Seattle-based SHED Architecture & Design has created a complementary two-story bunkhouse for an existing family cabin on Guemes Island, Washington. Nestled on an idyllic site with sweeping views of the Bellingham Channel, this new bunkhouse provides additional sleeping quarters for the owner’s 100–year–old log cabin, which could no longer accommodate her growing family. Designed for rest, quiet work, and lasting memories, this new bunkhouse is intended to be passed down in the family for generations to come.

The bunkhouse is positioned less than ten feet uphill from the family’s log cabin, roughly 150 feet up the sloping site from the shoreline. The cabin was originally constructed on Lopez Island and was later dismantled and floated over to Guemes Island in the 1940s. For years this charming 450-square-foot cottage offered just enough space, but with an expanding family and not wanting to demolish the existing beachfront cabin, the only option was to construct a compact bunkhouse behind the cabin. It was only to provide sleeping quarters, the idea was that the family could gather at the cabin together for quality time.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT SHED Architecture & Design STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Todd Perbix INTERIOR DESIGN Jennie Gruss Interior Design CONTRACTOR Kaplan Homes Unlimited

Unique to neighboring properties, the cabin is situated just inside the treeline instead of at the water’s edge. The result feels private and secluded while capturing views to the west. The new bunkhouse mirrors this strategy, positioned to minimize disturbance to the forested site and frame views from the second floor. 

The new bunkhouse is positioned above an existing well house that had run dry. One primary aspect of the project, in addition to creating a structure that accommodates friends and family, was to decommission the well and install a rainwater catchment and potable water system. A new septic system is installed uphill of the bunkhouse and out of the floodplain to ensure the system will better withstand climate change and rising sea levels. Tying the bunkhouse to infrastructure projects is key to the long-term use of the property.

The program called for comfortably accommodating as many family and friends as possible in a compact structure with water views. Requirements included a mudroom, bathroom, small kitchenette, and a workspace on the ground floor, along with three sleeping areas on the upper level. The narrow lot and existing trees drive a compact, two-story solution, with the benefit that the upper level looks over the cabin to the water.

A covered porch leads to the bunkhouse entry and lower level comprised of a kitchenette, a built-in desk, and a bathroom designed to accommodate multiple users simultaneously. A central set of stairs leads to a second-floor sitting area designed around a large skylight affording views of the forest canopy and Bellingham Channel. Flanking the social space on either end are sleeping quarters.

The bunkhouse is designed to reference the rustic log cabin and the half-round log siding on the original well house. Two types of exterior cladding distinguish the lower and upper halves: Disdero Cabin Log Siding on the lower level and 1×6 Tongue and Groove Rough Sawn Western Red Cedar Ship Cladding on the upper level, both stained black. The profile of the log siding inspired curved details on the rafter tails and bunk bed ladders.

The design incorporates low-maintenance materials including stainless steel, plywood, and sheet marmoleum, and employs built-in casework throughout. A horizontal strip of windows frames the forest as occupants move up the stairs to the second floor.

The U-shaped sitting area is designed for casual conversation, a quiet place to read a book, and when needed, can comfortably sleep three. On either side, wood screens offer privacy for the two sleeping wings, each outfitted with a built-in queen bed, bunkbed, and storage solutions.

The bunkhouse’s gable roof references the original cabin’s traditional form while its asymmetrical overhang formally contains the second-floor sitting area and collects water for the potable water system. 

What We Love: This two-story bunkhouse provides a family with warm and welcoming sleeping accommodations for gathering during holidays and celebrations. The design is simple, and understated with a great location on the hillside to soak in the views of the Bellingham Channel. We love the overall concept and how functional this compact space is. A wonderful family getaway home that will surely be enjoyed for many years to come.

Tell Us: Would this rustic cabin and bunkhouse be your idea of the ultimate family getaway home? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other sensational home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: Amazing Washington forest house with a steel tower office on train tracks and A nature-inspired cabin retreat protrudes over the forest on Puget Sound.

Above: At the top of the stairs, a built-in seating area is illuminated by natural light courtesy of a large skylight. The comfortable cushions double as twin mattresses, providing additional sleeping space. Plywood is used for the built-in furnishings along with the interior walls and flooring.

PHOTOGRAPHER Dain Susman Photo