Located at the top of a steep hill in Muskoka, Ontario, the Bunkie on the Hill is a contemporary take on the classic forest cabin. Designed by Toronto-based Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, this modern cabin is the smallest in a collection of structures spread across four family properties. Despite its compact size, the 1,000-sq-ft cabin stands as an exemplary model of how sustainable design can be both functional and in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Modern A-Frame Cabin Design with Split Roof
The Bunkie on the Hill is a modern reimagining of the A-frame cabin, incorporating a unique split roof design with two intersecting gables. This architectural feature allows for panoramic geometric windows, bringing the natural world inside with stunning views of the treetops and the lake below. The sharp angles and sloping rooflines also optimize the flow of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere within the cabin.
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Lakefront Cabin with Dual Facades
The cabin’s exterior showcases two distinct facades: one side features a tall, glazed wall that faces the lake, offering breathtaking lake views, while the other side presents a more opaque design for privacy and protection from the elements. The entrance to the cabin, located on the west side, is accessed via a walkway flanked by a cedar screen, echoing the tree trunks of the surrounding forest cabin setting.
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Features
Constructed using FSC-rated wood, the cabin features wood siding and natural cedar soffits that blend seamlessly with the forest environment. Boasting thick exterior walls, triple-glazed windows, and an R-value over 40, the cabin’s energy efficiency is impressive. Its minimal heating system, along with low-flow plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient lighting, significantly reduces its environmental footprint, making it an ideal example of a sustainable cabin in the woods.
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Functional and Stylish Interior Design
Inside, the cabin’s open floor plan is designed to maximize both space and functionality. The lower level features a large living and dining area, complete with a minimalist kitchen and double-height framed windows that open onto a spacious timber outdoor terrace. The master bedroom at the rear boasts a peaceful forest view through a carefully placed feature window, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
The upper loft offers not only extra sleeping space but also a built-in desk with expansive views of both the living area and the lake beyond. Throughout the interior, dark charcoal window frames add contrast to the otherwise neutral palette, while vibrant furniture pieces provide pops of color. Warm natural materials, including oak flooring, maple plywood partitions, and cedar ceiling slats, add texture and depth to the design. The dramatic vaulted ceiling enhances the sense of spaciousness, making the compact cabin feel grand and open.
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A Modern Cabin Blending Style and Sustainability
The Bunkie on the Hill is more than just a stylish forest retreat—it’s a model of eco-friendly cabin design that prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency. With its modern A-frame architecture, dual facades, and thoughtful interior, this cabin in Muskoka, Ontario, exemplifies how contemporary design can reflect both function and form, creating a truly special place in the heart of nature.
