Coastal Cabin On Stilts With Ocean Views Peeking Through The Trees

On a small site surrounded by forests in coastal Maine, the team at Whitten Architects built a wonderful cabin retreat that blends together modern design with rustic influences. The cabin is perched on steel columns which elevate it off the ground, one-storey high in the air. This gives it a treehouse-inspired look and helps to preserve the area below, in line with the eco-friendly concept behind this entire project.

The cabin is raised of steel columns which gives it better views and keeps it atop the rugged landscape
The cabin is raised of steel columns which gives it better views and keeps it atop the rugged landscape

Additionally, the cabin was built using locally-sourced, natural materials and that allows it to more easily blend with the surrounding forest. The expansive windows and opening further help to camouflage the building while at the same time framing the beautiful views and allowing lots of natural light to get inside.

The building has a U-shaped floor plan which forms a central courtyard
The building has a U-shaped floor plan which forms a central courtyard
The exterior of the cabin is clad in wood which has a beautiful weathered patina
The exterior of the cabin is clad in wood which has a beautiful weathered patina

The cabin is U-shaped and forms a beautiful courtyard around a series of large trees that were preserving on the site. In that regard, the architects did their best to preserve the natural surroundings as best as possible. At the same time, they carefully observed the landscape and came up with a floor plan that takes advantage of the ocean views visible through the gaps between the trees. Inside, the cabin has a very relaxed and inviting design. White pine and Douglas fir were used for most of the flooring, wood and ceiling paneling as well as the custom furniture. Elements such as the kitchen island and the double-sided fireplace double as space dividers, creating separations within the large open plan volumes.

One section of the building stands tall and is built directly on the ground
One section of the building stands tall and is built directly on the ground
The entrance is marked by a set of concrete stairs which then transition into a wooden staircase
The entrance is marked by a set of concrete stairs which then transition into a wooden staircase
The main sections are connected by a bridge-like volume with glazed walls on either side
The main sections are connected by a bridge-like volume with glazed walls on either side
The public spaces are all connected into a large and open volume with views of the ocean
The public spaces are all connected into a large and open volume with views of the ocean
The dining area is placed by the windows and is visually delineated by an area rug
The dining area is placed by the windows and is visually delineated by an area rug
A large double-sided fireplace doubles as a space divider
A large double-sided fireplace doubles as a space divider
By raising the cabin on stilts, the architects allowed the area below to be preserved
By raising the cabin on stilts, the architects allowed the area below to be preserved
The private areas have large corner windows which bring in lots of light and views of the cove
The private areas have large corner windows which bring in lots of light and views of the cove
This modern floating desk takes full advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows and the abundance of natural light
This modern floating desk takes full advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows and the abundance of natural light
Gaps between the tall trees allow the cabin to enjoy a view of the ocean
Gaps between the tall trees allow the cabin to enjoy a view of the ocean