The traditional A-frame cabin became an icon between the 1950s and 1970s, its proportions calling to mind relaxation and adventurous vacations beside a lake or high up in the snowy mountains. We associate them with cozy fires, falling snowflakes, stacks of wood, circles of adirondack chairs, and good company. While the rustic hand-built models will always hold a special place in the hearts of many, modernized A-frames are (literally) popping up in all sorts of places and taking this architectural archetype to new heights.

A new design from world-renowned firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) takes the traditional A-frame and turns it into a gleaming geometric volume without sacrificing its charm. The house is customizable both inside and out. Constructed in upstate New York, it will be available to purchase by the public in the near future. Largely prefabricated, the 100-percent recyclable “A45 House” can be assembled in a matter of days, and it?s capable of going off-grid. BIG designed the structure as a prototype for tiny house company Klein, whose aim is to develop tiny home concepts in collaboration with the world?s leading architects and get them delivered to their respective locations in a matter of six months.

Why the shift from the classic A-frame shape" BIG wanted more space for the same size footprint, so they twisted the roof 45 degrees away from the square base to give it a more consistent 13-foot height and a shape that changes depending on your p...