Remote Rainforest Cabin Can Be Sealed Up With Huge Shutters

The problem when choosing a remote location for a vacation house or a cabin retreat is that in order to gain privacy and great views you have to give up convenience and to deal with a whole new set of challenges such as rough terrain, difficult access and lack of infrastructure. To make it a successful project you have to pick the location with great care to make sure it perfectly responds to your needs. One project which can serve as inspiration is a cabin located in Beaver, United States, a cabin that’s immersed in nature in a wonderful way.

The location and its unique characteristics had a lot to do with the design of the cabin
The location and its unique characteristics had a lot to do with the design of the cabin
A compact and secure structure was required given the remoteness and the climate conditions
A compact and secure structure was required given the remoteness and the climate conditions

The cabin was designed and built by Olson Kundig. The project was completed in 2011. The cabin is small and its design has been carefully structured and adapted to the specific conditions on site. It only offers 37 square meters of living space which turns out to be just what the clients wanted. The couple enjoys fishing and this cabin sits close to a quiet and peaceful fishing spot on Sol Duc River which runs nearby.

The cabin has a glazed which can be completely covered with a wooden shutter
The cabin has a glazed which can be completely covered with a wooden shutter
The shutter slides to the side on custom steel rods normally used sliding for barn doors
The shutter slides to the side on custom steel rods normally used sliding for barn doors
Depending on the level of privacy needed, the shutter can slide over partially or completely
Depending on the level of privacy needed, the shutter can slide over partially or completely
When the large shutter is securely in place, the cabin becomes compact and entirely closed off
When the large shutter is securely in place, the cabin becomes compact and entirely closed off

Because it’s situated in a temperate rainforest, the cabin was built on stilts which have the role of protecting it from the dampness that defines the area but also the occasional flood. The climate here is wet and rather cold and that’s why the cabin is not as open as one might expect, that and the fact that the design needed to ensure proper protection from the elements as well as a high level of security.

The cabin is raised on stilts for protection against floods and general dampness
The cabin is raised on stilts for protection against floods and general dampness
When the shutter slides open, one side of the cabin becomes open to the views and the light can enter freely
When the shutter slides open, one side of the cabin becomes open to the views and the light can enter freely

The cabin has large shutters which are operated manually using custom steel rods. The wooden panels are installed using hardware usually employed for sliding barn doors. This system allows the cabin to be sealed up entirely when not in use. The glazed facade becomes protected by the shutters and the interior is protected from unwanted intruders, water, wind, etc.

A staircase leads up to the entrance which is small and sheltered by a roof cover
A staircase leads up to the entrance which is small and sheltered by a roof cover
A glazed facade opens onto a small deck suspended above the ground, with views of the trees
A glazed facade opens onto a small deck suspended above the ground, with views of the trees

The interior of the cabin is simple and the main material used throughout is wood. This ensures a warm and inviting ambiance and a simple decor that communicates naturally with the surroundings. Most of the cabin was prefabricated off-site and then the pieces were brought here and installed, thus minimizing the impact on the site and the environment in general.

The interior of the cabin is cozy thanks to all the wood used throughout the spaces
The interior of the cabin is cozy thanks to all the wood used throughout the spaces