A Guemes Island Guest Cabin That’s Rustic Yet Modern

Nestled on Guemes Island looking out to the Bellingham Channel in Washington State, the Guemes Island Bunkhouse is two-story retreat with a nod to the past. Designed by SHED Architecture & Design, the rustic yet modern bunkhouse is set to be a family heirloom for future generations to enjoy on family vacations.

The bunkhouse is built just ten feet away from the family’s 100-year-old log cabin, a relic originally located on Lopez Island and then taken apart and floated to its current location in the 1940s. Unlike nearby homes, the cabin is set back into the trees, providing a more private experience, while maintaining western views. The new bunkhouse follows suit, perched strategically to embrace nature while minimizing the footprint.

front exterior view of black two-story narrow cabin in woods

For water, they first had to decommission the property’s dry well before installing a rainwater catchment and potable water system. Further uphill, a new septic system is placed away from the floodplain, ensuring the bunkhouse won’t be affected by rising sea levels.

corner exterior view of black two-story narrow cabin in woods

side exterior view of black two-story narrow cabin in woods

Drawing inspiration from its rustic cabin roots, the exterior is clad with two kinds of black-stained siding – Disdero Cabin Log Siding on the bottom and 1×6 Tongue and Groove Rough Sawn Western Red Cedar Ship Cladding on the top floor. Curved details on the rafter tails and bunk bed ladders pay homage to the log siding, creating a design that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

back angled exterior view of black two-story narrow cabin in woods

back exterior view of black two-story narrow cabin in woods

The architects at SHED Architecture & Design relied on low-maintenance materials, like stainless steel, plywood, and sheet marmoleum flooring.

down slope exterior view of black two-story narrow cabin in woods

exterior view of black two-story narrow cabin in woods

interior view of rustic modern cabin with wood paneled walls

Visitors arrive via a front porch that opens up to a compact ground floor with a kitchenette, built-in desk, and bathroom that accommodates multiple people. Open wood stairs lead occupants to the second story.

interior view of rustic modern cabin with open bathroom and two sinks

interior view of rustic modern cabin's shower

angled interior view of small simple desk under wood stairs in cabin

upstairs interior view of open floor plan of cabin bedrooms and seating area

On the top floor, a U-shaped, built-in seating area lives under a slanted wall of windows that frame the surrounding trees and Bellingham Channel below. On either end of the open gathering space there are sleeping areas to for the overflow of people visiting.

angled interior view of corner seating space under sloped windows

view into U-shaped nook with built-in seating under sloped windows

In addition to the two sleeping quarters, each of which includes a bed and set of bunkbeds, the seating nook doubles as extra places for visitors to sleep when needed.

interior view of modern cabin with bunkbeds on right and regular bed on left with views through to other rooms

partial view of simple bedroom in modern cabin

partial angled view of rustic modern bunkbeds in cabin

Contractor: Kaplan Homes
Structural Engineer: Todd Perbix
Interior Designer: Jennie Gruss
Photographer: Dain Susman

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.