Here’s 8 design observations of a simple modern cabin.
Recently we took a trip to Joshua Tree, CA with one agenda: to relax, unwind, and refresh.
The adventure took us us to a new terrain that we had never experienced before: the desert. The journey was transformative, taking us from crowded planes and bustling highways, to city streets, and eventually to rural country roads and bumpy lanes that had us wondering if we should have rented a 4×4 vehicle to traverse before we ultimately arrived at our remote cabin oasis in the desert.
Our modern retreat provided an excellent base camp for our desert explorations in Joshua Tree National Park, hiking in the high peaks in San Jacinto State Park (topping at over 10,000 feet above sea level) and into the low desert cities like Palm Springs at just above sea level.
While the sights were incredible, so too was the experience of staying in a simple modern cabin in the middle of nowhere. So much so, that we decided we needed to share our design observations with you from our remote cabin experience.
1. Isolated yet accessible
Having access to local amenities is reassuring but it’s nice to also feel removed from them and in your own little world in the middle of nowhere. In Joshua Tree, the population is over seven thousand people, but you’d never know it. Houses and cabins are spread out along small country roads, many of which are sand, and yet you can still get to town in about 20 minutes by car.
2. Emphasis on the outdoors
Large windows are important so that you feel connected to the landscape around you. At Joshua Tree, our cabin had large windows in all directions with nearly uninterrupted views to the surrounding desert and mountains. There was also a covered patio and outdoor shower. And even at night, we could gaze up at the dark sky and see thousands of stars since there were no city lights to pollute the sky.
3. Simple floor plan
Having a simple floor plan with a straightforward layout has an interesting effect in helping your mind stay clutter-free so that you can relax. Our simple modern cabin had a simple 20’x40′ footprint with an open plan layout. It was highly functional and efficient with no need for hallways, no funny jogs or protruding bays, and no wasted space.
4. Small, but not too small
The best cabins are contained in a compact shell. They are cozy and efficient, just providing enough space to serve their purpose. At 800 sf, our cabin had just three simple rooms: a common (living, eating, cooking), a bathroom, and a bedroom (with a small outdoor storage area). The cabin felt cozy but not crammed, especially with the vaulted ceiling that helped create the feeling of more space. The coziness also let us better appreciate the surrounding environment and the company we kept while in the structure.
5. Simple construction with very little upkeep
Cleaning and maintenance are the last thing you want to think of while staying in a remote cabin while you’re trying to enjoy yourself in it. Simple, durable construction helps alleviate the need to deal with constant upkeep. In our cabin, exposed concrete floors were easy to keep clean and provided a good thermal mass. The gable roof of corrugated metal roof with rafters and exposed timber collar ties expressed the practical nature of the roof framing. Simple finishes made the space feel bright and easy to maintain.
6. Sensible and regionally specific methods and materials
Staying true to a region’s construction methods and materials will almost always lead to a more cost-effective design. In our case, low gable roofs with large overhangs are appropriate in the area to provide shelter, basic sun protection, and the occassional diversion of rain. Natural wood provides contrast and accent to the space, reinforcing the connection to nature.
7. Basic utilities and amenities
While its not necessary to have all the luxuries of modern living and connected devices, having basic utilities and amenities are nice – primarily running water, electricity, and a heating/cooling source. We had a wood stove and basic electric and water, but didn’t need any fancy devices or smart tech in our simple modern cabin. There was also no TV or laundry, but therecord player and collection of coffee table books were nice. The galley kitchen was compact and efficient with just enough space to store the essentials. Artificial lighting was minimal but sufficient, all the better to see the starry sky.
8. Bright, airy and minimal interior design
Consistent materials throughout provide harmony and balance, as do white walls. The interior design of our modern cabin was simple and minimal. There was a texture and richness in the exposed wood, furniture, and decor that warmed you and created a sense of place. White walls allowed the spaces to feel brighter and seem bigger, another design strategy to create the illusion of more space.
Final Thoughts
Our Joshua Tree cabin was everything it needed to be and nothing more… but it was, indeed, so much more. In staying in this simple modern cabin for four days, it became apparent that the owners have mastered the art of respite living, finding a near perfect balance of shelter and enjoyment.
We can learn a great deal from simple modern cabins like this one at Joshua Tree. Most importantly, that less is oftentimes more, and with practical, durable, and simple materials even basic structures can be just what we need.
