In Finland, you can build a structure without a permit as long as it’s under 96 sq ft or 128 sq ft, depending on the area.  As the most sparsely populated country in the European Union, at just 41 people per square mile, most people in Finland opts to get the permit. There is plenty of land to go around.  However, for Robin Falck the size limit felt more like a challenge. Could a house be built that size that would be worth living in?

Inspired by the new trends in micro-living, Falck worked on some plans while finishing up his required military duties. He had veteran architect Aires Mateus look over his plans to ensure structural feasibility and then, after getting a green light, began construction. After a summer’s worth of manual labor and only $10,500 in building material, the house was completed.

The 96 square house features a kitchen, living area, a 50 sq ft loft, and a large window that spans two both stories. In addition to letting in tons of natural light and offering views of the nearby lake during the day, the angled nature of the window makes for excellent star gazing at night. Their is also a outside wooden deck, not included in the 96 sq ft, that encourages spending more time outside.

The one draw back is that just as soon as Falck completed the structure 2010, he had to return back to his military duties. It would be a full year before he could return and live in the house he spent so long working on. Although the extended anticipation must have made his homecoming all the more satisfying.

[ Via Core 77]