Olson Kundig’s Single-Room Gulf Islands Cabin is a Minimalist Retreat in British Columbia

Those looking to get away from it all and retreat into the silence and peace of nature will appreciate this minimalist cabin in British Columbia. Designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/Olson-Kundig-Architects" target="_blank">Olson Kundig Architects</a>, the <a href="http://www.olsonkundigarchitects.com/Projects/1316/Gulf-Islands-Cabin-#" target="_blank">Gulf Islands Cabin</a> is simple, discreet and ultra cozy. The single wood-paneled room provides space for rest and relaxation, while the concrete and corten steel exterior ensures that the cabin is secure from storms and fires while the owner is away.

In typical <a href="http://www.olsonkundigarchitects.com/" target="_blank">Olson Kundig</a> fashion, this one-room cabin leans towards a modern industrial/rustic aesthetic and features a shed roof with large overhangs.

Located near the coast in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Islands" target="_blank">Gulf Islands</a> to the north of the San Juan Islands, this home fits well within its forest context.

Set upon a simple concrete foundation with a solid concrete back wall, the cabin is just big enough for a bed, a sitting chair, a stove, a kitchenette and a toilet. In fact, the room is so compact that the shower is actually placed outside on one of the porches.

The roof overhangs on all sides to provide shade, protection and covered porches on either end. Doors on both ends provide access and a quick connection to the outdoor wood storage stacked neatly to the side.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows on the front provide lots of natural daylight and a shell of corten steel protects the cabin.

In fact the movable steel exterior can be closed to shutter the home while the owner is away. This protects the home from inclement weather as well as fire danger.