preferred.
Q: "What about the construction company? Will they be able to build it?"
A: Yes, the design is structurally sound. You can inquire with the construction company of your choice in your area for execution and pricing.
Q: "Isn't it better to opt for the traditional route?"
A: It depends on your situation. Both custom-made and pre-designed options have advantages and disadvantages. If the design and size align with your needs, opting for pre-designed cabins can be advantageous.
Q: "Will there be refunds?"
A: Considering the digital nature of the downloadable plans, we do not offer refunds. Please ensure that the design meets your requirements, or feel free to ask us any questions in advance to clarify any uncertainties.
Testimonials
"In connection with the construction of our new cabin, we sought an architect with a modern touch and a practical approach. We chose Tofan Arkitektur AS after seeing several other projects on her website and after having an initial discussion about our ideas for the project.
We are now in the construction phase and can look back on a very organized process with Tofan Arkitektur AS. It was important for us that the project could be realized within acceptable financial constraints and that daylight and views were taken care of as much as possible, while still aiming for a modern expression in the cabin.
Our experience is that the price was as agreed in advance, and any extra work beyond what was agreed upon was done promptly and under acceptable conditions. The design of the cabin turned out to be excellent, something we are very satisfied with.
Overall, we are very pleased with the expertise and guidance we have received in connection with our project and would undoubtedly recommend Tofan Arkitektur AS to others.”
March 2024
For potential customers who wish for references, the client can be provided/contacted.
“We have worked with Diana for over 1.5 years. Diana is patient and solution-oriented. She has helped us adapt the home to our needs and not least the surroundings.
Diana asked early in the project what kind of construction method we wanted to use. Since we were going to use ready-made elements, she contacted the factory to get important details about their production line. Therefore, she adapted the house to the requirements of the manufacturer, which made the house economically smart too!
Having an architect who is concerned with the whole picture, especially the costs of realizing what he designs is very important if you have a budget to deal with. We will definitely use Diana again if we build anything else.
Photo from the first site inspection and the illustrations of approved drawings.”
— Michael TesfuFor potential customers seeking references, we can provide or facilitate contact with previous clients.
