A Timeless Off-Grid Cabin That Celebrates The Beauty Of Reclaimed Materials

Looking from a distance at this cabin situated on the shore of a small lake surrounded by forest in North California, it almost seems like an idyllic image taken from a postcard or an old painting. It is however as real as it can be. This was a project completed by studio Walker Warner Architects with the help of artisan metalsmith, Jefferson Mack.

This timeless cabin was built with durability, maintenance and charm in mind
This timeless cabin was built with durability, maintenance and charm in mind
The roof has the color of granite and the walls are clad in reclaimed wood
The roof has the color of granite and the walls are clad in reclaimed wood

It’s a modern and very inviting cabin which takes full advantage of this absolutely amazing location. As you can tell, the site is completely off the grid. The cabin uses solar panels and propane fuel and has a wood-burning fireplace and a stove for heating. There’s no need for artificial cooling out here in the wilderness. 

Large glass doors and windows expose the living area to the majestic views
Large glass doors and windows expose the living area to the majestic views
The cabin is heated by a wood-burning fireplace and a wood stove
The cabin is heated by a wood-burning fireplace and a wood stove

The cabin is quite modest in size and has 2 bedrooms and a bunk room. The living spaces inside were kept small, recognizing that what really matters is the exterior and getting to spend as much time outside and to take in all this magnificent beauty. To emphasize that, the cabin was constructed using natural materials including lots of reclaimed wood, stone and steel. 

The metal chandelier that hangs in front of the fireplace was custom made by a metalsmith
The metal chandelier that hangs in front of the fireplace was custom made by a metalsmith
The daybed can extend into a large sleeping area and has storage for bedding underneath
The daybed can extend into a large sleeping area and has storage for bedding underneath

Everything here was custom built and that gives the cabin a very authentic and charming feel. In front of the stone-clad fireplace for example hangs a gorgeous chandelier made from antlers forget of steel. The sinks, countertops and even the bathroom tub are made of stone, adding a unique and exquisite charm to each of the rooms and the spaces around them. 

The combination between the rugged stone and the reclaimed wood is magnificent
The combination between the rugged stone and the reclaimed wood is magnificent
The gorgeous views of the lake and the mountains can also be admired from the bedrooms
The gorgeous views of the lake and the mountains can also be admired from the bedrooms
The tub is built out of stone, just like the sinks
The tub is built out of stone, just like the sinks
The kitchen is small but it definitely has a ton of character
The kitchen is small but it definitely has a ton of character
The overall simple design emphasizes and celebrates the beauty of the materials
The overall simple design emphasizes and celebrates the beauty of the materials
The patina on the wood gives the cabin a lived-in look
The patina on the wood gives the cabin a lived-in look