A Reinterpretation of the Classic Cabin
Perched high above a collection of family cottages in Muskoka, Ontario, The Bunkie on the Hill is a modern architectural gem designed by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design. With its contemporary take on the traditional A-frame, this small cabin offers a tranquil retreat nestled among the trees. Its design takes cues from the surrounding landscape while offering a fresh interpretation of the classic cabin form. The split roof design sets this structure apart, with its two intersecting gables reminiscent of the rocky layers in the area. This geometry creates opportunities for unique window placements, allowing natural light to fill the space while offering carefully framed views of the lake and treetops.
The roof design also gives the cabin distinct facades. On one side, a tall, narrow, glazed surface faces the lake, providing sweeping views. On the other, the cabin presents a more opaque elevation, facing the forest, with a cutout entranceway on the west side that invites visitors in through a cedar-slatted walkway. This entry creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, mimicking the natural patterns of the forest and adding an organic element to the architecture.
Blending with Nature: Materials and Design
The Bunkie’s use of natural materials is one of its most defining features. To harmonize with its environment, the exterior combines greyed wood siding with natural cedar soffits and a board-formed concrete base. Inside, the materials continue to complement the surroundings. Oak flooring, maple plywood partitions, and cedar cladding come together to bring the textures and tones of the forest indoors. These natural finishes are enhanced by the dark charcoal window frames, which contrast with the wood and offer a clean, modern aesthetic.
The careful use of wood in various forms—from white wallboard to Western red cedar slats—creates a cohesive interior design that feels connected to the natural world. The interplay of light, particularly through the cedar slats at the entrance, adds a level of richness to the material choices, making the space feel warm and inviting. While small in scale, the cabin doesn’t feel cramped. Instead, each area is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and functionality, with built-in benches and storage nooks throughout.
Functional Spaces with Panoramic Views
The Bunkie’s interior is as much about the experience of nature as it is about functionality. Every room is oriented to offer framed views of the forest or lake, making nature an integral part of the cabin’s experience. The upper loft area includes a built-in desk with a direct line of sight down to the living space and out toward the lake, creating a sense of connection between the levels. This loft also serves as an additional sleeping area, making the most of the cabin’s compact footprint.
The bedroom, located at the rear of the cabin, features a large window that looks out into the surrounding woods, offering a private, immersive retreat into nature. Despite its modest size, the interior of the Bunkie feels spacious and open, with every detail designed to enhance the experience of being surrounded by the wilderness.
Sustainable Design with Minimal Environmental Impact
In addition to its aesthetic beauty, The Bunkie on the Hill is also a model of sustainable design. The cabin’s exterior walls are thickened to provide passive insulation, achieving an R-value of over 40. Triple-glazed windows further enhance its energy efficiency, making it possible to use minimal heating in the colder months. The cabin’s foundation was carefully raised above the natural rock contours, allowing it to sit lightly on the landscape without the need for blasting or other disruptive construction methods.
Sustainable materials were prioritized, including FSC-certified wood products, and the few plumbing and light fixtures are both low-flow and low-energy. Over time, the Bunkie’s materials will weather naturally, blending even more seamlessly into its surroundings, further reinforcing the cabin’s respectful relationship with the landscape.
The Bunkie on the Hill is a thoughtful and carefully crafted structure that demonstrates how modern architecture can embrace traditional forms while pushing boundaries in sustainability and design. Its balance of nature, light, and material makes it a standout example of contemporary cabin architecture in a uniquely Canadian context.
