The Great Lakes Cabin

How do we produce a piece of architecture that can be flat-packed and assembled like a piece of furniture? This question planted the seed for the Backcountry Hut Company. Our mandate is to assist individuals and organizations in the design and construction of affordable, small-scale structures, especially in remote locations where traditional construction methods are difficult or impossible. The Backcountry Hut Company is inspired by Dieter Ram’s ethos of “less but better” – an experiment in minimal living, and an attempt to expand the boundaries of traditional architectural practice. We want to explore architecture as a recipe that is shared, but which evolves while maintaining a core idea. This approach raises some fundamental questions: What is the right amount and type of user participation? What construction methodologies and approaches are feasible? How can we develop a framework for emergent systems of architecture and planning? How can our model successfully address universal human requirements for shelter while also affording opportunities for specificity and customization? Through our research into these questions we have developed a kit-of-parts system that utilizes the principles of prefabrication, DIY assembly, and sustainable design. This system consists of a wood-framed skeleton with Lego-like blocks for wall, floor, and roof assemblies. It can be assembled by volunteers with minimal experience and no specialized skills. It can be flat-packed for delivery to remote locations. It is scalable, designed as a series of 250-square-foot configurable modules, and customizable. The design of the shell and interior are separated to allow adaptation to a wide range of functional uses and applications, and thus appeal to a wide audience. The core values of the Backcountry Hut Company – functionality, quality, sustainability, and value – are resonating with like-minded people, all of whom are inspired by the idea of “less but better”. Credits: – Leckie Studio Architecture + Design – Project Architect – Cameron Koroluk – Leckie Studio Architecture + Design – Architectural Intern – Matthew Joyce – Leckie Studio Architecture + Design – Junior Designer – Jasper Hayes – The Backcountry Hut Company – Principal Architect / Co-Founder – Michael Leckie – Cascadianwoodtech – Fabrication Partner – Cyrill Werlen – Leckie Studio Architecture + Design – Project Architect – Thomas Schroeder – The Backcountry Hut Company – Co-Founder – Wilson Edgar