Cabin on a Rock in the White Mountains, NH architecture, US rural weekend getaway building images

Cabin on a Rock in the White Mountains, NH

Rural New Hampshire Building in Northeast America design by I-Kanda Architects

post updated March 16, 2024

Architects: I-Kanda Architects

Location: White Mountains, NH, USA

Cabin on a Rock

The cabin design was initially conceived as a rugged weekend getaway for two. However, during the course of the design process, the two grew to become a family of three, then four.

Photos by Matt Delphenich

Jan 23, 2019

Cabin on a Rock in New Hampshire

The faceted geometry of the cabin reflects this evolution – a cantilevering form that is both elemental yet appears to be in constant transformation depending on one’s vantage point. It is shaped both by its surroundings and by its occupants, making a lasting connection between what is there and what is to come.

The White Mountains are among the most rugged in New England, with granite outcroppings populating the range. While the site, selected on one of several scouting hikes, was seemingly treacherous and unbuildable, the design solution proves this untrue.

For the owner of Q-Drinks, a Boston-based company specializing in making superior cocktail sodas out of only authentic ingredients, it was imperative that the design for a weekend retreat nestled in the mountains of New Hampshire be equally authentic.

The 900 sf cabin perches on a granite outcropping, projecting precariously over a steep drop-off to afford dramatic eastern views across the valley below. Instead of leveling the granite ledge, the topography is embraced; the cantilevering structure is lifted on 9 hand-poured concrete footings – a system selected in order to tread lightly on the sloped site.

Working closely with Fire Tower Engineered Timber and Bensonwood, all wood framing members were engineered and CNC-cut before being delivered to the site wrapped, labeled, and ready for assembly. This approach of modular prefabrication dramatically shortened construction time and reduced site disturbance. Once assembly was complete, minimal trees were cleared – just enough to provide specific views of the prominent peaks through an 24ft wide sliding window wall.

As a potential prototype for future mass production, the design and construction were empowered by prefabrication technologies and techniques. This allowed a freedom to explore complex geometries which were then clad with conventional building materials such as standing-seam aluminum panels and tongue-and-groove cedar boards.

This project presents an alternative take on the conception that prefabrication simply allows one to do the same for cheaper. Here, the architects use prefabrication to do more for the cost of conventional construction. Enhanced by skewed geometries and bold angles, the end-product is fully customized, both for the client and for the site.

Cabin on a Rock, New Hampshire – Building Information

Project size: 900 ft2
Completion date: 2017
Building levels: 2

Architect: I-Kanda Architects
Builder Phase 1: Nest Woodworking
Structural Engineer: Fire Tower Engineered Timber
Prefabricated framing: bensonwood
Builder Phase 2: Randy Latulippe Carpentry
Architectural Openings: Windows and Doors

Photography: Matt Delphenich

Cabin on a Rock in the White Mountains, NH images / information received from I-Kanda Architects USA

Location: White Mountains, New Hampshire, United States of America

Architecture in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Building Designs

Hood Museum of Art Building Renovation, Dartmouth College, Hanover
Date built: 1985
Original Building Design: Charles Moore Architect
New Building Design: Billie Tsien and Tod Williams

image courtesy Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
Hood Museum of Art Building Renovation