This modern steel-clad cabin on stilts was designed by Olson Kundig Architects, located in Winthrop, a town in Okanogan County, Washington. This project is called the Delta Shelter, encompassing just 1,000 square feet of living space, this compact retreat can be completely shuttered when not in use.
The 200-square-foot footprint of the house rises above a 40-acre, 100-year flood plain adjacent to the Methow River. The verticality, coloring, and raw nature of the materials used for construction directly respond to the wildness of the setting. The owner sought a compact, easy to maintain, virtually indestructible structure to house himself and his friends for fun and adventure in the mountains. With an exterior of steel, the house is virtually indestructible.
The cabin is composed of three levels: the lowest level is a half carport, half utility/storage room; the middle level consists of the entry, two small bedrooms, and bathrooms; and the top level is one large space which includes living, dining, and cooking areas. Cantilevered steel decks extend from the top and middle levels and provide space for outdoor sleeping and entertaining.
The cabin is supported by four steel columns. Floors are 3-inch by 6-inch tongue-and-groove wood car-decking, and exterior wood infill walls are clad in 16-gauge, hot-rolled steel sheets with exposed steel fasteners.
Most of the structure, including the steel structure, roof panels, shutters, and stairs, was prefabricated off-site, thereby reducing on-site waste and site disruption.
Due to prefabrication and the use of plywood for all interior surfaces, typical construction wastage was kept to a minimum.
What We Love: This steel-clad cabin offers a fantastic getaway for the owner and his guests to retreat from the daily grind and urban living. Surrounded by a peaceful countryside setting, this home not only offers wonderful views courtesy of its elevated design but complete privacy. The location is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as the location is famous for its outdoor recreation activities and the beautiful colors of the changing seasons.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this cabin retreat? Would this be your idea of the ultimate escape from city living? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other awesome home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: Waterfront shelter has amazing beach-chic lifestyle on Whidbey Island and Modern cabin inspired by Danish design on the Hood Canal, Washington.
PHOTOGRAPHER Tim Bies / Benjamin Benschneider
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