CAST Architecture has designed this mountain-high, off-grid retreat, nestled on a private inholding within the Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest near Leavenworth, Washington. The refuge was built to withstand abundant snowfall and extreme seasonal temperature swings. The cabin sits on an unwooded knoll to minimize impact on the existing site. Its design is pragmatic, durable, and energy efficient.
Accessible only by snowmobile or skis for half the year, the ground-level entry is equipped with ski racks, utility space, and a wood-burning stove for overall heat and to aid in drying gear. At the top, a generously covered entry and hard-working foyer were designed with gear usage top of mind, providing ample space to transition out of skis, snowshoes, or hiking boots.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT CAST Architecture CONTRACTOR Warm Homes Construction STRUCTURAL MLA Engineering LLC CONCRETE Warm Homes Construction METALWORK Watson Iron (Leavenworth) ROOFING OJ Industries Roofing EXCAVATION Waters Excavation & Development LUMBER & MATERIALS Marson & Marson WINDOWS Loewen
The laundry room is right there as well, and hooks for hanging winter clothes to dry are integrated into the stove enclosure. Past the hearth, the main level opens to panoramic views with floor-to-ceiling glazing spanning the living room and kitchen. Window mullions were intentionally placed low so as not to inhibit the view of the mountain ridge.
The design features an ample covered outdoor porch on the uphill side of the living space, providing deep shade to escape summer heat and offering unexpected views downslope to the river.
This arrangement frees the great room to enjoy an unobstructed “treehouse” view of the valley and ridgeline, unobstructed by railings or decks. The ceiling height, slope, and overhang toward the views were also planned to reveal views from as many locations within the space as possible.
The wood stoves on each level are located at the core of the house to distribute heat throughout the common spaces and bedrooms. They heat the space quickly, which is ideal for weekend and holiday use.
Built to host visiting friends and extended family, the reading nook also doubles as a daybed integrated into the stairwell landing for additional sleeping space.
What We Love About This Home
This secluded cabin provides a welcoming retreat surrounded by an idyllic forest, high up in the mountains. A fabulous indoor-outdoor connection is achieved through large windows that bring in natural light and offer expansive views. The warm, thoughtfully designed interiors create a cozy atmosphere that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this off-grid cabin? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: A modern refuge nestled in the woodlands of the Puget Sound Peninsula and See this cozy rustic bunkhouse getaway on Guemes Island, Washington.
A bunk room with a quartet of bunk beds, ample space, and spectacular views can sleep at least six. Within a compact plumbing plan that can easily be prevented from freezing, each floor incorporates a stunning bathroom.
A luxurious wet room with a sunken tub (and a view) occupies one level, while immediately below, a shower room offers an equally beautiful view.
The straightforward shed roof retains snow, providing a free, insulating, energy-saving benefit while reducing the risk of sloughing or avalanches. The concrete base is set above the average snowfall line to protect siding and wood framing from the freeze-thaw zone.
A rock and concrete perimeter and no exposed wood on the exterior aid in fire protection.
The home incorporates robust solutions to off-grid utilities. An 8kW solar array is sited away from the home to optimize energy collection, while a battery bank coupled with a sophisticated power management system ensures the lights stay on during long winter nights. A 70,000-gallon cistern allows the low-producing well to supply both domestic water and reserve water for wildfire response.
Green Design
Off-grid, 8kW solar array, cisterns, siting, double-pane windows with low-E coating for high thermal performance.
A 70,000-gallon cistern enables the low-producing well to supply both domestic water and reserve water for wildfire response.
An 8kW solar array is sited away from the home to maximize energy collection, while a battery bank paired with an advanced power management system ensures the lights stay on during long winter nights.
PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Giammarco
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