September 15, 2024

Columbia River Valley Lookout: Ski Cabin Surrounded by Woods

The Columbia River Valley Lookout is a ski cabin designed by Twobytwo Architecture Studio in British Columbia, Canada. Designed in 2023, the retreat is nestled in the Kootenay mountain range, aiming to connect family members with each other and the natural landscape. The cabin features a cantilevered steel balcony, douglas fir rafters, and an industrial staircase. Its design is inspired by the surroundings, utilizing a palette of wood and concrete for both the exterior and interior.

Striking modern cabin with sleek black exterior, large windows, and snowy forest backdrop.

Family-Oriented Design

The Columbia River Valley Lookout is a ski cabin designed by Twobytwo Architecture Studio in British Columbia, Canada. Nestled in the Kootenay mountain range, the cabin aims to foster connections among family members and with the natural landscape.

Spacious, modern kitchen with natural wood beams, clean lines, and open shelving.

Homeowner Sandra Bassett enlisted her sister and brother-in-law from Twobytwo Architecture Studio to design the cabin as a family retreat. Structural design was handled by Sandra’s husband, Chris Urbinsky, whose steel engineering background influenced many features, including a cantilevered steel balcony and a continuous industrial staircase that spans the cabin’s three levels.

Expansive windows showcase a snowy forest landscape; modern dining space with wood table.

Inspired by Natural Surroundings

Situated on a firm podium, the cabin’s simple rectangular footprint towers above the trees, capped with a shed roof to maximize the height toward prevailing views. A palette of wood and concrete is used both on the exterior and interior, reflecting the surroundings.

Modern minimalist living room with large floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing snowy trees outside.

The common space, located on the upper floor, is surrounded by douglas fir and cedar, providing a quiet gathering spot among the treetops. From the upper-level balcony, occupants can enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia River Valley and wetlands. The materials and architectural design are inspired by the cabin’s natural surroundings.