olson kundig's false bay writer's cabin is the ultimate WFH office

with people around the world continuing to work from home, many of us are looking for ways to make remote working suitable for both professional and personal living. providing inspiration, this project by olson kundig is a 500 square foot (46 sqm) cabin on san juan island in the US state of washington that serves as both a writer’s retreat and guest cottage. the owners asked for a secure space that simultaneously felt connected to its island setting — the mild climate, scenic views, and proximity to wildlife.

images by tim bies / olson kundig (also main image)

the project, known as the ‘false bay writer’s cabin’, was designed by olson kundig as a glass house surrounded by three wooden slat decks. these surfaces can be raised through a system of hydraulic winches, wire rope, pivoting sheaves, and lead blocks to serve as shutters. when open, the decks are outdoor living space, connecting to the cabin’s interior through tall windows and sliding doors. however, once closed, they help secure the cabin.

image by benjamin benschneider

‘it is intended to be a shelter of extremes, open or closed,’ explain the architects. ‘in order to feel cold, you have to feel hot; in order to feel safe, you have to feel at risk. contrast is the true measure of a complete experience.’ inside, the cabin is essentially a single room with a modest back area housing a bathroom and kitchenette. when the murphy bed is lowered, the transformation from writer’s retreat to guest cottage is complete.

image by aaron leitz

the fireplace rotates 180 degrees to be enjoyed indoors or out, while the inverted roof with deep overhangs forces water to drain to the rear of the cabin. here, a rack attached to the façade organizes the owners’ kayaks. see other projects by olson kundig on our dedicated page, including this larger cabin in vermont. other recently featured cabins include this mobile home on wheels and a lightweight modular design.

image by tim bies / olson kundig

project info:

name: false bay writer’s cabin
location: san juan island, washington
completed: 2010
size: 500 sqf / 46 sqm

architect: olson kundig
project team: tom kundig, FAIA, RIBA, design principal; kirsten r. murray, FAIA, project principal; paul schlachter, LEED® AP, project manager; todd matthes, project staff
contractor: lowe construction
consultants and craftspeople: MCE structural consultants, inc. (structural engineering); turner exhibits (shutter decks); sara steinfeld ltd. (interior design); island gardens (landscape design); gem welding (steel fabrication)