Big Cabin | Little Cabin

Big Cabin | Little Cabin is a residential project consisting of two small structures sited on a rocky ledge in Fairplay, Colorado, completed in 2017. The clients sought a modern interpretation of the traditional mountain cabin, responding to the site's exposure and panoramic views toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The project was conceived as a pair of gabled volumes recalling the region’s vernacular architecture and intended to accommodate gathering, rest, and immersion in the landscape, while also supporting high energy efficiency in the mountain climate. The two cabins are clad in dark-stained cedar siding, allowing the buildings to recede visually into the surrounding forest. Expanses of glass draw daylight and mountain views into the interiors, while operable windows facilitate natural cross-ventilation from multiple directions. The interiors are finished in understated plywood, emphasizing the cabins’ simplicity. Heating is delivered by a radiant concrete slab, a high-efficiency wood stove, and a 96%-efficient boiler. Energy use is further minimized through LED lighting, efficient electric appliances, and closed-cell insulation. The cabins are pre-wired for a photovoltaic array designed to fully offset electrical demand, aligning the project’s environmental impact with its measured, contemporary approach to rustic mountain living.

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