600-Square-Foot Off The Grid Cabin Is Surrounded By Wilderness In Minnesota

This minimal off the grid cabin retreat was designed by SALA Architects and built by Wee Cabin Company. It is nestled in the wilderness on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, in Ely, Minnesota.

This rustic escape was constructed as a 600-square-foot off the grid cabin for a couple with three kids and the occasional guests.

This cabin uses the principles from Christopher Alexander’s The Pattern Language in its design. It served as a weekend retreat from the city,

Size: 14’x27’, including two lofts connected by a bridge, large dining area, wood stove, screen porch, and mudroom.

This remote cabin also overlooks a pond. The family had a modest budget. However, they also were really into the outdoor lifestyle, avid hikers and canoers. Therefore opted for a “less is more approach”.

What We Love:

 This off the grid cabin does not have indoor plumbing, electricity or a bathroom. Their only heat source is a wood-burning stove, along with an outdoor fire pit they use for family gatherings to roast marshmallows.

Above: The alternating tread staircase is a real space-saver and more practical than a ladder.

It is dual-purpose as prep space and a casual dining spot.

Above: On the main level you will find a kitchen, living and dining area along with a screened porch.

A central staircase takes you up to the two sleeping lofts.

Natural light floods into this loft space via end gable windows. 

Above: The kitchen window offers Zen-like views over a marshy pond and beyond to the wilderness. There is also an abundance of wildlife viewing, making for some delightful entertainment.

Above: A sleeping loft is located about the living area, sleeping up to seven people comfortably. Since this rustic cabin is “off-the-grid”, they use lantern light to illuminate the interiors at night.

Above: The dining room knotty pine table is multi-purpose, everything from serving meals to assembling a puzzle.

Above: The entry/mudroom of this off the grid cabin offers the family ample storage space. This space pops out from the side of the cabin.

Interesting Fact: 

The cabin owners purchased this property several years ago. They dream of building this modest cabin when they had enough money saved. Until such time, they had constructed a fixed wooden platform to host a large tent for camping, along with an outhouse.

Above: The roof structure is a Douglas fir timber-frame.

Above: This off the grid cabin uses a hand pump as the family’s principal water source. An outhouse is located just down a path. The south-facing part of the metal roof is the optimal spot to install future solar panels.

Above: Located down a wooded path is this wood-fired “WEE-HEAT” Sauna.

A walk to either the sauna or the outhouse has given the owners some unexpected surprises, such as the Northern Lights!