Floating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is a serene Island lined with red sand beaches and stunning ocean views. The smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island is celebrated for its vibrant arts and culture scene and is renowned for culinary experiences featuring world-class seafood and produce. The rolling farmland, lush forests and tranquil beaches offer moments of pause that re-establish an innate connection to the natural world. The River Cabins, designed by Island owned Nine Yards Studio, offer a retreat into the subtle grace of Island nature and zero wireless connectivity.
The River Cabins are located at the end of a long rural dirt road in central Prince Edward Island, facing out towards the calm Wheatley River. The cabins are inspired from the groupings of traditional gable farm buildings typical of rural PEI and nod to a classic "lean-to shape" in a contemporary expression so common to the landscape.
The steep slope of the asymmetrical roofs provides space for the loft sleeping area and extends toward the sky with the black peaks meeting the evergreen treetops. The grouping of the cabins was determined by the small site and angled property boundaries, which thus delivers varying angled views of open and solid façades. This allows glimpses of framed landscape views of the adjacent river. Clad in black, the cabins standing seam metal siding and black stained vertical pine boards up to the gable ends on each side of the elevation.
The trio of cabins comprise a main residence, a half size bunkhouse for guests and a small shed for storage. The shed showcases an inset feature wall for wood storage that greets you as you approach the site. At only 600 sq ft, the main residence features a double-height open concept living, dining, and kitchen as well as a loft master suite framed by a large human-scale skylight looking out onto the water. This structure opens up entirely onto a stunning view of the water while maintaining privacy from the neighbours with a solid back façade.
The interior of the main residence is vertically lined entirely in whitewashed spruce boards all the way up to the asymmetrical roof peak, offering a soft and cozy feel. The minimal European wood stove warms up the main space and provides a focal point that grounds the living area. A black bookcase functions also as a guardrail up the main stairs to the loft and pays homage both to the dark black kitchen and the moody exterior of the building.
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