Both in plan and in perspective views from all around, this island cabin looks little – its overall size broken into small and manageable pieces through angled roof lines and other clever architectural tricks. Inside, however, is another story entirely.
Molly's Cabin interior
What looks like a modest and piecemeal home constructed on a rocky archipelago in rural Canada in fact hides a secret central space of vast proportions, a wood-framed central living room that unfolds into interior library, kitchen, dining and patio spaces with amazing views throughout and beyond the structure.
Molly's Cabin setting
Molly's Cabin fireplace
Walking around its stone island home, however, this could be understood visually as a cabin constructed over time with both traditional a-frame features as well as unusual angles and curiously modern structural intersections.
Designed by Agathom Architects, this remote and rustic contemporary wood home called “Molly’s Cabin” is unlike most cabins – yet fits the typology well enough to feel warm and comfortable to residents. It has grown a kind of underground cult following through surprising media exposure from around the world, including (now) this site as well.
Molly's Cabin angular roof


“The cabin fits snugly against the boulders and is sited close to the edge of the water. Shielded behind a large rock and a signature tree, there are multiple views of the fast-changing weather from under the shelter of the tent-like flaps. Topped by a broad shingled asphalt roof and constructed from recovered timbers, the cabin is anchored by a Rumford fireplace that makes use of local stone.”
“The building is designed with plenty of dual function: exposed rafters provide additional storage, a dining-room cabinet doubles as an outdoor tool shed and the library windows roll open to convert the interior into a breezeway. Solar panels power a pump that draws fresh water from the lake. Fuel for the stove, fridge and lamps are supplied by propane or lamp oil. On the other side of the island there is an outhouse with a composting toilet and two older sleeping bunkies.”
“Molly’s cabin is familiar, experimental, respectful and assertive. The design challenges the current tendency in the area for extravagant architectural statements, creating a solution that is inventive and sustainable.”