- Home
- Gallery
The Hatch Cabin – A Scenic Retreat in Kamas, Utah
Overview
The Hatch Cabin is a custom-designed retreat located in Kamas, Utah, completed in 2019. Nestled on a 2.5-acre lot overlooking a picturesque valley, the cabin serves as a gathering place for the Hatch family during holidays and reunions. The design emphasizes maximizing the stunning views while accommodating the family’s specific needs for hosting large gatherings. The cabin features a unique orientation, thoughtful interior design elements, and functional spaces tailored to the family’s lifestyle.
Project Goals
Maximize Scenic Views: Position the cabin to take full advantage of the valley vistas.
Customized Design Elements: Incorporate specific requests, such as ceiling treatments and window placements.
Functional Gathering Space: Create an inviting environment suitable for family events like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Durable Materials: Use materials suitable for a seasonal retreat that can handle winter activities.
Design and Implementation
Site Orientation:
- Unique Positioning:
- The cabin is oriented so that the technical rear of the house faces the valley, offering unobstructed views.
- The main entrance is located at what is technically the back of the house, guiding guests towards the scenic overlook upon entry.
Exterior Features:
- Siding and Soffits:
- Utilized horizontal Hardie Board siding for durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Soffits are clad in dark walnut tongue and groove, matching interior ceiling treatments.
- Color Scheme:
- A cohesive look is achieved by using the same dark walnut finish both inside and outside.
Interior Features:
- Living Room:
- Designed as a story-and-a-half space with approximately 14-foot ceilings.
- Features accent ceiling treatments with dark walnut tongue and groove, adding warmth and character.
- Installed large windows to capture the valley views.
- Kitchen and Dining Area:
- Open-concept layout adjacent to the living room for seamless interaction during gatherings.
- Ceiling treatments continue the dark walnut tongue and groove theme.
- Window Placement:
- Two specifically positioned windows in the kitchen offer unique views, as per the homeowners’ request.
- Design Challenge:
- Balanced the need for cabinet space and the installation of a range hood with the desire for additional windows.
- Pantry:
- Located between the kitchen and mudroom for convenient access.
- Mudroom:
- Functionality:
- Equipped with a wash station for cleaning dogs, boots, and gear after outdoor activities.
- Essential for a home used primarily during winter months for skiing and snow play.
- Accessibility:
- Accessible from both the garage and an exterior entrance, allowing for easy entry without passing through main living areas.
- Functionality:
- Master Bedroom:
- Features a vaulted ceiling with the same dark walnut tongue and groove treatment.
- Provides a cozy and rustic atmosphere consistent with the cabin’s overall design.
- Flooring:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring installed in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms.
- Carpeting used in the bedrooms for added comfort.
Additional Design Elements:
- Entryway:
- Ceiling treatments extended into the entryway, enhancing the cohesive design.
- Exterior Views:
- The placement of windows and the orientation of the cabin ensure that the valley views are a focal point from multiple rooms.
Challenges
- Lot Orientation and Views:
- Challenge: Positioning the cabin to maximize views while accommodating lot constraints.
- Solution: Reversed the typical layout by placing the main entrance at the back, allowing the front-facing rooms to overlook the valley.
- Kitchen Design:
- Challenge: Incorporating additional windows without sacrificing cabinet space and accommodating the range hood.
- Solution: Customized the kitchen layout to include the desired windows and efficiently used space for cabinets and appliances.
- Material Consistency:
- Challenge: Matching interior and exterior materials for a unified look.
- Solution: Used the same dark walnut tongue and groove for both interior ceiling treatments and exterior soffits.
Outcome
The Hatch Cabin successfully meets the homeowners’ desire for a family retreat that maximizes the stunning valley views while providing functional spaces for large gatherings. The thoughtful orientation and design ensure that the natural beauty of Kamas, Utah, is an ever-present backdrop to family events. The use of durable and cohesive materials enhances the cabin’s rustic charm and practicality for winter use.
Key Features Recap
- Unique Orientation: Main entrance at the back to prioritize valley views from primary living spaces.
- Living Room:
- Story-and-a-half design with 14-foot ceilings.
- Dark walnut tongue and groove ceiling treatment.
- Kitchen:
- Custom window placements for specific views.
- Balanced design to include necessary cabinetry and appliances.
- Mudroom:
- Wash station for cleaning after outdoor activities.
- Accessible from both the garage and exterior entrance.
- Master Bedroom:
- Vaulted ceiling with tongue and groove finish.
- Consistent Material Use:
- Dark walnut tongue and groove used both inside and outside.
- Flooring:
- LVP flooring in main areas for durability.
- Carpeting in bedrooms for comfort.
- Size:
- Approximately 3,200 square feet on a 2.5-acre lot.
Conclusion
The Hatch Cabin stands as a testament to Shadd Johnson Design’s ability to create custom homes that align with the clients’ specific needs and desires. By creatively addressing the challenges of site orientation and design requirements, the project delivers a warm, inviting space perfect for family gatherings. The cabin not only captures the natural beauty of its surroundings but also provides functional and comfortable accommodations for the Hatch family’s seasonal retreats.
