System 00 + System S 90-Day Order Deadline Countdown

Dreaming of your own Backcountry Hut?

Now's the time to make it happen! Our 90-day countdown has officially begun for our System 00 & System S models. Order our essentialist A-frame shelter or turn-key freestanding sauna by October 31st and get it for Spring/Summer 2025.

System 00

Essentialist A-frame shelter. With a compact layout of approximately 10 x 10 feet at the ground level, it comes to life as a single bedroom sleeping bunk, or as a meditation, yoga, or art studio.

System S

Turn-key freestanding sauna. Designed for the ultimate in instant gratification, no assembly is required! System S arrives on site fully constructed and ready to connect to existing electrical systems.

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The Next Evolution of The Backcountry Hut is Coming!

We have been on a great adventure, and now it's time to unveil the next chapter of our journey. We're excited to announce the upcoming development of System 03. We invite you to follow along and be part of this journey with us. Have ideas for what it should include? We want to hear from you! Your feedback is invaluable in helping us create the perfect escape for you. Stay tuned—more updates to come!

Press Play on Summer

As the summer sun rises higher and nature beckons with its beauty, there's no better time to embrace the great outdoors. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway to the lake or simply enjoying your backyard retreat, let this season be your gateway to adventure and relaxation.

To add a touch of rhythm to your outdoor adventures, we're excited to share our specially curated Summer Playlist, intentionally crafted by our co-founder, Michael Leckie. From sunrise hikes to starlit campfires, let this playlist be your companion all summer long.

As you embark on your outdoor journey, remember to cherish every moment and savour the beauty that surrounds you. Here's to a season filled with discovery, relaxation, and the melodies that make it all unforgettable.

The History of the A-Frame: From Lake Arrowhead to Your Backcountry Adventure

Exploring the Origins of A-Frame Living

Who Built the First A-Frame Cabin? 

Contrary to popular opinion, R.M. Schindler, a pioneering architect known for his contributions to modern architecture in the mid-20th century, did not build the first ever A-frame structure. The A-frame architectural form actually has much earlier origins.

The A-frame design, characterized by its steeply angled roofline resembling the letter 'A', has historical roots in various cultures, including traditional housing designs found in Europe, China, and Japan. However, its modern incarnation gained popularity in the mid-20th century as a symbol of modernist simplicity and efficiency.

One notable example often cited as an early modern A-frame structure is the Bennati Cabin, built in 1934 by Schindler in Lake Arrowhead, California. This structure is considered influential in popularizing the A-frame as a modern architectural style in the United States.

Maori marae, Hinemihi, in the village of Te Wairoa, 1881. Photo by Josiah Martin

Lake Arrowhead: Home of the Essentialist Cabin 

The Bennati Cabin is an early example of R.M. Schindler's architectural prowess and his experimentation with geometric forms in residential design. Here's the story behind its construction:

Background & Context:

Rudolph M. Schindler was a prominent Austrian-American architect who emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century and became associated with the modernist movement in architecture. He worked under Frank Lloyd Wright for several years before establishing his own practice in Los Angeles.

In the 1930s, Schindler was commissioned to design a cabin for client, Gisela Bennati in the mountainous region of Lake Arrowhead, California.

Schindler approached the design of the Bennati Cabin with a focus on simplicity, efficiency, and a harmonious relationship with its natural surroundings. The cabin's form was distinctly A-frame, characterized by its steeply angled roofline and triangular shape.

Bennati Cabin, Lake Arrowhead, California, 1934. 

If you're interested in R.M. Schindler's work, he is celebrated for his contributions to the modernist movement, particularly in Southern California, where his designs emphasized spatial openness, integration with nature, and innovative use of materials. His work often featured clean lines, geometric forms, and a sensitivity to the environment.

Now, many years later, you can find a System 00 A-frame assembled in Lake Arrowhead, marking a full circle moment in our company's journey and deep respect for architectural history. This cabin, one of the pioneers of our collection, stands as a testament to the enduring charm and versatility of the A-frame design.

System 00 located on Lake Arrowhead, California. Photo by Steve King.

An Abridged History of the Modern American A-frame

For those eager to delve deeper into the evolution of the A-frame cabin, check out Field Mag's History of the A-Frame House in North America and Beyond. This insightful article provides a comprehensive overview of how Schindler's innovative work laid the groundwork for the A-frame's ascent to prominence in modern architecture. 

At The Backcountry Hut Company, our passion lies in crafting spaces that seamlessly blend with nature while providing comfort and convenience. Designed with simplicity and accessibility in mind, our System 00 Prefabricated A-Frame is a dream DIY project. With just a small team of 4-5 capable individuals, you can bring this cabin to life from start to finish in under a week. No need for heavy machinery—our cabin kit can be assembled with ease, thanks to a comprehensive step-by-step guide that accompanies each kit.

Your System 01 | 02 Planning Guide: Investment & Value

The final instalment of BHC's Planning Guide is all about budgeting & investment cost. Here's a quick recap of what we've covered so far in our previous two Journals below. Let’s talk numbers!

The Value of Investing in Your Cabin

The first step to understanding the investment of a System 01 or 02 is to develop your total project budget for land and building. Then we can determine whether your building budget aligns with your vision. 

Here's 3 categories that can help inform your understanding of the total investment:

Preliminary Costs (Soft Costs) - Things like a site survey, foundation engineering, permitting, or the hiring of a third-party consultant.

General Project Costs (Hard Costs) - Things like excavation, assembly construction and interior finishings.

Site Insurance - What insurance will you require during the construction phase and afterwards, and will your builder have insurance?

To get a better sense of what the total investment of your BHC project may look like, read through the Case Studies available on our website, each includes a breakdown of the budget. Remember, the prices recorded reflect the time at which the build occurred and are subject to change.

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The Value of a BHC Cabin

Building an enduring cabin with sustainable, fabricated materials of the highest quality is a worthwhile financial investment that will provide lasting value for generations to come. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a cherished family retreat that will stand the test of time, ensuring enjoyment and memories for years ahead. Investing in quality construction now means lower maintenance costs and higher property value in the future, making it an extremely rewarding decision. 

Understanding what you can afford will guide you in financing your project, from property purchase to construction and potentially converting it into a traditional mortgage.

Kickstart Your Budget Blueprint: Consider the following:

• Total liquid assets

• Cash allocation for the project

• Comfortable monthly payment

• Percentage of gross monthly income for payment

• Monthly credit and instalment payments

• Credit history or score

• Type of home (owner-occupied or secondary residence)

• Duration of property ownership or loan

• Contractor usage

• Home size comparison in the neighbourhood

• Construction timeline

Chatting with Financial Professionals: Consult at least three financial institutions to:

• Explore various financing options

• Understand the impact of different loans on your project

• Establish a comfortable financial budget

Total Project Budget: Calculate your total budget for land, building, and the overall project.

We hope that this journal has helped you understand the investment and value of your dream cabin with the goal of bringing that dream to reality. For more information, visit our website. We recommend reading through our Project Handbook and System Catalogs, or click here to Get Started.

Your System 01 | 02 Planning Guide: Understanding Timelines

Charting Your Course: Understanding Timelines

Building your dream cabin using a prefabricated system is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it takes a good understanding of timelines to do it well. 

The key to the streamlined BHC Process and experience is in proper planning when it comes to assembling your team, securing permits, and preparing your site.

BHC's timelines are based on planning and fabrication schedules and vary by System. System 01 and System 02 kits are crafted by our team to order and ship directly from one of our three fabrication centres across North America. Each take about nine to twelve months to plan and three months to craft.

Here's some helpful information to acquire that will give a better sense of your project's specific timing in the early stages of your planning: 

• The timelines of the different required consultants to complete their efforts.

  • Quick Tip: Hiring a geotechnical consultant early in the project timeline can be advantageous to avoid drawing out the build. Geotechnical engineers conduct site investigations to assess soil composition, stability, and other geologic factors that could affect construction. This evaluation helps determine the feasibility of building on the site and informs foundation design.

• What interior specifications you may want - it's never too early to get ahead on the interior design process so that it doesn't hold you up later on.

  • Quick Tip: Our Interior Specifications have been designed to support builders of our System 01 and 02 kits, and offers a complete list of the materials and products required to seamlessly complete the interior of each cabin in an efficient, consistent, and integrated manner. The guide will be offered for FREE to clients who sign a contract for a System 01 or 02 cabin in 2024.

• How long it will take to achieve zoning and permitting approvals from your local jurisdictions. 

  • Quick Tip: Look for zoning consultants, permit expeditors, land use planners, and development consultants in your area. There are consultants and firms specialized in navigating the zoning and permitting process for construction projects. These consultants often have expertise in understanding local regulations, liaising with government agencies, and ensuring compliance with zoning laws and building codes. 

• What your General Contractor's availability is and how long they will take to complete the job given the scope.

  • Quick Tip: Look for contractors with a solid track record of completing projects on time and within budget. By doing your due diligence upfront, you can minimize the risk of delays and ensure a smoother construction process.

From Plans to Progress: Developing Project Timelines & Milestones

Later in the process, after you and a member from our team have a detailed discussion to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the what to expect and have confirmed available financial resources, we’ll invite you to sign the BHC Agreement. Once signed, we will introduce you to a BHC Project Manager who will work with you to develop two timelines:

1. BHC Target Feasibility Schedule - Outlines deliverables and targets related to executing the build.

2. BHC Order Contract Schedule - Communicates specifics about fabrication timelines and key deadlines related to shipping and delivery.

These schedules map out your journey all the way to delivery, guiding you through every twist and turn.

We hope that this breakdown of timelines has helped define the "when" that you can expect while working with BHC as you dream and define the vision for your own cabin.

All of this information and more is readily available on our website, we encourage you to read through our Project Handbook and System Catalogs or click the button below to learn more.

Your System 01 | 02 Planning Guide

Whether you're wanting to build a cozy retreat nestled in the mountains or a secluded oasis by the lake, this three-part planning guide is here to help you understand our process, timelines, and budgeting, as well as how to dive in and get started on your dream project. Every project is unique depending on a variety of factors; therefore, the planning required ranges from simple to complex. Join us as we explore the possibilities of prefabricated home building that can be yours with a BHC kit in a three-part series, beginning with the BHC Process.

The Process: From Dream to Destination

Remote construction projects are unique like no other, this means they can have a host of unique challenges. Our streamlined BHC Process is designed to shepherd you and your team, that may consist of a General Contractor and consultants, every step of the way. Our methodology consists of 5 phases:

01. Consultation
02. Feasibility 
03. Documentation
04. Fabrication
05. Assembly

The elements of each phase are clearly defined in our BHC Process document. Below we've outlined the introductory steps of 01 Consultation. Let's get started. 

Define Your Vision - What do you envision on your site? Where is the site? What size will best accommodate you, and how will you enjoy your space? Gather all your ideas, and any inspiration. You’ll find some inspiration on our Pinterest board.

Collect Your Documents - Work through our BHC Project Handbook to ensure you have all the materials needed to get started, from your financial plan to zoning applications, and everything in between.

Schedule a 30 min Phone Consultation - When you are ready to take planning to the next level, contact us to Get Started. We look forward to learning more about you, your vision, and property. During the meeting we will guide you through our website and the BHC Process. We’ll discuss our systems, configurations and a basic budget.

Finalize Your Project Details - After our initial phone consultation, you may need to thoughtfully consider some details, or consult your financial institution. Your local jurisdictions can also provide you with a construction permit checklist.

Review the BHC Agreement - After you’re organized to assess all the relevant considerations for your unique build site, we’ll confirm all of your personal information and system modules and configuration in order to provide you with the BHC Agreement for your review.

1 hr Detailed Discussion - Together in a web session, we’ll discuss any requirements made by local jurisdictions and develop a more detailed budget for your project. We’ll intentionally evaluate if your requirements and budget align with the BHC process, systems, and services.

Sign the BHC Agreement - Congratulations! Once you have a thorough understanding of the process and have confirmed available financial resources, we’ll invite you to sign the BHC Agreement. Once signed, we will introduce you to a BHC Project Manager who will work with you throughout the build process.

Voila! Transition on to 02 Feasibility - Next, we’ll confirm the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in the project. This will set you up for success to review compliance with the requirements of local jurisdictions, and feasibility given the project's specific parameters. We’ll set you up in our BHC systems and you’ll have the support of a BHC Project Manager, Operations Lead, and Architectural Technologist. At this point, you can prepare to receive your pricing drawings in two weeks!

There's no need to be overwhelmed, understand that building a home is a rare opportunity and can be extremely gratifying once complete. We're here to support you through the process. All of this information and more is readily available on our website, we encourage you to read through our Project Handbook and System Catalogs or click the button below to learn more.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of our 3-part Planning Guide that will focus on the various project timelines that can help keep you and your project on target.

How to Begin With BHC

Ready to embark on your kit-of-parts journey with The Backcountry Hut Company? We're here to support you every step of the way. Simply fill out the Get Started form on our website and you'll be sent a link to book a phone consultation with a member of our team. 

Hydrotherapy 101 with the BHC Preassembled System S Sauna

Our pre-assembled System S sauna can offer standalone indulgence or complement other water-based therapies in a hydrotherapy circuit. Included in your circuit alongside a cold tub, indoor or outdoor shower, or even a dock or ocean plunge, the sauna provides a therapeutic contrast that can stimulate circulation, boost metabolism, and invigorate the body's natural healing mechanisms.

At your own cabin or as part of a hospitality offering, a sauna is a definite bonus! Read on to learn more about the benefits of adopting a sauna practice, and for more information on how to order your System S!

In the quest for holistic wellness and relaxation, few experiences rival the rejuvenating effects of a sauna session. Originating from ancient traditions and embraced by cultures worldwide, a good sauna session (and regular practice) benefits the body, mind, and spirit. From detoxification to stress relief, the therapeutic power of saunas is well-documented and continues to captivate wellness enthusiasts.

A hydrotherapy circuit typically consists of several stages, each offering unique therapeutic benefits that promote holistic wellness and rejuvenation. These stages often include:

• Sauna: The circuit begins with a session in a hot sauna, where elevated temperatures induce sweating, relax muscles, and promote detoxification. The heat also stimulates circulation, increases metabolism, and provides stress relief, fostering a profound sense of relaxation and well-being.

• Cold Immersion: Following the heat phase, participants transition to a cold plunge pool, cold shower, or natural experience immersing in lake or ocean water. The sudden exposure to cold water constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and invigorates the body. Cold therapy enhances circulation, boosts immune function, and provides an energizing sensation, promoting mental alertness and vitality.

• Relaxation: After the contrast therapy of hot and cold, participants proceed to a relaxation area to rest and recuperate. This phase allows the body to integrate the therapeutic effects of the hydrotherapy circuit, promoting deep relaxation, stress reduction, and mental clarity. Relaxation areas often feature comfortable seating, calming ambiance, and mindful amenities.

By incorporating various stages of hydrotherapy into a cohesive circuit, individuals can experience a comprehensive approach to wellness that addresses physical, mental, and emotional health holistically. Whether seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or therapeutic relief, the stages of a hydrotherapy circuit offer a transformative journey towards optimal health and vitality.

About the System S Sauna

System S takes inspiration from Nordic sauna culture, in a free-standing sauna structure with a compact footprint of 8’ x 10’. Lined with sustainably sourced clear cedar, the interior offers a two-level bench system that comfortably seats six adults. Clad in durable painted steel, System S will withstand extreme weather conditions and keep you cozy in any climate with a Tylo Sense Pure 8 heating system, while you enjoy the view through the wide-open double-glazed window.

System S is priced at $54,750 CAD, plus shipping. 

System S is available in limited quantities and we are currently accepting pre-orders. Place a $2,500 deposit and secure your place in the queue.

We may be able to offer 2024 deliveries for select pre-orders. All other pre-orders will be fulfilled and delivered to site in Spring 2025.

To get in the line and inquire about delivery times, please complete the Get Started form below and follow the email links to book your reservation.

Complete your Interior Aesthetically, Efficiently, and Cost-effectively!

In our last journal we shared our perspective on the many benefits of building your dream cabin using a prefabricated system. From sustainability to ease-of-assembly and efficiencies across the board, the pros are clear! One of the additional benefits of building specifically with BHC's prefab systems includes access to the time- and money-saving Interiors Specifications Guide. 

Our Interiors Specifications Guide has been designed to support builders of our System 01 and 02 kits, and offers a complete list of the materials and products required to seamlessly complete the interior of each cabin in an efficient, consistent, and integrated manner.

NEW for 2024: this guide is included with the purchase of every System 01 and System 02 cabin! We're excited to make this valuable resource available free of charge to support our cabin builders in completing their projects with ease and success.

This easy-to-use guide focuses on detailed recommendations for readily available interior finishings, fixtures, and appliances from IKEA and Home Depot, with customized and itemized lists specific to both Canada and the United States. 

In developing this guide, we prioritized a series of defining features:

• Integrated: All materials and finishings have been selected to integrate efficiently with BHC's 10-foot modules, resulting in a conscious use of space that makes the most of your floor plan. We have selected products from reliable, trusted manufacturers. The result is a professionally coordinated total design solution.

• Efficient: Using our recommended materials and finishes streamlines the often time-consuming process of researching, selecting, and purchasing interior finishing elements.

• Customizable: Our range of modular options offer flexibility and a customizable experience, allowing you to choose the products and finishes that best suit your preferences and needs.

• Compliant: The materials in our manual are compliant with common North American building codes, which helps your project succeed when it comes to inspections and permits.

• Easy-to-Use: Our Interior Specification package has been considerately designed to be straightforward, with a user-friendly checklist system to help track selections and estimate costs to keep you on budget.

• Aesthetic: Our recommended interior finishings have been thoughtfully curated with the support of our award-winning architectural partner Leckie Studio, resulting in an interior package designed to seamlessly integrate with the BHC aesthetic.

• Comprehensive: Designed to cover all aspects of your interior fit-out, our manual includes detailed specifications for kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, lighting, wall and flooring finishes, and supplemental features including fireplaces and furniture.

• Accessible: Goods have been sourced from nationwide vendors with distribution and delivery available to virtually every destination in Canada and the United States.

• Cost-Effective: All interior finishings have been selected intentionally to offer high value and enduring performance at an attainable price point, and allow you to avoid adding an additional budget for Interior Design services.

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Ready to begin?

To begin your journey with The Backcountry Hut Company, please visit complete our Get Started form. You'll receive information to help you begin, answers to frequently asked questions, and a link to book a consultation with our team.