Quaking Aspen Cabin
The Quaking Aspen Cabin is a small 620 square foot cabin located in the mounatins around Mazama, Washington.
The compact cabin was designed on the guiding premise of “what is essential?” for a family of three to live actively in connection to the beauty of the Methow Valley. The length of the cabin follows the slope of the site with its simple shed roof opening to the view of the peak of Mt. Gardiner, while efficiently shedding snow in the winter months. The cabin provides a highly energy efficient shelter in the coldest and hottest times of the year. In addition, the covered wood porch serves as an extension to the cabin – an outdoor living room for three seasons. Large windows connect the living space to the trees, mountains, and sky, while a sleeping room and loft provide enclosure and quiet for nighttime.
The simplicity of the cabin is one of building practicality, as well as being an elegant backdrop to its beautiful site. Charred Shou Sugi Ban wood siding, a metal roof, and wood-clad windows were chosen to express this simplicity and durability. The siding, wood decking, and exposed framing are left unfinished to weather organically. The only maintenance needed for the exterior is a refresh of the clear coat on the vertical grain fir door at the entry.
Builder:
Tall Timber Construction
Structural:
Todd Perbix
Photography:
Daniel Fewster
