Boundary Point Cabin

Perched above a glacial lake in southern British Columbia, Boundary Point Cabin is designed as a gathering place for an extended family to reconnect each summer. The clients — a young family who had long visited the property — were drawn to its panoramic views and the brilliant reflections off the water. They sought a home that opened fully to the landscape while supporting a wide range of seasonal activities. On early site walks, the architects explored the sloping hillside where Douglas fir, cedar, and pine give way to a rocky outcrop. Embracing the feeling of floating in the forest, they designed a cabin that cantilevers over the rock face, its wedge-like form following the natural terrain. The 2,500-square-foot home heightens the exhilaration of its setting and amplifies the communal spirit of lakeside living. The family wished to preserve the natural beauty of the site, adding only minimal elements such as new campsites, a fire pit, and a stair to the lake. An existing aged log cabin was relocated and restored for guest use. To address the challenges of building remotely — and to support a cost-effective approach — the team used regional builders, fabricators, and locally sourced materials, accounting for about 80% of the construction. Dark-stained Western red cedar siding and fiber cement panels were chosen to visually dissolve the structure into the forest, allowing light and shadow to blur the boundaries between architecture and landscape. A Douglas fir trellis extends from the structure supporting the lofted bedrooms and frames the arrival sequence, gradually revealing lake views. The kitchen serves as the social center, transitioning easily to outdoor dining. Inside, the great room is wrapped in pre-finished birch plywood panels — a humble material elevated through careful detailing to bring warmth and a relaxed character. A carved-away portion of the façade along the deck provides a panoramic vantage point, drawing the southern curve of the lake into view. Slender steel cross-bracing supports the expansive window wall without obstructing the scenery. A stair outside the main living volume leads to two loft bedrooms and bathrooms, with an additional bunk room tucked above, accessed by ladder. While the cabin is intended primarily for summer use, an energy-efficient fireplace and heating system, along with continuous exterior insulation, ensure comfort in colder months. In summer, large operable windows and doors throughout promote natural ventilation in the living spaces and bedrooms. The result is a refined, light-touch intervention — a cabin that hovers over its landscape and immerses its occupants in the rhythms, views, and sensations of the lake.