Decatur Cabin

Site

Decatur NW | San Juan Islands

The site is on a wooded hillside at Decatur Northwest on Decatur Island, with conifers & madronas filtering views of Puget Sound. Community roads pass along the east and north sides of the site.

Program

A small vacation cabin where a family of four can relax, enjoy nature, cook, and play board games together. Sleeping rooms could be small and rustic, but space had to be provided for guests. Design covenants mandated that the visual impact of the cabin to its surroundings be minimized.

Solution

A long shed roof creates a sheltered space in the woods. The roof folds down to the east, offering privacy from the road while minimizing its visual presence. The solid service and sleeping zone acts as a buffer to the north and incorporates a sleeping loft and an outdoor storage room. The main living space contains an informal living room and an elongated kitchen whose counter extends as the eating & game table. The covered terrace extends the living space outdoors and serves as a transition to the rest of the forest.

Recognition

Home of Distinction

AIA Seattle

Seattle Magazine

"Gathering Space"

Credits

General Contractor

Paul Salveson

Structural Engineer

Quantum Consulting Engineers

Photography

Ed Sozinho & E|FA