This Modern A-Frame Cabin Is a Gateway to Adventure

Built by Vancouver, B.C. based Scott & Scott Architects, this handsome A-Frame does well to ignore the current new-money trends, aiming instead to fit in with the area’s more modestly sized cabins dating back to the 70s.

Of course, the A-Frame design is classic. Here though, the husband and wife design team decided on the shape for more reasons than simply aesthetics—it’s peculiar site played a role. As did the natural and obvious benefits of a steeply slanted roof in a region that receives high double digit snowfall each winter.

“The design was driven by the slope of the site,” explains architect David Scott. “And the A-Frame and exposed lumber frame allowed for detail repetition and to achieve three stories with a roof form that directs the snow to the ground away from the doors.”

The building’s exposed beams and repeating lumber joinery is rough sawn locally sourced Douglas fir, while the ground floor poured concrete anchors directly into the bedrock. To further cut down on the environmental impact of materials, the inner cabinetry was built on site using construction grade plywood, while the beautiful dark marble countertops are from a Vancouver Island quarry. The exterior uses more concrete and red cedar shakes that will in time weather to the same hue as the surrounding rock.

Inside you’ll find a cozy main floor complete with wood fired stove and deck area with impressive views of nearby Green Lake and the surrounding mountains. The top floor features a bedroom, bunk room, and guest room/den with private, east-facing terrace, while the ground floor houses perhaps the most important area in the house, the gear storage room.

For us, as NYC residents, a proper wet/dry room for everything from bikes and snowboards to backcountry gear and hiking equipment is the real dream.