Artists and creators often have visions for what can be — something others can’t even imagine, let alone execute. Such a beautiful, humble vision came together in the mountains of West Virginia when photographer Nick Olson and designer Lilah Horwitz built a retreat out of discarded windows.

Salvaging most of their materials from a nearby abandoned barn, the creative duo was able to construct the incredible glass cabin with roughly $500 and several months’ worth of elbow grease. Olson says, “We were able to make it a reality because we are first artists and creators. We had to be resourceful to do it cheaply.” This meant living off of beans and rice while dedicating their time and energy to constructing their one-of-a-kind home.

Olson and Horwitz maintain their design business in Milwaukee, using the rustic cabin as a true getaway. What their windowed getaway lacks in terms of electricity and plumbing, it compensates by offering them a ‘oneness’ with nature’s beauty. Their windowed wall faces west, offering spectacular sights when the sun is setting. ‘That’s when everything is on fire,’ says Horwitz.

Nick Olson & Lilah Horwitz | Makers (Documentary)