Son builds idyllic tiny cabin for parents so they can enjoy their retirement

Bryce Langston of Living Big In A Tiny House recently built his parents’ dream cabin in a forest where they can enjoy their retirement.

The cabin’s base comes from the Palmako analog model supplied by Trade Tested.

It’s a 27-square-meter log cabin, and assembling it was a delight.

After setting up the site and laying the foundations, Bryce was amazed that the cabin was constructed quickly.

“The actual cabin itself amazingly went up in only about three days, which I think is extraordinary,” he said.

Since then, extensive work has been done to enhance the kit set, and Bryce is delighted with the final result.

The dream cabin is crafted from beautiful Nordic spruce timber, with logs about 70 mm thick, giving it a solid and robust feel. Bryce is very pleased with the outcome.

Numerous modifications have been made, including the addition of decks.

Though the cabin is just under 27 square meters, the exterior living space has been expanded by 25 square meters with new decking.

One standout feature is the front porch. Located in a sunny spot, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the sun or shelter from the weather. Bryce is excited about the new barbecue there.

“I wanted a space where we could be out of the weather, enjoy the sunshine, and experience being outdoors, while also having a bit of protection and enclosure from the elements,” Bryce shared.

He’s thrilled with the porch’s central gable, which opens up the space beautifully.

Bryce realized he hadn’t shared why he built the dream cabin in earlier videos. He’s very close to his parents, who retired last year and live about three hours away.

” I really wanted to create a space where they could feel at home here on the land themselves,” he said.

Bryce is excited about how the interior turned out. He combined cozy cabin charm with modern elements.

The timber maintains a warm feel, while features like black HPL cabinetry add a modern touch.

The lighting includes LED strips and dimmable main lights, creating a lovely effect at night.

The electrical setup was challenging due to the solid log construction.

Some wiring had to be hidden under floors or in ceilings, and wooden conduit was used on the exterior for a neat appearance.

Since plumbing isn’t allowed in sleepouts up to 30 square meters in New Zealand, the cabin includes a simple kitchenette with storage, a pantry, a fridge, and prep space.

Additional cooking facilities are available outside. The design allows for future plumbing installation if needed.

Bryce also added a large bookshelf, which he loves. Cozying up with a book by the fire is a must-have.

Bryce adores the Roaring Meg Eco wood burner. It looks great and complements the cabinetry.

Another essential for Bryce is a good leather couch, which fits perfectly and offers a great spot to relax and enjoy the view.

“Mom and Dad will be lucky if I don’t move in here myself!” Bryce jokes.

The flooring is reclaimed remu wood from a 100-year-old ballroom, adding character and tying in with the decking underneath the awning. Bryce is thrilled with how it turned out.

The dream cabin features European-style tilt-and-turn doors and windows, which are double-glazed and very nice.

The cabin is well-insulated, staying warm even in cold temperatures. The ceiling and floors are insulated as well, contributing to its warmth.

There’s a stool with a plant near a wall where Bryce plans to add a small dining table, though he’s still searching for the perfect piece.

Bryce is proud of the door he made from leftover timber. The original standard door was replaced with a solid door that matched the cabin’s walls and featured handmade handles.

Bryce thinks Palmako should consider offering this as an option.

In the bedroom, Bryce is pleased with how the layout worked out. It features a super king-sized bed, as requested by his parents.

The room includes large wardrobes, built-in bedside tables, and integrated light switches, with recessed cabinets and reading lights completing the look.

An additional window was added to highlight the beautiful forest backdrop, which Bryce is thrilled about.

Although the original design included space for a small bathroom, fitting it in with the large bed was challenging, and adding plumbing would require consent.

Instead, Bryce plans to build a matching outdoor bathroom later.

The back deck is Bryce’s favorite part. This 3×3 meter deck celebrates the stunning gully view, with ancient trees adding historical depth.

The deck’s treehouse-style provides an elevated view among the trees.

The decor is simple, with two lounge chairs and a fire table. Bryce wanted the space to connect with the outdoor environment, and the outdoor furniture from Trade Tested complements it perfectly.

The cabin kit set costs just under NZD 40,000 ($24,000) in New Zealand, which Bryce finds great value.

Costs increased with the additional work. Both materials and labor are expensive, especially if you are not doing the work yourself. Here’s the breakdown:

• Base cabin cost: NZD 40,000
• Site preparation, foundations, assembly, decks, awnings, and flooring: just under NZD 100,000, split equally between materials and labor. The cabin assembly took about 3 days, but the extra work was much more time-consuming.
• Cabinetry: just under NZD 18,000 ($11,000)
• Electrical work: just under NZD 12,000 ($7,200) due to complex installation.
• Roofing (metal roof and scaffolding): NZD 17,000 ($10,100), including about NZD 4,000 ($2,400) for scaffolding due to safety requirements.

The total cost came to around NZD 186,000 ($111,000). This was higher than Bryce expected, but he’s pleased with the result. The cabin integrates well into the landscape and will blend even more as it ages.

“It’s been a lot of fun, and if you’re considering a similar project, I highly recommend it. Now, with all the hard work done, we can sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor. I’m excited for the memories yet to be created in this cabin,” said Bryce.

Tour inside Bryce’s dream cabin for his parents below:

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