Tucked into the lush, rain-soaked forest floor of the North Cascade Mountains, Cabin Mori sits quietly along the banks of the mighty Cascade River.
Built in 2001, this 1,400-square-foot off-grid retreat was thoughtfully reimagined when a young family became its new stewards. Their vision: to preserve the cabin’s deep-rooted connection to the land while enhancing its performance and making it unmistakably their own.
“The subdued exterior palette is unimposing on the site. It doesn’t shout; it belongs.”
Drawing inspiration from the quiet elegance of Japanese interiors, the renovation embraces restraint and intentionality. Updates focused on strengthening the cabin’s dialogue with the surrounding woods—always with care for budget and timeline.
“Passed down family heirlooms were also thoughtfully woven into the equation with some antique furniture dating as far back as the 1930s.”
Formerly reliant on propane, the cabin’s systems were upgraded to harness the site’s natural gifts. A solar array and a micro-hydro pump now generate renewable energy from a hidden underwater stream running through the property.
Inside, furnishings were kept low and minimal, a nod to zashiki—traditional Japanese low seating—creating a grounded experience and offering uninterrupted views of the dense tree canopy through low sill windows.
