Architecture Wednesday: The Urban Cabin

The Urban Cabin in Seattle was designed for a retired couple interested in downsizing and simplifying their lives. The couple had lived on the site for 26 years, but wanted to create a new home, a smaller, home with the idea of living with less in a neighborhood prone to excess.

I think they succeeded.

The architect was inspired by a simple picnic shelter in a forest; simple being the operative word. The house is composed of a simple sheltering roof, supported on the east by a solid wall—which protects the inhabitants from a busy public park. The west-facing elevation is composed of windows and doors that open to the gardens and the pond; a deep overhang creates an extension of space beyond the glass enclosure.

The home is slightly recessed into the landscape, while terraces are tucked under the shed roof to reinforce a connection to the landscape.

It’s simple, and calm, and peaceful, and not to big, and even has a faux tree in the open concept living area. There are places to sip wine, to read, to blog, for Carlos to play his bugle; places for the cats to go.

What else do I need?

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