Deconstruction Reshapes Log Cabin Style
All these Chicago homeowners pictured this home as a romantic log cabin getaway from their city resides. Set out of Pinedale, Wyoming, this scenic 10-acre riverside property is like something out of a dream. However, the clients were not interested in a traditional cabin — they desired a more modern approach.
Architect Eric Logan and his team at Carney Logan Burke Architects deconstructed the traditional notion of a log cabin and cut on the home to three main pavilions connected by one long hallway. Regional materials and classic drop roofs help tie this new house.
Interior layout: Nina Hancock, Hancock & Hancock
at a Glance
Who lives here: A few from Chicago
Location: Pinedale, Wyoming
Size: 3,161 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The outside material palette takes its cues from the surroundings. Cedar siding, oxidized alloy and farmer’s stone are all recognizable to the area. Straightforward shed roofs represent the style of nearby ranch houses but specify various segments from the layout. “It is almost barnyard architecture,” says Logan.
Although this was designed as a second house, the clients loved it so much, they made the move permanent.
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The apartment landscape allows for extended views out to mountain ranges in the space. The New Fork River runs through the house — the perfect placement for one of those homeowners, who loves to fish.
Stone on chimney: dry stacked farmer’s stone; interior and exterior logs: square-cut Douglas fir hand-hewn logs
Carney Logan Burke Architects
Contrary to a log cabin, which is normally just one big area, the residence is split into many sections by function. A single hallway runs through the entire house, connecting front entry to the back entrance and breaking off to the different segments.
Flooring: reclaimed fir
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The design makes the unique layout clear. The extended hallway connects the 3 main pavilions — one dedicated to the master suite, another to the great room and kitchen, and also the final to the garage and guest rooms.
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The hallway wall is constructed from hand-hewn, square-cut Douglas fir logs — a reference to the home’s log cabin inspiration. Rather than cutting out large glass window walls all over the house, Logan and his team strategically placed key windows to get the optimum viewpoints.
Carney Logan Burke Architects
Wax applied to the oxidized metal on the kitchen island created a leathery feel — as with the metal on the home’s exterior. A walnut shelf with a live border constitutes a minibar and a storage area. The hickory comes with an aging stain that will deepen with time.
Kitchen countertop: Atlantic Black granite, matte finish; range, stove, hood: Wolf; cabinetry: Pine Creek Woodworks; dishwasher: Fisher Paykel
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The layout reflects Logan’s notion of a deconstructed log cabin. By pulling each one the functions of the home, he created more chances for clear views and sheltered outdoor spaces.
The dining and living areas all connect in this social pavilion. “There’s an informality for this distance,” he states.
Lighting: Artemide, BK Lighting, Bega; floors: stained, waxed concrete
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The bedrooms are all located in various parts of the home, and the various orientations provide each a unique view. Interior designer Nina Hancock outfitted the home with classic furniture in clean lines and neutral colours, drawing on the eye outside.
Headboard: custom, Nina Hancock; wall paint: Sherwin-Williams
Carney Logan Burke Architects
Like the rest of the interior layout, the bathroom is simple and makes use of organic materials, such as rock tile, hardwood floors and limestone countertops.
Fixtures: American Standard, Kohler; countertop: St. Baudille honed limestone; shower tile: Stone Source, Camel Natural; vanity: custom
Carney Logan Burke Architects
At each end of the home, hewn log walls expand the length of the hallway out past the outside. Boardwalks on either side attract the hallway’s path to the landscape.
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The layout of this 3 separate pavilions creates a south courtyard. There are prominent winds in this region, but this courtyard remains protected from gusts and gets plenty of sun.
Carney Logan Burke Architects
“Our overarching goal was to construct [the house] lightly on the land,” says Logan. The cedar siding will eventually take on a grey patina, blending into the surroundings.
Carney Logan Burke Architects
The boardwalk at the back of the home crosses a seasonal stream, ending at this pond.