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Two barn structures sit perpendicular to one another with a glass entry foyer connecting them.

The renovation of the home involved stripping out and simplifying finishes in nearly all rooms. The kitchen cabinets, which were in good condition, were retained but painted.

Like the rest of the home, the minimalist color scheme of black and white with pops of color continues in the primary bedroom. The primary bedroom with its en suite bathroom was originally located on the second floor, but Kelly and Aalap decided to move their bedroom to the third floor and give the girls the second floor.

Aalap, who had originally suggested the idea of the climbing wall, was equally committed to creating a fun haven for the children. "But he was also inspired to create bold exciting design moments

"In the more rural areas of Newfoundland, it's rare to have such a contemporary build,

It was essential that the stairwell have a large glazed area to get light into the lower areas—which proved challenging due to the unusual shape that follows the roofline. “With Marvin Ultimate windows, we were able to break that up into four custom windows that assemble together into one enormous glazed wall,” says architect Nate Dalesio. “We were able to subdivide it exactly how we wanted, which was perfect.”

While the owners really liked the idea of shou sugi ban, they opted for a more cost-effective black stain. The random-width, reverse board-and-batten siding reflects the wabi-sabi concept. “The builder said the math for the random siding was torturous,” the wife said. “We didn’t know how hard it was to make things look simple.” DeNiord planted hay-scented fern and lowbush blueberry sod around the house. “We didn't want any side of the house to feel unconsidered,” he says. As for the local boulders he placed around the house and terrace, he says, “They give the feeling that the house grew up around the outcroppings.”

“They’re well-traveled New Englanders who had always lived in older, traditional homes,” Lane says of the clients. “They wanted a contemporary home with warmth, texture, and craft.”

Floor Plan of Bladderwrack Cabin by Ets Architecture

David and Annemie's daughter swings in the living room. A door provides access to the lush backyard and surrounding area. “The kids have a lot of freedom. They have a big area where they can go and play without needing supervision,” says Annemie.

The oak cabinet in the living room was another secondhand find. “It had the exact measurements of the wall,” says Annemie. “We just needed to hang it.” The throw blanket is from La Femme Garniture while the pillows and pendants are custom.

With the addition of a curtain, a niche above the hallway will become a guest sleeping area. The chair is from IKEA.

At this summer house in a Danish forest, the cabin's T-shaped plan branches between existing trees.

Now the rebuilt staircase is a sculptural backdrop to the living room, which gained more space and natural light. The Tepee Sofa is by Lucy Kurrein, and the brass stool by Hem. The floors are Madera Belgian Oak.