Perched high above the forest canopy in Golden, British Columbia, Canada, the Columbia River Valley Lookout is a striking modern cabin by Twobytwo Architecture Studio. that turns simplicity into a cozy art form. Designed as both a family retreat and a celebration of the surrounding mountain landscape, the home is compact in design and embraces the elevation.
Clad in blackened wood and grounded by a solid concrete base, the three-story cabin emerges from the trees with a quiet confidence. Its vertical form allows it to capture sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Columbia River Valley and the mountains beyond – a deliberate move to make every level of the home feel closer to the treetops and sky. A sleek, shed-style roof caps the structure, echoing the slope of the terrain while maintaining a minimalist silhouette.
The exterior’s dark facade is softened by a cantilevered steel balcony that wraps around one corner of the home, offering a dynamic moment in the design – both sculptural and functional. This feature, along with the home’s clean geometry, sets a bold contrast against the natural textures of the surrounding forest.
The homeowners, Sandra Bassett and Chris Urbinsky, brought more than just a vision to the project. As a family affair, Sandra’s sister, architect Jenny Bassett, co-led the design alongside partner David Tyl, while Chris, a steel engineer, contributed his technical expertise to the home’s structure and detailing. His hand is evident throughout the project – from the precision of the balcony’s construction to the exposed Douglas fir rafters and the dramatic steel staircase that connects all three floors..
Inside, the cabin opens up in surprising ways. The top-floor living space – the heart of the home – is bathed in light from 14-foot-tall ceilings and expansive picture windows that frame the forest and peaks beyond. A restrained palette of white walls, polished concrete floors, and warm wood ceilings creates a serene backdrop that lets the landscape take center stage. The effect is both modern and grounded – a space that feels airy yet cozy, industrial yet welcoming.
On the middle level, two bedrooms and two bathrooms provide the main sleeping quarters for the home, while the ground level houses the garage, storage, guest bedroom, and guest bathroom.
To learn more about the Columbia River Valley Lookout cabin by Twobytwo Architecture Studio, please visit twobytwo.ca.
Construction by Zimmerman Construction.
Photography by Hayden Pattullo.
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