Lake Edith Cabin

Jasper, AB, Canada

Located on the west shore of Lake Edith in the heart of Jasper National Park this cabin is part of a historic summer cabin land lease. Created in a time before easy access to the mountain parks only a few hundred lots remain across Canada and access is restricted to summer months.

Inspired by Canada’s tradition of lakeside cabins this compact design recreates the connection of a historic summer cabin to the environment. The timber frame living spaces are fully glazed, bringing the forest into the home, the vertically divided windows reinforce the rhythm of the lodge pole pines and echo the uninsulated walls of simple summer cabins.

Envisioned to continue to the summer cabin tradition of family gatherings, the owners have squeezed bunks into the loft and turned the underutilized garage into a bunkie. Large gatherings can overflow into the surrounding landscape in tents and hammocks. Outdoor spaces are the heart of summer cabin living.

Every storm lantern, gate latch door handle and fitting evoke the historic character of the cabin, attention to detail from the elegant long timbers of the early North American style timber frame to the oil rubbed bronze hardware completes the composition. Flagstone flooring extends from the living room space out to a substantial wrap around patio and sheltered courtyard, adding much needed space to the restricted building size. The lot faces southeast towards the lake and mountains.

Large eaves protect the home from the hot summer sun and the enclosed courtyards’ water feature creates a cool space in the summer and a sheltered area with a fire for the cooler months. Local natural materials from stone to Douglas Fir complete the nature inspired and rooted home.