'Japanese Forest House' takes cabin living to a new plane of relaxation

When kayak builder and instructor Brian Schulz of Cape Falcon Kayaks discovered a brass sink at a local recycling center near Cape Falcon, Ore., he knew he would not be able to leave without it — despite having no practical use for the sink and its "golden glow." Nevertheless, Schulz purchased the treasure and, as he notes on his website, resolved, "if I took it I'd have to build a home for it."
Drawing upon his "love of small spaces, my passion for local materials, and my fascination with traditional Japanese architecture," Schulz constructed the cabin of his dreams, lovingly nicknamed the "Japanese Forest House." He sourced most of the building materials for the cabin within a 10-mile radius and incorporated elements of Japanese architecture — namely "oversized beams, live edge slabs, natural timbers, real plaster walls, and minimal decoration" — to establish a sense of calm in the middle of the forest.
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This is a tatami mat, perfect for lounging and catching up with friends in comfort and style.
The unique stairs provide a hint of flair in the otherwise minimalist cabin.
The kitchen houses the now-infamous sink that inspired the entire cabin.
Upon closer inspection, we can understand Schulz's infatuation.
The stove and table embrace the rustic roots of cabin living.
On his website, Schulz explains his desire to keep the cabin "architecturally honest" at length: "where a lag bolt or a deck screw or a 16 penny nail was used, no attempt to was made to conceal them. Open joist pockets, a visible birdsmouth from a repurposed rafter template, I made a deliberate choice not to hide these things. This ethic reflects my general dislike for the veneers of all sorts that seek to mimic things that they are not."
Upstairs, the bedroom is the epicenter of tranquility.
In keeping with his dedication to living an eco-conscious life, Schulz's cabin features a composting toilet in an outhouse.
And, naturally, because of his background in kayak building, Schulz placed a kayak in the cabin's rafters. What a quirky way to bring personality to your home!
Schulz also notes that the Japanese Forest House is a perpetual work in progress that "will never be truly finished."
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