Houzz Tours
Modern Architecture
Houzz Tour: Deconstruction Reshapes Log Cabin Style
A river runs through it, but this modern Wyoming home is just as notable for its inventive architectural take on the log cabin archetype
These Chicago homeowners envisioned this house as a romantic log cabin getaway from their city lives. Set outside of Pinedale, Wyoming, this picturesque 10-acre riverside property is like something out of a dream. But the clients weren't interested in a traditional cabin — they wanted 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 the house into three main pavilions connected by a single long hallway. Regional materials and classic shed roofs help to tie this new house into its surroundings.
Interior design: Nina Hancock, Hancock & Hancock
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple from Chicago
Location: Pinedale, Wyoming
Size: 3,161 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Architect Eric Logan and his team at Carney Logan Burke Architects deconstructed the traditional notion of a log cabin and cut the house into three main pavilions connected by a single long hallway. Regional materials and classic shed roofs help to tie this new house into its surroundings.
Interior design: Nina Hancock, Hancock & Hancock
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple from Chicago
Location: Pinedale, Wyoming
Size: 3,161 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
The flat landscape allows for long views out to mountain ranges in the distance. The New Fork River runs through the property — the perfect placement for one of the homeowners, who loves to fish.
Stone on chimney: dry stacked farmer's rock; interior and exterior logs: square-cut Douglas fir hand-hewn logs
Stone on chimney: dry stacked farmer's rock; interior and exterior logs: square-cut Douglas fir hand-hewn logs
Unlike a log cabin, which is traditionally a single large room, the home is divided into several sections by function. A single hallway runs through the entire home, connecting the front entrance to the back entrance and breaking off to the different sections.
Flooring: reclaimed fir
Flooring: reclaimed fir
The plan makes the unique layout clear. The long hallway connects the three main pavilions — one devoted to the master suite, another to the great room and kitchen, and the last to the garage and guest rooms.
The hallway wall is made of hand-hewn, square-cut Douglas fir logs — a reference to the house's log cabin inspiration. Rather than cutting out big glass window walls all over this home, Logan and his team strategically placed key windows for the optimum viewpoints.
Wax applied to the oxidized metal on the kitchen island created a leathery feel — just as with the metal on the home's exterior. A walnut shelf with a live edge makes up a minibar and a storage area. The hickory cabinetry has 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
Kitchen countertop: Atlantic Black granite, matte finish; range, stove, hood: Wolf; cabinetry: Pine Creek Woodworks; dishwasher: Fisher Paykel
The layout reflects Logan's idea of a deconstructed log cabin. By pulling apart all of the functions of the house, he created more opportunities for clear views and sheltered outdoor spaces.
The living and dining areas all connect in this social pavilion. "There's an informality to this space," he says.
Lighting: Artemide, BK Lighting, Bega; flooring: stained, waxed concrete
The living and dining areas all connect in this social pavilion. "There's an informality to this space," he says.
Lighting: Artemide, BK Lighting, Bega; flooring: stained, waxed concrete
The bedrooms are all located in different parts of the house, and the different orientations give each a unique view. Interior designer Nina Hancock outfitted the house with classic furniture in clean lines and neutral colors, drawing the eye outdoors.
Headboard: custom, Nina Hancock; wall paint: Sherwin-Williams
Headboard: custom, Nina Hancock; wall paint: Sherwin-Williams
Like the rest of the interior design, the bathroom is simple and makes use of natural materials, including stone tile, hardwood flooring and limestone countertops.
Fixtures: American Standard, Kohler; countertop: St. Baudille honed limestone; shower tile: Stone Source, Camel Natural; vanity: custom
Fixtures: American Standard, Kohler; countertop: St. Baudille honed limestone; shower tile: Stone Source, Camel Natural; vanity: custom
At each end of the house, hewn log walls extend the length of the hallway out past the exterior. Boardwalks on either side bring the hallway's path into the landscape.
The layout of the three separate pavilions forms a south courtyard. There are prominent winds in this area, but this courtyard remains protected from gusts and gets plenty of sun.
"Our overarching goal was to build [the home] lightly on the land," says Logan. The cedar siding will eventually take on a gray patina, blending into the surroundings.
The boardwalk at the back of the house spans a seasonal stream, ending at this pond.
Although this was intended as a second home, the clients loved it so much, they made the move permanent.