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A Mid-Century Cabin Rises Above Floodwaters With Modern Upgrades

a-mid-century-cabin-rises-above-floodwaters-with-modern-upgrades
A Mid-Century Cabin Rises Above Floodwaters With Modern Upgrades
A renovated waterfront cabin on an island.

This 1940s cabin on Camano Island, Washington, had charm but serious challenges. Structural issues, bowing walls, and flooding threatened its future. Designs Northwest Architects raised the house above the floodplain, strengthened the structure, and reimagined it with mid-century modern style.

The Challenges of a 1940s Cabin

Originally built as a modest vacation cabin, the home suffered from decades of incremental renovations that left it disjointed. Structural problems were mounting and the low waterfront location made flooding a constant risk. The house needed serious intervention to protect it for future generations.

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How the Cabin Was Raised and Stabilized

The cabin was lifted 42 inches above the 100-year floodplain, with a new architectural concrete foundation. Vertical tongue-and-groove thermally modified wood siding over a rainscreen system replaced the old shingles, and energy-efficient fiberglass windows and a standing seam metal roof modernized the exterior.

The cabin was lifted 42 inches above the 100-year floodplain, with a new architectural concrete foundation. Vertical tongue-and-groove thermally modified wood siding over a rainscreen system replaced the old shingles, and energy-efficient fiberglass windows and a standing seam metal roof modernized the exterior.

Raising the cabin required a new entry approach. A concrete and steel stairway was added to complement the mid-century aesthetic while standing up to flood conditions. The design balances durability with clean lines, creating a welcoming entry that aligns with the updated home’s style.

Raising the cabin required a new entry approach. A concrete and steel stairway was added to complement the mid-century aesthetic while standing up to flood conditions. The design balances durability with clean lines, creating a welcoming entry that aligns with the updated home’s style.
Raising the cabin required a new entry approach. A concrete and steel stairway was added to complement the mid-century aesthetic while standing up to flood conditions. The design balances durability with clean lines, creating a welcoming entry that aligns with the updated home’s style.

An Original Kitchen Retained

Stepping inside, the original colorful kitchen cabinets were kept and reflect the mid-century modern style of the original cabin.

The original colorful kitchen cabinets were kept and reflect the mid-century modern style of the original cabin.

An Updated Bathroom

The first-level bathroom received a complete makeover. The small fiberglass shower stall was replaced with a larger, custom-tiled shower. The floor and vanity were updated, and stackable laundry units added convenience while keeping the space streamlined.

The first-level bathroom received a complete makeover. The small fiberglass shower stall was replaced with a larger, custom-tiled shower. The floor and vanity were updated, and stackable laundry units added convenience while keeping the space streamlined.

Mid-Century Charm Meets Open Space

Removing the original brick fireplace allowed the house to rise. It was replaced with a floating, mid-century-inspired fireplace set against a tile accent wall. The great room, home to the living room, feels lighter and breezier, emphasizing openness and connection to the outdoors.

Removing the original brick fireplace allowed the house to rise. It was replaced with a floating, mid-century-inspired fireplace set against a tile accent wall. The great room, home to the living room, feels lighter and breezier, emphasizing openness and connection to the outdoors.
Removing the original brick fireplace allowed the house to rise. It was replaced with a floating, mid-century-inspired fireplace set against a tile accent wall. The great room, home to the living room, feels lighter and breezier, emphasizing openness and connection to the outdoors.
Removing the original brick fireplace allowed the house to rise. It was replaced with a floating, mid-century-inspired fireplace set against a tile accent wall. The great room, home to the living room, feels lighter and breezier, emphasizing openness and connection to the outdoors.
Removing the original brick fireplace allowed the house to rise. It was replaced with a floating, mid-century-inspired fireplace set against a tile accent wall. The great room, home to the living room, feels lighter and breezier, emphasizing openness and connection to the outdoors.

Expansive Views of Puget Sound

The dining area flows seamlessly with the great room. Minimalist finishes and a focus on natural light create a calm, welcoming backdrop for family meals and gatherings.

Thanks to the raised structure and new steel frame, views of Puget Sound are uninterrupted. Four larger windows replace the old six small openings, making the cabin feel connected to its waterside setting while ensuring safety from flooding.

The dining area flows seamlessly with the great room. Minimalist finishes and a focus on natural light create a calm, welcoming backdrop for family meals and gatherings. Thanks to the raised structure and new steel frame, views of Puget Sound are uninterrupted. Four larger windows replace the old six small openings, making the cabin feel connected to its waterside setting while ensuring safety from flooding.
The dining area flows seamlessly with the great room. Minimalist finishes and a focus on natural light create a calm, welcoming backdrop for family meals and gatherings. Thanks to the raised structure and new steel frame, views of Puget Sound are uninterrupted. Four larger windows replace the old six small openings, making the cabin feel connected to its waterside setting while ensuring safety from flooding.
The dining area flows seamlessly with the great room. Minimalist finishes and a focus on natural light create a calm, welcoming backdrop for family meals and gatherings. Thanks to the raised structure and new steel frame, views of Puget Sound are uninterrupted. Four larger windows replace the old six small openings, making the cabin feel connected to its waterside setting while ensuring safety from flooding.
The dining area flows seamlessly with the great room. Minimalist finishes and a focus on natural light create a calm, welcoming backdrop for family meals and gatherings. Thanks to the raised structure and new steel frame, views of Puget Sound are uninterrupted. Four larger windows replace the old six small openings, making the cabin feel connected to its waterside setting while ensuring safety from flooding.
Thanks to the raised structure and new steel frame, views of Puget Sound are uninterrupted. Four larger windows replace the old six small openings, making the cabin feel connected to its waterside setting while ensuring safety from flooding.

Stairs Leading To A Loft

The original heavy wood stair was replaced with a steel center stringer and floating treads with cable railing. The new design reduces visual impact on the view and reinforces the mid-century modern aesthetic.

The original heavy wood stair was replaced with a steel center stringer and floating treads with cable railing. The new design reduces visual impact on the view and reinforces the mid-century modern aesthetic.

Warmth and Architectural Interest Above

A fir-framed loft sits above the great room, bringing warmth and architectural interest. The open structure, home to a secondary living room, complements the floating stair and maintains the light, airy feel of the main living spaces.

A fir-framed loft sits above the great room, bringing warmth and architectural interest. The open structure, home to a secondary living room, complements the floating stair and maintains the light, airy feel of the main living spaces.
A fir-framed loft sits above the great room, bringing warmth and architectural interest. The open structure, home to a secondary living room, complements the floating stair and maintains the light, airy feel of the main living spaces.

Clean Lines and Mid-Century Style

Bedrooms and another bathroom retain a sense of calm and simplicity, with skylights, minimal finishes, and wood detailing.

In this cabin, the bedrooms remain calm and airy, keeping the mid-century aesthetic intact.
A small bathroom remains calm and airy, keeping the mid-century aesthetic intact.

Architectural Drawings

The architectural drawings show the layout of the waterfront cabin.

Architectural drawings for a renovated waterfront cabin.
Architectural drawings for a renovated waterfront cabin.

The Juniper Beach cabin now combines family history with modern safety and style. Flood protection, structural stability, and mid-century updates create a home that works for summer beach visits or cozy winter stays.

Photography by Swift Studio | Design: Designs Northwest Architects | Design Team: Dan Nelson (Principal Architect) and Matt Radach (Project Architect) | Structural Engineer: Equilibria Structural Engineering | General Contractor: Old World Home and Garden, LLC

Source: Contemporist