The Remote Lake Cabin is a sustainable, off-grid retreat designed by Vermont-based Stonorov Workshop and completed in 2020. It is situated in the heavily wooded Adirondack Mountains of New York, on a lake accessible only by boat, and was designed for a family that has spent summers in the area for generations. The 783-square-foot, two-bedroom cabin was constructed with minimal impact on the environment and stands elevated on stilts, allowing the existing ecosystem to thrive beneath it. To avoid disturbing the forest, construction was carried out with hand tools and smaller equipment, with the firm's partner, Otto Stonorov, hand-building much of the structure using a human-powered chain hoist to raise large timbers. The design is a simple and honest expression of its materials and site. The structure is a wood-clad timber frame joined with steel components, with locally sourced hemlock forming the main frame and white pine used for the siding and floors. Extensive glazing offers panoramic views of the forest and lake, particularly from the master bedroom and a main living area that extends onto a deck through a large window and door. The off-grid property is powered by a solar array located elsewhere on-site, and a sustainable filtration system purifies lake water for in-home use. The interior features a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a central living area, built-in bunk beds in a loft area, and handcrafted elements throughout. Almost all of the furniture, including a dining table with benches and finger-jointed kitchen drawers, was custom-made by Stonorov Workshop. Credits Architects: Stonorov Workshop (Tolya Stonorov and Otto Stonorov) General Contractor: Stonorov Workshop Structural Engineer: DeWolfe Engineering and Associates Civil Engineer: Boulder Consultants Photography: Tolya Stonorov Artist and Textiles: Julia Busenitz of Luca Jackson Manufacturers: Duravit, Barazza, Marvin, and Gagnon Lumber, among others