--- title: 10 Of The World’s Most Creative Cottage Designs description: 10 Of The World’s Most Creative Cottage Designs image: https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/feb13_worldsmostcreative.jpg --- - [Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/custom-homes/) - [Semi Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/semi-custom-homes/) - [Mass Timber](https://normerica.com/mass-timber/) - [Meet Normerica](https://normerica.com/meet-normerica/) - [Our Process +](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Overview](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Construction Options](https://normerica.com/our-process/construction-options/) - [How We Manufacture](https://normerica.com/our-process/how-we-manufacture/) - [Our Materials Building Solution](https://normerica.com/materials-shell-package/) - [Cost of Building Your Timber Frame Retreat](https://normerica.com/cost-of-timber-frame-home/) - [Architects & Builders](https://normerica.com/architects-builders/) - [Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://normerica.com/contact-us/) Menu - [Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/custom-homes/) - [Semi Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/semi-custom-homes/) - [Mass Timber](https://normerica.com/mass-timber/) - [Meet Normerica](https://normerica.com/meet-normerica/) - [Our Process +](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Overview](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Construction Options](https://normerica.com/our-process/construction-options/) - [How We Manufacture](https://normerica.com/our-process/how-we-manufacture/) - [Our Materials Building Solution](https://normerica.com/materials-shell-package/) - [Cost of Building Your Timber Frame Retreat](https://normerica.com/cost-of-timber-frame-home/) - [Architects & Builders](https://normerica.com/architects-builders/) - [Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://normerica.com/contact-us/) # 10 Of The World’s Most Creative Cottage Designs 28 Feb, 2013 ![feb13_worldsmostcreative](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/feb13_worldsmostcreative.jpg) The goal for many of us is to buy or build the ideal cottage retreat. As your timber frame construction experts, we of course firmly believe that a Normerica timber frame cottage design is the way to go. But that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate other ways of building a cottage. After all, there are some incredibly imaginative cottage designs out there! Take a look at some of the world’s most creative cottage designs that range from unbelievably beautiful to almost beyond belief! **Recycled Wood Cottage Design in Chile** ![recycled-wood-cottage-chile](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/recycled-wood-cottage-chile-1-300x234.jpg?width=300&height=234&name=recycled-wood-cottage-chile-1-300x234.jpg) Cozy and eclectic, this wood-clad cottage is about an hour’s drive from Panguipulli, Chile. Recycled wood was used to construct and finish the cottage. Includes a massive fireplace and floor-to-ceiling folding glass walls, framed in natural wood, that open onto an outdoor sheltered deck that runs the length of the home. **Beach Cottage Home Design in Australian Beach Paradise** Like a shard of metal breaking through the earth’s surface, this beach cottage design is located in Rye, Australia and surrounded by sand dunes and beaches. This geometric wonder is framed in steel and clad in lightweight cement, and incorporates an eco-friendly water harvesting system. ![beach-cottage-homes-australian-beach-paradise](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/beach-cottage-homes-australian-beach-paradise-2-300x247.jpg?width=300&height=247&name=beach-cottage-homes-australian-beach-paradise-2-300x247.jpg) **Casa Caracol Shell House in Isla Mujeres, Mexico** ![Conch-Shell-House](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Conch-Shell-House-1.jpeg?width=251&height=201&name=Conch-Shell-House-1.jpeg) “Have your ever imagined living inside a sea shell?” The Conch Shell House is tucked away on the Yucatan island of Isla Mujeres and offers fantastic views of the Caribbean. The house was designed by Octavio Ocampo, one of Mexico’s most famous artists, and his brother. **Steel Cabin Design in the Woods** ![steel-cabin-design-in-the-woods-1-250x300](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/steel-cabin-design-in-the-woods-1-250x300.jpg?width=250&height=300&name=steel-cabin-design-in-the-woods-1-250x300.jpg) Clad in steel with large expanses of glass that can be completely shuttered, the stilt home enjoys an elevated position and great views of this treed location in Olympic Peninsula, Washington. **New Zealand “Tent House”** The concept of a tent is pitched to new heights in this unusual home that embraces minimalist living – ideal as a relaxing getaway – executed in a modern way. ![new-zealand-tent-house-holiday-hotspot-1-300x200](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/new-zealand-tent-house-holiday-hotspot-1-300x200.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=new-zealand-tent-house-holiday-hotspot-1-300x200.jpg) **Innovative Island House with Glass Facade** ![innovative-island-house-with-glass-facade-1-300x225](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/innovative-island-house-with-glass-facade-1-300x225.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=innovative-island-house-with-glass-facade-1-300x225.jpg) Here’s a two-faced country cottage in the Netherlands. From one side, it takes on a traditional form with its classic roofline and natural wood cladding. From the other side, it becomes a modern space enclosed in glass with stunning views. **Two Stone Cottages Connected by a Glass Staircase** A combination of countryside cottage architecture with a contemporary twist, this stone home makes a great addition to Ireland’s rolling grassy landscape. A transparent, glass enclosed staircase connects the two stone cottages. ![two-stone-cottages-with-glass-staircase-1-300x223](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/two-stone-cottages-with-glass-staircase-1-300x223.jpg?width=300&height=223&name=two-stone-cottages-with-glass-staircase-1-300x223.jpg) **Contemporary Coastal Beauty in South Africa** ![contemporary-coastal-house-for-family-living-entertaining-views-1-thumb-630x633-9152-298x300](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/contemporary-coastal-house-for-family-living-entertaining-views-1-thumb-630x633-9152-298x300.jpg?width=298&height=300&name=contemporary-coastal-house-for-family-living-entertaining-views-1-thumb-630x633-9152-298x300.jpg) This stunner is located on a hillside overlooking Bantry Bay in Cape Town. Built to maximize the breathtaking vistas, it incorporates balconies and expansive windows framing the sand, sun and surf just outside. **Blue Reef Cottage Design, Scarista, Isle of Harris** ![blue-reef-cottages-1-300x224](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blue-reef-cottages-1-300x224.jpg?width=300&height=224&name=blue-reef-cottages-1-300x224.jpg) Two turf roofed stone cottages blend into the rugged coastal landscape, drawing on traditional island building techniques. A glass fronted observation area provides stunning panoramic views of idyllic beaches and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. **Mini Cottage in Finland** ![Finish-mini-cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Finish-mini-cottage-1-300x168.jpeg?width=300&height=168&name=Finish-mini-cottage-1-300x168.jpeg) This affordable Finnish cottage packs a lot into a little space. This compact 8.9m2 (95 sq ft) cottage has a sleeping loft, combined kitchenette/living room and a deck area constructed from some recycled materials. **Normerica Cottage Home Design in Northern Ontario** ![normerica cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PicMonkey-Collage2.jpg?width=480&height=480&name=PicMonkey-Collage2.jpg) This authentic Normerica handcrafted timber frame combination home incorporates the use of stone and metal into this timber frame cottage and creates a comfortable indoor/outdoor experience on the main floor with access to the wraparound deck from almost any room and a timber frame screened porch. On the main floor there’s an open concept kitchen/dining room, a cathedral ceiling great room and foyer with central fireplace, a spacious ground floor primary suite that can take full advantage of the view. – Normerica is a custom homebuilder creating authentic timber frame homes for local and export markets since 1979 from our home office in Ontario.**[Explore over 50 award-winning cottage & custom home plans just by visiting the design section on our website.](https://blog.normerica.com/residential-designs/)** ## About Normerica Since 1979, Normerica has created the highest quality timber frame homes and buildings across North America and around the world. Our decades of timber frame experience and expert in-house design capabilities have given us the ability to offer a high level of customization and design flexibility – a key advantage of timber frame homes and post and beam construction.  ### Recent Posts ### Categories - [Bungalow](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/bungalow) - [Cathedral Ceiling](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cathedral-ceiling) - [Choosing a Custom Home Builder](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/choosing-a-custom-home-builder) - [Construction Financing](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/construction-financing) - [Contemporary Homes](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/contemporary-homes) - [Cost of Building a Timber Frame Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cost-of-building-a-timber-frame-home) - [Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cottage) - [Cottage Life Show](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cottage-life-show) - [Custom Timber Frame Home Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/custom-timber-frame-home-blog) - [Environmentally Friendly Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/environmentally-friendly-home) - [Featured Publications](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/featured-publications) - [Great Room](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/great-room) - [Green Building](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/green-building) - [Green House](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/green-house) - [House Designs](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/house-designs) - [House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/house-plans) - [How To Build A Custom Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/how-to-build-a-custom-home) - [Lakeside Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/lakeside-cottage) - [Modern House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/modern-house-plans) - [Net Zero Homes](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/net-zero-homes) - [Post and Beam Construction](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/post-and-beam-construction) - [Promotions](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/promotions) - [Screened-In Porch](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/screened-in-porch) - [Shows](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/shows) - [Timber Frame Homes To Love](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-homes-to-love) - [Timber Frame House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-house-plans) - [Timber Framing Experts](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-framing-experts) - [Traditional House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/traditional-house-plans) - [Waterfront Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/waterfront-cottage) Interested in Our Custom Homes? Start a conversation! ![](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Normerica_updated_blog_theme_52_pickup/images/green-arrow.svg) ![](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Normerica_updated_blog_theme_52_pickup/images/start-a-conversation-iamge.jpg) ### Read Further [![Customized Normerica Rocklyn timber frame home on Georgian Bay in winter, featuring a two-storey window wall and four-season sunroom addition](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/IMG_5574.jpeg) A View Worth Building For: A Customized Rocklyn on Georgian Bay Normerica Timber Homes 07 Jul, 2026 / 3 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/a-view-worth-building-for-a-customized-rocklyn-on-georgian-bay) [![What Does a Timber Frame Home Actually Cost? A Complete Guide to Budgeting Your Build](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Cost%20of%20Building%20a%20Timber%20Frame%20Home%20Blog%20Normerica%20Header%20Update%202-1.png) What Does a Timber Frame Home Actually Cost? Normerica Timber Homes 20 Jul, 2026 / 7 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/understanding-the-true-cost-of-building-your-dream-timber-frame-home) [![best of cottage designs muskoka room screened in porch three season room lakeside living](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Rennie.jpg) Building a Muskoka Room / Screened In Porch in Your Timber Frame Home Normerica Timber Homes 08 Apr, 2022 / 10 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/cottage-designs-muskoka-room-screened-in-porch) [![Up to $130,000 in HST relief on a new custom timber frame home — exterior view of a Normerica timber frame home surrounded by mature trees and landscaping](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Normerica%20HST%20Blog%20Banner%20June%2026%202026.png) Up to $130,000 in HST Relief on a New Build…Here’s What We Know Normerica Timber Homes 23 Jun, 2026 / 6 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/hst-relief-new-build-ontario) [![mar14_fusstruss](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/mar14_fusstruss.jpg) The Fuss About Trusses normerica\_ 10 Mar, 2014 / 1 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/the-fuss-about-trusses) ## Office [645 Veterans Drive, Unit H Barrie, Ontario Canada L4N 9H8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hXRbfndK6bWDA8Qd8) [info@normerica.com](mailto:info@normerica.com) [+1 (800) 361-7449](tel:+18003617449) [+1 (705) 431-4710](tel:+17054314710) ## Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm By appointment only. 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