McKenzie River House

Set along a quiet curve of the McKenzie River, this 800-square-foot cabin was designed as a retreat where our clients could work remotely, reconnect with a landscape one had known since childhood, and enjoy long weekends close to hiking, fishing, and friends who live just upstream. Although the property was undeveloped when they purchased it, it sits within a community rebuilding and re-imagining itself after the Holiday Farm fire – making this small home an early anchor for a future larger residence the couple hopes to build when they eventually retire to the river.

The cabin makes the most of its footprint through smart siting and careful spatial planning. By angling the home on the site, views sweep up and down the river while neighboring houses and highway noise fall out of sight. A stepped-down deck follows the natural grade and preserves unobstructed river views from inside, while the asymmetrical gable roof lifts toward the water to create a sense of openness, light, and prospect, then gently drops back down to offer shelter and a feeling of refuge. Inside, the layout balances comfort and function: a compact but fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living area, and a full bathroom support extended stays, while a step-down home office within the bedroom offers a quiet, tucked-away space for remote work.

Thoughtful details make the cabin feel larger than its size – ample glazing on the river side, strategic window placement for privacy, and a kitchen designed like an efficient ADU with smart storage, a compact induction cooktop, and a peninsula that doubles as a workspace with a view. A separate garage rounds out the first phase of a larger site plan, carefully arranged within the property’s tight buildable area, so the future main house will have its own ideal spot. The result is a small, serene retreat that feels connected to both the river and the community that surrounds it.