About this cabin
This modular off-grid cabin sits on a rocky site in the Desolation Sound area on British Columbia’s coast, surrounded by tall evergreens. A row of soffit lights lines the wide roof edge, and French doors open to the view. Inside are a white galley kitchen, a freestanding stove, a wall bed and a shower lined with cedar.
A cabin built around the view
The cabin faces the water, with a wall of French doors and tall windows to bring the outdoors in. Wide roof overhangs and soffit lights give the front a soft glow at night.
Kitchen and living space
The galley kitchen runs along one wall, with white gloss cabinets, a full-size fridge and a range. A wall bed folds down beside it, so the main room works as both living room and bedroom.
Stove and doors
A freestanding black stove sits in the corner between the windows. The French doors let in light and open the room to the rocks outside.
Cedar bathroom
The bathroom has a glass shower with a cedar slat floor and a cedar-clad wall, a white vanity and dark floor tile.
| Location | Desolation Sound area, BC |
|---|---|
| Type | Modular off-grid cabin |
| Siding | Light corrugated siding with cedar accent boards |
| Roof | Low roof with a wide, wood-trimmed overhang and soffit lights |
| Doors and windows | French doors and tall windows facing the view |
| Heat | Freestanding stove |
| Kitchen | White gloss cabinets, fridge and range |
| Sleeping | Wall bed |
| Bathroom | Glass shower with a cedar slat floor, vanity and toilet |
| Floors | Wide-plank wood-look flooring |
More photos
The photos below show the cabin at night, the panoramas and more of the details.
What to plan before building an off-grid cabin
A cabin without grid power or city water needs a few extra decisions up front.
- Power: decide how the cabin will make its own power, for example with solar panels, and size the system to match the loads.
- Heat: a small stove can heat a small cabin. Plan the chimney and the clearances early.
- Water and waste: plan the water supply and the septic or composting system for the site.
- Delivery: check road and water access so the cabin can reach the site.
- Rules: check with the regional district before you build, since rules differ by area.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this cabin?
It is in the Desolation Sound area, on the coast of British Columbia.
Is it off the grid?
Yes. It was built as an off-grid cabin.
What heats the cabin?
A freestanding stove in the main room.
Does a cabin like this need a permit?
Rules depend on the regional district where the cabin is built, so check with them before you build. Many places require a building permit for a cabin.
More outbuildings to explore
Browse more Backyard Outbuildings, see more photos of custom structures, or read the Shed Rules by City.