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Cliff House, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, freeze-thaw cycles, minimalist cabin, cabin, retreat, weekend getaway, passive solar, passive solar gain, affordable cabin, cedar shiplap, timber cabin, Nova Scotia, Atlantic coast,

The 960-square-foot cabin was designed with a modest facade and minimal site disturbance so as to keep the focus on the surrounding untouched landscape. The low-budget project comprises three main elements: the galvanized superstructure that anchors the house to the bedrock, a light steel endoskeleton, and a simple wood framing system. The timber frame, cedar shiplap siding, and ventilated rain screen respond well to the region’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles.

Related: Cantilevered Two Hull House Heated by the Earth Peers Over Coastal Nova Scotia

An open-plan, double-height living and kitchen space dominates the Cliff House interior and is partially projected off the cliff. Glazed windows wrap around three sides of the space to optimize natural light and views of the Atlantic coastline; a large south-facing deck expands the footprint of the room to the outdoors. A mezzanine bedroom and a bathroom are tucked behind the living room.

+ MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects

Via Dezeen

Images via MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects