The DEN Essential Series is a collection of homes designed for simplicity. The Essential Retreat uses clear, intentional, and efficient organization of space to foster a closer connection to the outdoors for its inhabitants. With an emphasis on ventilation and thermal comfort, the Essential Retreat is flooded with natural light while encouraging open windows, fresh air, and a cross breeze. Build this modern cabin in the desert or in the woods, and elevate your existence from the comfort of your own home.
Design Highlights
A Modern Cabin for Two
The DEN Essential Series is a collection of homes designed for simplicity. The Essential Retreat uses clear, intentional, and efficient organization of space to foster a closer connection to the outdoors for its inhabitants. With an emphasis on ventilation and thermal comfort, the Essential Retreat is flooded with natural light while encouraging open windows, fresh air, and a cross breeze. Build this modern cabin in the desert or in the woods, and elevate your existence from the comfort of your own home.
Features
550 sq ft. (28' Length x 20' Width)
Approx. 15' (top of foundation to roof peak)
Sleep 2 to 4
1 1st floor bedroom
1 Full bathroom
Full kitchen with 24" cabinets
Floor to ceiling windows
Laundry compatible
Wood or gas stove
Mini-split for heat & A/C
The Complete Plan Comes With
DEN’s planned packages is the easiest way to plan, price, and design your next build.
The Starter Package
All great projects start with dialogue and planning
Our Starter Package includes all you need to start talking to the parties involved in building your dream home. We find that most of our customers go for the Starter Package first and then upgrade to the Complete Package. Hundreds of design hours have gone in to the plans included in your package so that you can have a house in the modern European architecture style.
Interview builders and get higher quality estimates
Talk with your building department about a permit
Share with your Home Owner’s Association to get basic approvals
Figure out how much your project will cost in your area
Review the design in detail to see if you really really like it
See if the closets are big enough
The Complete Package
All you need to build a home
Our Complete Package includes all you need to start the process of building your dream home away from home today. The package includes builder ready construction plans which you can get stamped by and engineer or architect. You save a great deal of time with a complete list of construction materials.
Every detail of your design is customizable, from materials to window placements and overall footprint.
Customize your Den design (materials, window placement, walls, and overall footprint)
Change the foundation type to better suit your site or preference
Ensure local code compliance (seismic, Title 24, hurricane, or extreme snow loads)
Get your plans stamped by an engineer or architect
Save time and money by not having to redraw all the details from scratch
Save time and money with a complete list of construction materials (materials take off)
Review advanced details like mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
Achieve a Den-style result with specific interior and fixture recommendations
FAQ
What is DEN?
We are a team of construction experts, designers, and engineers that create scandinavian-inspired cabin construction plan. We perform plan customizations, make introductions to vetted contractors, and offer hourly advisory services for customers looking for design, sourcing, and planning support.
Does DEN build homes?
While we do not build homes ourselves, we work with a trusted network of contractors who can help you turn our plans into reality.
Is DEN designed with DIYers in mind?
Our plans are tailored more towards those collaborating with professionals, like general contractors (GCs) or specialized builders. This approach ensures that the unique features and design intricacies of our buildings are executed to the highest standard.
What are DEN’s services?
We offer pre-designed construction plans, affordable customizations, contractor referrals, as well as advisory services for planning, materials sourcing, and more.
Is there a way I can see a house built using a DEN plan in person?
Absolutely! Over a hundred DEN homes have been built around the country. Many of these structures are privately-owned however, there are many that are available for short term rental through Airbnb. See if there’s a DEN available for rent near you here.
Where is DEN based?
DEN started in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Today, the DEN teams live throughout the US.
Does DEN offer customizations?
Once you purchase a DEN plan, you can request customizations from our network of design for an affordable fee via our digital platform tool. You can learn more about customizations and other services by setting up a call with a member of our team.
Where is DEN available?
DEN is broadly available in the lower 48 states. We have had successful builds in almost every single state in the US. We are currently awaiting confirmation of the first projects in Alaska and Hawaii. Many customers in Canada have localized DEN designs to Canadian building code.
Does DEN stamp their plans?
DEN does not stamp plans. Plan stamping requires requires a level of local expertise that DEN cannot offer. We recommend that customers use DEN plans to find a local architect or engineer with deep familiarity with local conditions and inspection requirements to secure a stamp. Read more here
What do I need to get started with DEN?
DEN's plans, customization services, engineering services, and contractor matching program is designed for individuals who have purchased land and secured capital to begin developing that property. Some of our customers have purchased plans before buying land to envision the scope of their project or to imagine what it is that they want to build, but generally speaking, it is helpful to have a specific site in mind, and financing in place prior to engaging DEN to provide preconstruction services.
Do I get customizations included in my purchase of the complete package?
DEN's complete package offering includes everything you need to get an engineering stamp of approval, interview contractors, and begin securing permits for your build. The complete package does not include any customizations offered through our platform, which are billed at a separate per customization fee, starting at $499.
Case studies
DEN customer reviews
Stephen ProctorModern Alpine Cabin
It’s a dream. Going the route of a traditional build using plans from DEN has proven to be the simplest & most affordable approach, as well as the easiest to get permitted.
Major ParkhurstA-Frame House
I looked at several different A-Frame companies and spent a lot of time trying to decide which one to go with. DEN had the best style and the best all-in package, for sure. I’d describe the brand as modern, stylish, natural, and, in terms of the final product, ahead of its time.
The final result is nothing less than stunning. The design is sleek, nestled into the back hillside in a way that is both formidable but also understated.
Jen and Michael PenchanskyBarnhouse Family
On a scale of 1-10, from a customer service perspective, 10 all around and A+.
Regardless of whether you're building a DEN as designed or just using their resources as a jumping off point for a custom build, Mike and his team are incredibly responsive and collaborative.
Kristie Mae WolfeCottage Tiny House
I bought a Den plan, took it to my building dept. and was able to start my build 3 days later!
Brent JohnsonModern Loft Barnhouse
I’m glad I chose DEN. The plans are beautiful and DIY friendly. I just wish I could build them all!
When DEN came out with the Barnhouse Plus, it was exactly the design we needed, and it was also unique enough to diversify our build from the other short-term rentals in the area.
