Project: Chewuch Cabin
Architecture: Prentiss + Balance + Wickline
Lead Architect: Tom Lenchek
Architects: Shawn Kemna, Morgan Law
Contractor: Lost River Construction
Landscape: Windy Valley Landscaping
Location: Winthrop, Washington, United States
Area: 1470 ft2
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Eirik Johnson, Kes Efstathiou
Perched atop a steep riverbank, the Chewuch Cabin masterfully balances shelter and exposure to the rugged beauty of north-central Washington. Designed with a high, linear roof that gestures towards the river and foothills, the cabin forms a primary axis intersected by a low, rectilinear form. This distinctive cruciform plan guides all design elements in this small, superbly crafted home.
Architectural Design
The cabin’s high-ceilinged volume contains the kitchen, living, and dining spaces, along with a single-car garage and an outdoor room. The intersecting, lower-roofed volume houses the bedroom, utility, and office spaces. Material choices distinguish these intersecting forms. The primary axis is clad in distressed wood siding and dark bronze composite, with exposed glulam beams accentuating its directionality. This culminates in a glass-walled living room that overlooks the river. The lower-roofed bedroom wings are clad in pre-weathered corrugated steel, featuring strategically placed windows and doors that frame the views. Inside, low ceilings are finished with plywood, while high ceilings continue the exposed beams and decking of the exterior soffits. Concrete floors, plywood walls and ceilings, and dark steel backsplashes lend the cabin an industrial edge.
Interior Design
At the center of the cruciform plan is the kitchen, much of which is freestanding, allowing for smooth circulation through and around it. Dark, leathered granite countertops provide a crisp contrast to the salvaged wood cabinets, which also serve as room dividers and storage in the living room. The interior design cleverly uses materials to create a cohesive, functional, and visually appealing space.
Passive Solar Strategies and Site Integration
Thoughtfully sited with passive solar strategies in mind, the Chewuch Cabin prioritizes shaded areas, especially given the presence of only one mature tree on the site. Above the outdoor room, exposed glulam beams support retractable awnings, providing flexibility and additional shade. These features, along with overhangs, help mitigate intense summer sun and protect walkways from winter snow. The high eave extends to shade the riverside deck off the living room, while an extended rake shelters the walkway to the home’s entrance.
Conclusion
The Chewuch Cabin harmoniously blends architectural innovation and natural beauty. By thoughtfully integrating passive solar strategies, high-quality materials, and a unique cruciform design, this cabin offers a perfect retreat that balances shelter and exposure to the stunning landscape of north-central Washington. The result is a small, expertly crafted home that provides comfort, functionality, and a deep connection to its surroundings.
