A Horseshoe-Shaped Cabin in the Pacific Northwest Brings the Outside In

Standing on the front porch of this modernist cabin, you can’t help but feel lucky—and that’s not just because it’s shaped like a horseshoe. The courtyard-hugging layout of the single-story home in Washington’s Methow Valley is truly something special: a warm, welcoming architectural delight nestled in the thick of a pine forest, yet flooded with light. 

Of course, to call homeowners Paula Whipple and Jeff Watson fortunate to live there discounts the thoughtful decisions and rigorous design work alongside Seattle-based CAST Architecture and Bjornsen Construction. Jeff and Paula were visiting the Methow Valley from their home state of Oregon on a cross-country ski trip in 2017 when they saw vast potential in an empty two-acre lot—a place to build their dream home, one that would celebrate their indoor/outdoor lifestyle at every turn.

Though the cabin has a thoroughly modern layout and shape, CAST Architecture brought in materials that nod to more traditional cabin designs. Warm wood—found in the ceiling panels, window trim, and Douglas fir kitchen cabinetry—gives the space an amber glow, while cool concrete floors and a chic, steel-clad fireplace balance out the rustic references. The interior wood ceiling extends out onto the patio eaves, further connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. And many of the design decisions contributed to creating an energy-efficient home, from the low-slope roof design, to the concrete floors, to the high-efficiency NanaWall folding glass walls.

The sweeping NanaWall folding glass walls that line the low-slung, 2,000-square-foot cabin are the star feature of the immersive design here though. The moveable panels slide open to connect the steel-and-concrete building seamlessly with nature. On one side of the home, the NanaWall folding glass walls open to tie the dining area into the sun-soaked patio lined with custom steel railings; on the other side, the walls open to the cozy courtyard, complete with a fire pit and loungers.  

The open-concept kitchen and living area, where Paula and Jeff happily entertain family and friends throughout the year, are bathed in ample natural light from the 12-foot-high windows. A custom hot-rolled steel fireplace, built from metal sourced from Johnsen Steel Works, is an industrial-modern take on the classic hearth, warming guests particularly in the winter months.

In one wing, you’ll find the primary bedroom and en suite, including a walk-in closet and laundry room (plus a dog bed). Here, a built-in Douglas fir headboard with obscure glass creates a shared wall with the bathroom, simultaneously offering privacy and light.

The other wing of the home is what the architects call a "utility wing," capable of becoming a guest bedroom (thanks to built-in cabinetry and Murphy bed), or suitable to use for an office and games area. For added privacy, the area can be separated by a pocketed curtain.

With the NanaWall folded open, the alpine breeze flows through from front to back; when closed, the sweeping views of the treeline and mountain ranges are framed like works of art. 

Whatever the season, Paula and Jeff can consider themselves lucky homeowners after all. 

Learn more at nanawall.com.