False Bay Writer’s Cabin by Olson Kundig
Designed in 2010 by Olson Kundig, False Bay Writer’s Cabin is a 500 sqft prefab cabin located on San Juan Island in the state of Washington.
About False Bay Writer’s Cabin
A Private Writer’s Retreat and Guest Cottage
This 500-square-foot (46.45 square meters) cabin serves as a private writer’s retreat and guest cottage. The owners desired a space that would connect them to the island setting, taking advantage of the mild climate, scenic views, and proximity to wildlife. They also required a structure that could be easily secured when not in use.
Innovative Design: Glass House with Transformative Decks
The cabin features a glass house design, surrounded by three wooden slat decks. These decks can be raised through a system of hydraulic winches, wire rope, pivoting sheaves, and lead blocks to serve as shutters. When open, the shutter decks function as outdoor living spaces, connecting the cabin’s interior to the outside through tall windows and sliding doors. When closed, they secure the cabin. The 180-degree rotating fireplace can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. An inverted roof with deep overhangs ensures water drains to the rear of the cabin.
The Architect’s Vision: A Shelter of Extremes
“It is intended to be a shelter of extremes, open or closed,” the architect explains. “In order to feel cold, you have to feel hot; in order to feel safe, you have to feel at risk. Contrast is the true measure of a complete experience.”
Minimalist Interior: Adaptable Space for Writing or Hosting
Inside, the cabin consists of a single room with a modest back area that houses a bathroom and kitchenette. This small, contemplative shelter can adapt to the needs of the writer, offering introspection or complete openness. The restrained finishes are punctuated only by a blackened steel inlay that runs from the fireplace to the slot window at the rear of the cabin. The owners’ kayaks are organized on a rack attached to the back of the cabin. When the Murphy bed is lowered, the space transforms seamlessly from a writer’s retreat to a guest cottage.
Photography by Tim Bies / Olson Kundig
- by Matt Watts
