Project Inspiration

nostalgic
scandinavian
cabin-in-the-woods

Still Creek Cabin

Forest Service cabins, originally constructed in the 1920’s and 1930’s during the height of the Great Depression as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps effort to put people back to work, are a storied part of Oregon’s history and a nostalgic part of many people’s childhood, as they became common rentals and ski cabins around Mt Hood National Forest. Sited on government land and made available via long-term land leases to private owners, many people (like our clients) have had theirs in their family for decades. Understandably, these cabins were often hastily built as housing for workers on larger projects (such as Timberline Lodge) and while quaint and often perched on idyllic pieces of forest land, they are now 100 years old and in dire need of renovation.

Our client’s was in exactly such a state, and THESIS was tasked with fully retro-fitting the cabin’s foundation and structure while simultaneously bringing a full interior renovation with a fresh and modernized feel. Our design team quickly aligned with the client on an interior aesthetic that brought a brighter, Scandinavian feel to the space, enhanced natural light and retained the character of the original cabin, such as the large central fireplace and hearth made from locally quarried stone.

Spatially, the design made use of strategies such as vaulting the ceiling, finding space-saving storage solutions and even creating sleeping lofts (accessed by ships ladder) to expand the small cabin’s ability to host a family over a multi-week stay. Cramped kitchen and bath spaces were revamped through careful cabinetry layouts and space-saving appliances, while elegant hand-made tile and other finishes meant a weekend away did not have to mean sacrificing luxury.

The resulting renovation is unequivocally “cabin-core” and features a luxurious high-backed copper soaking tub the owners can use to relax in while watching salmon swimming upstream in Still Creek from the comfort of their bedroom.