Countryside Escapes: Modern Cabin in Cascade Mountains
Located on a rain-drenched site in Marblemount, Wash., this sleek and sustainable cabin uses a sloping exterior to complement the Cascade Mountains. A sprawling porch and set of terraces put the owners face-to-face with the wilderness, while modern furniture and minimal decor create a quiet refuge indoors.

From:
David Coleman
Related To:
Trees Surround Cabin's South Terrace
Knowing that his clients wanted a building that had presence in and subservience to the wild landscape, architect David Coleman and his team designed the building forms to be angular and elemental, not unlike the surrounding mountain peaks. The result is a dramatic design that's deceptively simple, deeply rooted in the site and unexpectedly crisp and modern.
From:
David Coleman
Sleek and Sustainable Cabin in the Cascade Mountains
Located on a rain-drenched site in the northwestern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, this modest, sustainable cabin in Marblemount, Wash., has a big presence in a rugged setting. Notice how the home's sleek, sloping exterior speaks to the slope of the distant mountains.
From:
David Coleman
Cabin Walls Cast a Gorgeous Glow at Night
The polycarbonate skin bathes the interiors in sunlight during the day, and the exterior terrace in a dramatic display of light at night. The homeowners absolutely adore the glow from the translucent walls.
From:
David Coleman
Angular Ceiling Planes Add Interest to Living Room
Though seemingly simple, the interior is actually full of drama thanks to the angular ceiling planes above. Meanwhile, a soft gray sectional and patterned pillows ensure the living room area is nice and comfortable.
From:
David Coleman
Modern Kitchen With Earthy Color Palette
The reading loft is actually positioned right above the kitchen! Down below, wood cabinets complement the home's natural environment, while forest green tile makes for an earthy backsplash.
From:
David Coleman
Reading Loft With Midcentury Armchair
This cozy reading nook is one of the client's favorite spaces, as it was designed to overlook the living room and mountains. Here, a single blue armchair invites the owner to curl up with a novel.
From:
David Coleman
Lines Blur Between Master Bedroom, Outdoors
With walls of glass, the master bedroom almost seems to become one with the wilderness. The custom cabinetry was built by the owner, a fine craftsman, and proudly showcases his book collection.
From:
David Coleman
Shower With Seamless Transition to Private Terrace
Imagine showering with a view like this every morning! Because one side of the stall opens to a private terrace, the owners can enjoy their hot water and modern amenities while feeling like they're in the middle of the wilderness.
From:
David Coleman
Studio Space Doubles as Music Room
The 1,000-square-foot studio houses a music room, workshop and a guest loft. The western wall is clad in a polycarbonate skin, which bathes the interiors in sunlight during the day.
From:
David Coleman
Modern Living Room With Walls of Glass
Walls of glass give the sloped roof a sense of lightness. They also provide incredible views of the Cascade Mountains, which the owners can enjoy from the comfort of their living room sofa. The coffee table was custom built by the owner and complements the modern interior, as well as the woodlands beyond it.
From:
David Coleman
Stairs Lead to Interstitial Rain Garden
From the porch, the owners can follow a set of stairs down to an interstitial "rain garden" between the main house and the studio building. They especially love to hang out here on the stairs and take in the view of the treetops and mountains.
From:
David Coleman
Covered Stairs Offer Shelter From Summer Sun
The southeastern porch and monumental stairs are covered by a soaring roof, which rises above the site and offers shelter from the rain and summer sun. The guardrails use welded wire mesh, which is both tough and transparent.
From:
David Coleman
Southeastern Porch Bathed in Sunlight
The building was designed to be seasonally expansive – generous in summer when livability expands onto the porches and private terraces, but also modest and efficient in winter. With its railing and floors bathed in sunlight, the southeastern porch seems especially inviting.
From:
David Coleman
Cabin's Wood Siding Complements Environment
The southeast side of the home is just as impressive up close, with clean lines and sharp slopes. Wood paneling along the exterior ensures that the cabin complements its natural environment.
From:
David Coleman

Photo By: Benjamin Benschneider