Canadian architecture studio Atelier L’Abri has created a remarkable retreat called the Kanata Cabin in the beautiful forested hills of the Canadian Laurentians. This dwelling stands out with its simplicity and elegance, adorned with a silver exterior. The purpose of this unique design was to create a pet-friendly rental cottage in Mont Tremblant, known as ‘La Niche’ to its owners. Interestingly, the design elements of the cabin resemble a doghouse, adding a delightful charm to its surroundings.
Despite its small size, the Kanata Cabin manages to incorporate functionality and minimalism within its compact footprint. With a total area of 650ft², the cottage features a single bedroom, a screened porch, an efficient living and kitchen space, and an exterior hot tub. The cabin’s aesthetic is characterized by its vernacular gable-shaped roof and a distinctive arched doorway that offers direct views of the Boreal Forest. Despite its spatial limitations, the cottage’s high cathedral ceiling, well-lit living spaces, and panoramic views create a sense of grandeur.
The exterior of the cabin is adorned with silver-colored wood cladding, which is interrupted by vertical baguettes. This minimalistic design approach allows the building to blend harmoniously with its environment. Over time, the wood planks will weather naturally, further enhancing the cabin’s integration with the surrounding deciduous trees. The Kanata Cabin is a testament to the beauty that can be achieved through simplicity and thoughtful design.
Formally, the building’s volume is a nod to the pet-friendly nature of the rental cottage. This humble yet playful gesture continues in the interior details of the house. An integrated small arched nook in the kitchen island cabinetry provides a cozy space for both visitors and their pets to enjoy their getaway.
While realized on an affordable budget, the small structure’s exterior walls are constructed using 2×8 studs to achieve performance levels higher than standard constructions. This framing detail enables the use of bio-sourced recycled cellulose fiber as the primary insulation material, reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
Lastly, the tiny house is built on a structural slab, reducing costs, construction time, materials, concrete volume, and overall carbon footprint. These cost-effective solutions to promote better practices in the built environment are integral to Atelier L’Abri’s approach and ongoing commitment to exploring readily available ways to construct more sustainable buildings.
With its hyper-optimized plan, architectural simplicity, and refined interior details, the Kanata Cabin project offers a truly unique experience that seamlessly integrates with the environment and caters to its diverse users. The project is part of the Kanata Tremblant site, a 3,000-acre estate in the heart of nature. Visitors to the cabin can use it as a basecamp to explore the Mont Tremblant region, discover its picturesque landscapes, engage in outdoor activities, and enjoy the vibrant local culture.