leckie studio designs a prefabricated flat-packed cabin for backcountry hut company

founded in vancouver, british columbia, canada, the backcountry hut company was conceived to assist individuals and organizations in the design, planning, and construction of small-scale outdoor structures. the approach consists of a prefabricated, flat-packed, mass-customizable system that can be configured to meet a wide range of individual needs. the great lakes cabin designed by leckie studio is being presented at IDS as the latest edition of the backcountry hut company product offering. the system provides a premium quality shelter suitable for remote locations, with capabilities to withstand the harshest weather conditions.

the design concept presents a modernist interpretation of the notion of rustic wilderness living, based on the spirit of canadian outdoor culture

the aesthetic and materials of the great lakes cabin take cues from the environment of the landscape of the canadian shield, cottage country, and the great lakes region of north america. the compact structure is crafted to have a minimal environmental impact on the site. every square inch of its 670 square foot (62.2 square meters) footprint is utilized, featuring a lofted sleeping area, a bathroom, and a covered exterior deck. the structural system is comprised of a sustainably harvested engineered timber frame, clad with prefabricated insulated wall/roof/floor panels. the envelope system can be customized to meet net zero and passive house standards.

the backcountry hut company has been selected by IDS toronto to provide the design concept house for the latest edition taking place from january 17 to 20, 2019

the cabin interior is divided into two different spaces with separate functions: a sleeping loft, and an open plan ‘great room’ for cooking, living, and dining. a fully-glazed end wall creates a large aperture for a strong visual connection with nature. inspired by the idea of ikea’s founder ingvar kamprad of providing affordable well-designed products ‘for the many people’, the backcountry hut company has developed a kit-of-parts solution to shelter through the provision of a flat-packed system with the following characteristics:

prefabrication — the ‘kit-of-parts’ hut system is designed as an engineered wood post-and-beam frame that is then layered with prefabricated insulated panels. a simple nail-on window system is provided, and prefabricated cladding modules are then applied.

modularity — the standardized structural modules can be combined to adjust the size, and adapt the structure for different needs, whether for one person, or a group.

ease of assembly — the components easily fit together with pre-engineered connections, and the scale of the building affords it’s assembly by a group of volunteers with minimal tools, through the use of traditional ‘barn-raising’ techniques. the system is built on a pile system with minimal site work required, diminishing the building’s environmental impact on the site.

customization — the shell and interior fit-out are separate platforms, allowing for customization for a range of possible needs and scenarios – whether the intended use is for outdoor recreation or urban living.

sustainability — the cabin uses FSC certified lumber and engineered wood products, 100% recyclable components, and adopts a zero-waste philosophy.

the compact structure is crafted to have a minimal environmental impact on the site

this method is intended to allow owners to construct them in remote areas, without the need for heavy machinery. leckie studio’s hut is also designed to be self-sufficient and fully equipped for a comfortable stay.

the structural system is comprised of a sustainably harvested engineered timber frame, clad with prefabricated insulated wall/roof/floor panels

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom