- Project: Cabin at Longbranch
- Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
- Location: United States, Longbranch, Washington
- Year: 2014
- Area: 111 m2
- Photography: Kevin Scott, Benjamin Benschneider
A Lifetime of Design Rooted in Place
The Cabin at Longbranch is not merely a home—it is the story of a life devoted to architecture, nature, and patience. Designed and personally built by architect Jim Olson, founding partner of Olson Kundig, the project began in 1959 as a 14-foot-square bunkhouse, when Olson was just 18 years old. Over the course of 55 years, the structure underwent thoughtful renovations and expansions, culminating in a 1,200-square-foot weekend retreat perched on the edge of Puget Sound and nestled among towering fir trees.
Each remodel—completed in 1981, 1997, 2003, and 2014—did not replace the former iteration but rather integrated and preserved it, allowing the cabin to reflect its own evolving architectural story.
Modest Materials and Monumental Connection
The design is intentionally quiet and modest, composed of simple, readily available materials that allow the forest and water to take center stage. Key architectural elements include:
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Plywood sheathing on wood-framed walls, inside and out
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Steel columns and glulam beams supporting an exposed roof
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Fir flooring that continues outside as decking
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A unifying low-slung roof that binds a set of interconnected rooms
Strategically placed sliding doors, skylights, and picture windows create constant visual and spatial connections with nature. One of the most striking elements is an 11′ x 13′ window in the living room that frames the meadow and Puget Sound, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out.
Living With the Forest, Not Against It
Olson’s deep reverence for the natural site guided every design decision. Notably, three mature trees grow directly through the deck, and in one case, even pierce the roof through a dedicated opening. This choice reflects a commitment to designing with, rather than over, the landscape—a philosophy central to Olson Kundig’s body of work.
This retreat is not a showpiece of luxury but rather a spiritual anchor, where nature and architecture coexist in harmony.
Cabin at Longbranch: A Testament to Patience and Place
Cabin at Longbranch stands as a personal manifesto by Jim Olson—an enduring example of how architecture can evolve through time, rooted in continuity, craftsmanship, and a profound sense of place. It’s a rare project where each layer of design reflects not only changing needs, but the growth of the designer himself.
