About these cabins
Five small cabins were designed, built in a shop and installed in a cleared forest grove on Denman Island, one of the Gulf Islands off the coast of BC. Each cabin is 8′ x 12′ (96 sq/ft) and was placed to give its user privacy and views of the forest, as a quiet space for meditation. This was one of the most complicated deliveries on this site, with three months of planning behind it.
Built in the shop
All five cabins were built in the shop at the same time. Each one got its own trim colour, which makes them easy to tell apart in the forest.
A 140-foot convoy
Three trucks and trailers made up a convoy 140 feet long, end to end. It drove 150 km of highway and boarded two BC Ferries. Planning took about three months, and the delivery went very smoothly.
Placed in the forest grove
On the island, the trucks worked along a field edge and a muddy forest road to reach a recently cleared grove. The cabins were set on their sites among the trees.
Inside the cabins
The interiors are simple. White-painted wainscot runs along the walls, the floor is painted plywood, and tall casement windows look out into the forest. A pendant light hangs from the vaulted ceiling.
| Location | Denman Island, BC (Gulf Islands) |
|---|---|
| Size | Five cabins, each 8′ x 12′ (96 sq/ft) |
| Use | Small cabins for quiet meditation |
| Porch | 18″ treated-wood step |
| Overhangs | Front 18″; sides 2″ |
| Siding | LP SmartSide |
| Interior | Painted plywood walls with wainscot, painted plywood floor |
| Door | 32″ steel door with glass panel |
| Windows | 24″ x 72″ and 24″ x 36″ |
| Electrical | Yes |
| Heat | None |
More photos
The photos below show the cabins being built, loaded and delivered.
What to plan before building cabins for a remote property
A convoy delivery takes much more planning than a single shed.
- Route: plan the highway, the ferries and the final road, and book space on each ferry sailing.
- Convoy: count the trucks and trailers, and check the total length for ferry and highway limits.
- Site access: walk the last stretch, because mud, fields and trees can stop a trailer.
- Privacy and views: face each cabin away from its neighbours and toward the trees.
- Rules: check with the local government about permits before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How big is each cabin?
Each cabin is 8 feet by 12 feet, which is 96 sq/ft (about 8.9 m²) of floor space.
How were the cabins delivered?
Three trucks and trailers formed a convoy about 140 feet long. It drove about 150 km on the highway and used two BC Ferries before reaching Denman Island.
Do the cabins have power or heat?
They have electrical service but no heat.
Do you need a permit for a cabin on the Gulf Islands?
The rules depend on the island and its local government. Check with them before ordering. See Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit for the general picture.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, check the Shed Rules by City, or read Maximum Shed Size Without a Permit.