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Bunkie on the Hill by Heather Dubbeldam

Immersed in nature, sunlight dappling through the trees, fresh breezes scenting the air, far removed from the bustling pace of life: There are few settings that inspire relaxation quite like a cabin in the woods. Deep in the heart of Ontario’s Muskoka region, the charming Bunkie on the Hill perfectly encapsulates this notion. Poised at the top of a steep slope with covetable views of the lake, it is a study in serenity.

The smallest and most recent structure to be built on a cluster of properties dotted with cottages owned by various members of a family, the bunkie was imagined as a place of respite for those family members (and guests) wanting moments of even greater solitude. To bring this vision to life, the clients turned to Toronto architect Heather Dubbeldam and her team at Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, who leaned on a quintessentially Canadian cottage country vernacular — the A-frame cabin — but gave it a contemporary spin. “We played with the traditional form, creating a geometry which brings natural light deep into the interior,” says Dubbeldam.

Perched high on a treed slope, the Bunkie on the Hill by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design has an impressive vantage point overlooking the lake and forest. When lit from inside at night, it glows like a welcoming lantern.
Perched high on a treed slope, the Bunkie on the Hill by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design has an impressive vantage point overlooking the lake and forest. When lit from inside at night, it glows like a welcoming lantern.

A champion of sustainable building practices, Dubbeldam ensured the new build would have as little impact on its surroundings as possible. To that end, the 93-square-metre cabin was lifted above grade by an insulated concrete form (ICF) foundation; this not only minimizes the amount of concrete necessary but also negates the need for invasive (not to mention expensive) blasting of boulders on site. The base sits lightly atop and follows the natural contours of the rocky elevation — and with its considered positioning on the hill, only a small handful of trees had to be displaced. Flitch beams, which are lighter and less costly than steel, support the soaring structure (it reaches seven metres at its highest peak inside) and eliminate thermal bridging, while the 34-centimetre-thick exterior walls and triple-glazed windows (more on those later) provide extensive insulation.

Large geometric windows are positioned to capture perfectly framed views to the outside. Minimalist furnishings provide comfort and moments of colour without imposing on the design.
Large geometric windows are positioned to capture perfectly framed views to the outside. Minimalist furnishings provide comfort and moments of colour without imposing on the design.

In perhaps the most surprising manipulation of the classic A-frame form, the roofline was pulled apart to sharpen the peak on the lakeview side and lower the peak on the forest-view side, giving both faces very different expressions. On the opaque forest side, only two large windows — one square, one right trapezoid —puncture the grey-stained wood siding, while the opposite end is completely transparent thanks to a full-height wall of glazing.

The western red cedar slat ceiling showcases the modern A-frame cabin’s angles. The compact kitchen with a backsplash and island in Greystone, a type of limestone, subtly contrasts the wood tones. The Alfi stools are from Emeco and the Waldorf sconce is by Lambert & Fils.
The western red cedar slat ceiling showcases the modern A-frame cabin’s angles. The compact kitchen with a backsplash and island in Greystone, a type of limestone, subtly contrasts the wood tones. The Alfi stools are from Emeco and the Waldorf sconce is by Lambert & Fils.

To maintain a relatively compact and unobtrusive footprint, a narrow walkway installed to one side leads to the main entrance before seamlessly extending to a cantilevered porch at the back; framed in near-invisible glass, this expanded living space seems to effortlessly hover over the hill. A slatted cedar screen offers protection from the elements and filters light in a naturally beautiful way — and continues an exploration of the structure’s permeability, of contrasting closed spaces with curated openings, that began with the bunkie’s dual facades.

Windows at either end of the split roof let sunlight permeate every corner of the cabin and contribute to an everchanging interplay of light and shadow.
Windows at either end of the split roof let sunlight permeate every corner of the cabin and contribute to an everchanging interplay of light and shadow.

Two intersecting gables support this splitting of the roof and presented an opportunity to insert geometric windows where the two volumes separate. Referencing the angularity of the roofline, these openings frame views to the outside, flood the lofted interior from top to bottom with an abundance of sunshine and create a dramatic play of shadow and light. To highlight this mesmerizing effect, a complementary mix of FSC-rated woods lines the interior — wire-brushed oak for the flooring, smooth maple plywood for internal walls and partitions, white-painted beadboard on the perimeter walls and western red cedar slats for the vaulted ceiling — while dark charcoal window frames contrast the lighter shades. Anchored by a deep-grey limestone backsplash and island in the kitchen, the natural wood tones instill a sense of warmth and casual refinement while acting as a contemporary foil to the rustic setting.

A cantilevered, wood-slat walkway leads to the main entrance and to the back porch, offering a “sense of procession from the landscape to the interior.”
A cantilevered, wood-slat walkway leads to the main entrance and to the back porch, offering a “sense of procession from the landscape to the interior.”

With its remote location, familiar yet modernized form, soothing interior and stellar views, the Bunkie on the Hill is a true escapist’s retreat — one that encourages the contemplative sense of peace it was intended for.

This Muskoka Bunkie is a Modern Riff on the Traditional A-Frame

Heather Dubbeldam nestles a sweet little cabin on a forested slope in cottage country, Ontario.

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