The Energy-Efficient Dwell House Embraces the Outdoors

After decades of championing thoughtful design, Dwell has brought its own prefabricated home to market. The 540-square-foot, one-bedroom Dwell House was designed by Norm Architects, a Danish studio known for their warm, sensual approach to minimalism. The backyard house, built in partnership with Abodu, is at once beautiful, durable, and versatile, putting the human experience at the center.

The focus on wellness is apparent in the home’s connection to the outdoors. An expansive folding glass wall and strategically placed glazing—such as a 12-foot window spanning the kitchen counter—create an uplifting sense of harmony with the surroundings. "Whether you’re sitting on the sofa reading a book and looking through the glass folding door, or cooking in the kitchen and seeing the long view above the counter, it’s all about framing and highlighting the surrounding nature," says Norm Architects partner Sofie Thorning.

Apart from the folding glass system by NanaWall, the windows come from Marvin’s Signature Ultimate product line, which—true to its name—delivers the ultimate when it comes to customization. "Not only does it offer beautiful design, quality construction, and seamless operation, it also has the largest selection of shapes, styles, and sizes," says Christine Marvin, the company’s chief marketing and experience officer. "I particularly love the variety of wood species offered on this line, allowing for thoughtful consistency with other wood accents in the home."

While Marvin Signature Ultimate windows feature wood on the interior, adding warmth and tactility to a space, the exterior is crafted from durable aluminum cladding. This low-maintenance finish means that the products will stand up to harsh weather—and contributes to energy efficiency when combined with coating, glazing type, and weatherstripping. "When homeowners invest in thoughtfully constructed windows and doors, those large expanses of glass offer abundant natural light without sacrificing energy efficiency, no matter the climate," says Marvin. By upholding strict energy standards, the Dwell House saves on energy and water bills and keeps a modest footprint.

Aside from those benefits, the well-placed windows create a light-filled interior and a sense of transparency and openness that feed into Norm Architects’ ethos of putting the lived experience at the center of any design. "Windows are a gateway to the outdoors," says Marvin. "They bask a space in natural light, open to an outdoor view, and bring in the fresh air we crave."

Learn more at marvin.com.

See if your property qualifies for a Dwell House. 

Related Reading:

With a Spectacular Glass Wall, the Dwell House Folds Open to Nature

The Dwell House Kitchen May Be Compact, But It Packs a Punch

Wrapped in Cedar, the Dwell House Showcases the Texture and Beauty of Natural Wood