Graduating into the economic crash in 2006, designer Rico Castillero of @furthersociety had to put his degree on the back burner for a bit, instead shifting to travel photography, then to the remodeling and managing of short-term rentals. After years of experiencing unique hospitality spaces, inspiration struck. “I was obsessed with the design side of creating a space that was a disconnect zone; a way to spend more time immersed in a beautiful landscape,” he says. The perfect design turned out to be a 10’ x 10’ x 20’ rectangle with a sloped roof. Once the floorplan was finalized, it was time to start building—and Castillero was going to need a helping hand. A new acquaintance, interior designer and stager Duane Reed of @arborand.co, quickly jumped on the opportunity to join in. The pair did everything but the plumbing with their own two hands. “To say it was a learning experience was an understatement,” Castillero laughs. Over the course of two years, the duo would come out and work for a couple days at a time, whenever they could find time around work, family, the pandemic, Oregon fires, and personal renovations. But while the two were excited about the idea of eventually having a hideaway, the build itself was a joy. “I started realizing, the best part of this is the process,” says Castillero. “I was flooded with a beautiful montage of my friend, who’s now my best friend, building this thing in the woods.” He likens it to building a tree fort—though with adult-level resources and tools. “It’s one thing to design something and have someone build it, but oh man, when your blood, sweat, and tears are in it, it’s next level.” Take the full tour of the Woodlands Hideout (@stay.further) at the link in bio. – Photos by @ricocast Story by @stacey_mclachlan Furniture Sponsor @floyddetroit Plumbing Fixtures by @vigoindustries Appliances by @balmuda_usa #moderndesign #modernarchitecture #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #moderncabin #tinycabin #tinyliving #wildernessescape #natureescape #cabin #homedesign #homedecor #modernhome #interiorinspiration #woodburningstove #architecture #architecturephotography #interiorinspiration #cabininspiration #cozyhome #cozyroom