**While this project was the only entry in this category, the Wisconsin Builders Association has decided to award this project the Badger Craftsman's Workforce Housing Award, given to projects that align with the mission of the association, with design and craftsmanship of homes that can be obtained by the average person in the workforce.** Placed on a one-acre wooded lot, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin provides a peaceful all-seasons retreat for its owners, who's primary residence is in large city. The design work for this cabin was a close collaboration between the owners and the builder, taking some cues from modern Scandinavian design style. The cabin is built on concrete frost walls with a sealed concrete slab serving as the interior ground floor. Leaving this concrete slab exposed as the finished floor surface provides a long-lasting surface with a great deal of character. The exterior is clad with a standing seam steel roof, corrugated steel panel siding and a natural cedar plank rain screen on the north and south ends. There are several energy-efficient features including hydronic in-floor heat, blown-in cellulose insulation, and triple-pane composite windows. The cozy interior boasts a custom-built spiral staircase leading to a spacious loft area. The primary ceiling is finished with locally sourced tongue and groove basswood planks with a touch of whitewash stain. The living room features a 20-foot tall cathedral ceiling, a modern gas fireplace and an impressive floor-to-ceiling log wall accent. A screened-in porch and corner lean-to provide options for enjoying the outdoors with varying levels of protection from the elements. With its refined rustic character and all the modern features we've come to expect in a new home, this cozy cabin is truly a place to love all year round.
