Columbia Cabin is a small retreat set on a remote lot in Shelter Bay, British Columbia, overlooking the Columbia River and the mountains beyond. The design responds directly to its setting, grounding a compact footprint within a rugged landscape.

At approximately 66 sqm, the cabin is modest in size but expansive in its relationship to the outdoors. A covered patio, equal in area to the interior and wrapping two sides of the building, extends daily life outside and regularly hosts weekly yoga classes. All primary rooms have direct exterior access, reinforcing continuous movement between inside and out. At the rear, the roof extends to shelter a hot tub.

The structure is expressed internally through exposed cross-laminated timber panels from Slovenia, which form both structure and finish. The exterior is clad in Douglas-fir, selected for durability and its ability to weather naturally within the surrounding forest and river valley.

Environmental systems are scaled to the building’s modest demands. A single-zone heat pump and electric in-floor heating support comfort with minimal energy input, reflecting the cabin’s low heating load and efficient envelope.