Designed by the Miller Hull Partnership, the 400-square-foot Decatur Island Bunkhouse is a minimalist retreat that sits lightly on a sloping, remote site in Washington State's Salish Sea. The project was completed in 2019 next to a cabin originally designed by Miller Hull's late founding partner, Robert Hull, in 1986. Guided by the principles of leaving a minimal footprint, the design elevates the compact volume on six point-load foundations, preserving the natural landscape and allowing its sloping topography to be appreciated. The small size of the bunkhouse was a pragmatic decision driven by the difficulty of building on the remote site. The location is only accessible via a narrow, 500-foot trail through the woods, meaning all materials had to be carried to the site by hand. The team embraced these constraints, allowing them to shape a simple but potent structure. Its timber exoskeleton references the architecture of the neighboring cabin, supporting a simple "sleeve" of interior space arranged to maximize views and privacy. The bunkhouse is a sustainable example of design, with its low carbon footprint being a primary consideration. The extensive use of sustainably harvested and FSC-certified timber, including some from neighboring Blakely Island, helped offset the embodied carbon from other materials like concrete and steel. The passive design includes roof overhangs that control solar heat gain, while operable clerestory windows enable natural ventilation during the summer. A small photovoltaic array also helps offset the cabin's energy needs. Project credits Architects: Miller Hull Partnership Structural Engineer: Swenson Say Faget General Contractor: Kaplan Homes Unlimited Geotechnical Consultant: Aspect Consulting Photography: Juan Benavides Manufacturers: Blakely Island Timber, Quantum Windows & Doors, Sun Valley Bronze, Watermark Elements