KOOSKIA, ID – A series of hand-built arched cabins in Idaho County has captured international attention after being featured on a YouTube channel with more than two million subscribers.
The video, produced by filmmaker Kirsten Dirksen, has drawn more than 100,000 views in just three days. It showcases the work of a Baltimore transplant who left city life for rural Idaho. Using reclaimed materials including pallet wood and scrap cedar, the builder has created cabins, a workshop, and even a chicken coop that blend with the backdrop of mountains, hayfields, and the Bitterroot Range.
The 20×24 arched cabins draw inspiration from Ireland’s ancient stone oratories while being engineered for Idaho’s snowy winters and warm summers. Features include cold roof ventilation, solar power, and natural tones designed to echo the surrounding landscape.
Without the restrictions of local building codes, the project emphasizes creative freedom and sustainable construction. The property is open for overnight stays through Airbnb or direct booking, offering visitors both a retreat and an opportunity to learn about cabin design, workshop construction, or sustainable coop-building techniques.
Located on hayfields frequented by deer, wild turkey, magpies, and elk, the cabins provide a quiet escape for artists, writers, and nature enthusiasts. The growing visibility from the YouTube feature places Kooskia and Idaho County on a global stage for those drawn to off-grid living and rural craftsmanship.
