A Trio of Cabins Create An Island Getaway Off Coastal Maine

Here in New York City, Phase 2 of reopening means we can leave the apartment for more than re-stocking the ramen stash or safely supporting ongoing BLM protests. Responsible weekend getaways are on the horizon and we’re once again looking to cabin hideaways for some much needed R & R.

Architecture and construction firm GO Logic, based in the uplands of Maine, is serving up some inspiration this week. With a design philosophy rooted in the Passive House standard, the firm has produced numerous prefab housing models but it’s their custom residential project Little House On the Ferry that particularly piqued our interest.

Intended for the client’s visiting friends and family, this small collection of close-knit cabins sits perched amongst the recovering woodland of a former quarry site on secluded Vinalhaven Island—a rough hour ferry ride from nearby Rockland, ME. The firm opted to deconstruct the guest quarters into three separate structures—one for dining and living, and two others for sleeping and bathing.

A system of interconnected, cantilevered decking lifts the three structures several feet above ground, keeping guests a few steps away from each cabin while providing 360 degree views of the surrounding ocean and evergreen forest.

Imitating one another in both form and material, the small cluster of buildings serve up an elevated summer camp feel. Made of pre-cut black spruce wood panels sourced from Quebec, the walls and flooring of the cabins exude warmth, embracing their materiality and gracefully exposing their structural systems—a strategy used throughout the firm's body of work.

Outfitted with a wood-burning fireplace and minimal industrial furnishings, the interior draws attention to the surrounding wilderness with ample windows and sliding doors.

The living/dining cabin is the ideal spot to gather and boil some freshly caught lobster before retiring to the equally serene sleeping cabins.

The perfect place to slowly emerge from hibernation.