False Bay Writer’s Cabin in Washington

Whether it’s a curious bear looking for food or a couple of nogoodniks looking for your cash and belongings, a quiet cabin in the woods is never truly safe from intruders. It’s with that harsh reality in mind that the False Bay Writer’s Cabin in the San Juan Islands, Washington, has been fortified against such debauchery.

The owners of this 500-square-foot window-centric retreat enlisted the services of architect Olson Kundig, who found a way to fortify the unit when no one is home. An array of 10-foot shutter-walls drop down and get tilted up to seal the interior from all unwanted visitors. In addition to the wooden slat deck, Kundig’s system uses a mix of hydraulic winches, wire rope, pivoting sheaves and lead blocks. The cabin also features a small bathroom and kitchen, as well as a fireplace that can rotate 180 degrees to be enjoyed from outside.