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The Backcountry Hut Company (Archived 7.0 Version)

  • Prefabricated Cabins & Structures
    • Overview
    • Preassembled Sauna
    • Prefabricated A-Frame
    • Prefabricated Single-Storey Cabin
    • Prefabricated Two-Storey Cabin
    • Interiors Specifications
  • Built Projects
    • BHC Getaways
    • Case Study: Golden Cabin
    • Case Study: Catskills Cabin
    • Case Study: Great Lakes Cabin
    • Case Study: San Juan Islands Cabin
    • Case Study: Vashon Island Sauna
  • Resources
    • FAQ
    • Process
    • Video Library
    • BHC Services
    • Documentation
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Sustainability
    • Media Coverage
    • Our Philosophy + Values
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  • Get In Touch

The Benefits of Building Prefab

March 14, 2024 Guest User

BHC's goal is to empower cabin lovers to build recreational structures easily in virtually any remote location, with small hands-on teams and a high degree of fidelity. Our values are rooted in innovation and our cabin prefabricated solutions are designed to help you build easily, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Comparing the cost of building a cabin using traditional methods versus prefabricated systems involves considering various factors that contribute to the overall expense of construction. While the cost can vary depending on location, materials, labour rates, and specific design requirements, we can provide a general overview of the cost comparison between these two approaches:

Material Costs 
Your prefabricated BHC system is prepared to order, and the exact materials needed to build your cabin will arrive on site, minimizing waste associated with traditional building. This benefits the environment and your budget - your material costs are known up front and remain constant. You also benefit from the economies of scale built into our fabrication process, versus the one-off approach to an individual custom build. The BHC kit-of-parts comes with everything needed to assemble your exterior shell, and our Interior Specifications Guide provides an itemized list of easy-to-obtain goods to finish your cabin cost-effectively. This also minimizes scope creep due to increased material costs accumulated over a longer project arc.

Labour Costs
Labour is typically one of the largest line items in a construction project budget, encompassing skilled labour for on-site fabrication, assembly, and construction aspects. It's also a highly variable cost, depending on labour availability, the variety of skilled trades needed, and your project's duration. Building with a prefabricated system means your cabin is fabricated off-site and arrives ready to be assembled, reducing the need for on-site and specialized labour. Our systems also come with a complete step-by-step guide, meaning your building team will be well-armed with the information needed to seamlessly assemble the kit.

Construction Time
A traditional custom cabin build involves a longer construction timeline due to the nature of on-site fabrication. Delays caused by weather, site conditions, and coordination issues can further prolong the construction process. When you build using a BHC System, your kit-of-parts is manufactured off-site and arrives ready for assembly. The streamlined process and reduced reliance on on-site fabrication can significantly shorten the overall construction timeline, accelerating the project's completion.

Customization and Complexity
Our larger Systems are designed with a high degree of customization in mind, from selecting your number of 185 sq. ft. modules, and choosing a variety of decks, end glazing options, floorplans, flex bays, and more. A traditional build can be customized in innumerable ways - an advantage that comes at a significant cost in the form of time in the planning, design, and construction phases, complexity, and potential for time and budget overruns.

Sustainability
Prefabrication reduces material waste by optimizing the use of resources, and shipping ther kit-of-parts as a total package reduces the environmental impact of getting materials to site. Our Systems are developed with the intentional use of sustainable materials and design principles, in alignment with environmentally conscious practices and our brand values. Overall, prefabricated systems offer a more sustainable approach to building, helping to conserve resources and reduce the ecological footprint of construction projects.

While both traditional and prefabricated methods have their advantages and disadvantages, prefabricated cabin systems offer cost savings due to efficiencies in material usage, labour, and construction time. A specific cost comparison will depend on various factors unique to each project, and it's essential to consider the full scope of requirements and budget constraints when selecting the most suitable construction approach.

We invite you to explore our most recent Case Studies to understand the specific budgets for these individual and varied projects: the San Juan Islands Cabin, the Great Lakes Cabin, the Golden Cabin (shown), and the Catskills Cabin. 

In Process Tags Prefab, Planning

Order now: enjoy this summer!

February 13, 2024 Guest User

Our System 00 A-Frame kit and System S sauna have gotten a lot of attention recently. Due to popular demand, we've opened up a special ordering window for these two products. 

Order by February 29th, 2024, and we'll deliver directly to your site this summer.

Placing your order is simple and we can help you begin. Read on for more information, and take the next step by booking a consultation with our team.

Secure your System by paying 75% of the total purchase price by February 29th. The remaining 25% is payable at the time of shipment.

Don't delay - time is running out!

How to order your System:

  • Begin with a consultation with our team. During this step we will discuss site and zoning requirements, review our project checklist, outline costs, and discuss shipping.

  • To place your order - 75% of the total purchase price is due by February 29th.

  • The remaining 25% is due at the time of shipment.

  • Your System will ship directly to site for Summer 2024.

GET STARTED
In A-Frame, Sauna Tags System S, System 00

The Modern Prefab: IDS Toronto

February 6, 2024 Guest User

Thank you to everyone who joined us in person, and those who followed along on Instagram, as the team brought our smallest systems to Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto!

We assembled our iconic prefabricated System 00 A-Frame cabin on the show floor in just three days with the help of our assembly team at Hummingbird Hill Homes. The cabin was placed beside our pre-assembled System S Sauna which arrived on site ready-to-go, just like it does in the field.

Over the course of the weekend we welcomed thousands of cabin lovers in - to talk cabin dreams, explore our Systems, and make themselves at home. As part of IDS Toronto's Modern Prefab feature exhibit, our team was also happy to talk about the numerous benefits of working with a prefabricated solution - efficiency, cost, and sustainability being just a few!

By the end of four days in our little grove we were ready to pack up - and again the team at Hummingbird Hill Homes got to work, packing up the Sauna and disassembling the System 00 cabin in just one evening.

Our sustainably-crafted are designed to leave a light footprint in the field - and on the show floor: both are now off to their future destinations at client sites in North America! 

We were proud as well that the editorial team at Designlines Magazine tagged our System 00 cabin as one of their IDS Toronto favourites!

Each year the team awards "Love Tag" favourites at events across Toronto, recognizing the recognizing the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity in the local design community.

We also crossed paths at the event with our friends Colin + Justin, who have featured BHC in the past, on the cover of their curated coffee table book for cabin-lovers Escapology, and now on the cover of their first winter edition of Kabin, a magazine celebrating all things cabin culture! 


Ready to begin your cabin-building journey?

If you’re ready to begin your project, we invite you to book a consultation call with our team. Fill out our Get Started form and we’ll send you information on how to begin along with a consultation booking link.

From there, we will walk you through the process, discuss your project and site requirements, and help you plan ahead.

GET STARTED
In Events Tags System S, System 00, IDS TORONTO

Join us at IDS Toronto!

January 18, 2024 Guest User

We invite you to join us at Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto, beginning with tonight's opening party! IDS celebrates and promotes the best in global and Canadian design, from emerging designers to legacy brands. 

We've assembled our iconic prefabricated System 00 A-Frame cabin on the show floor, alongside our System S sauna for you to explore. Our Co-Founders and team are here to answer any and all questions to help support cabin lovers as they embark on the journey of planning and building.

Find us in the MODERN PREFAB feature exhibit!

BHC x Interior Design Show Toronto
Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building
January 18 - 21, 2024

Thursday January 18 - Opening Night Party
Friday January 19 - Trade Day
Saturday January 20 + Sunday January 21 - Public Days

With a number of lectures, demonstrations, stunning installations, community-building, and off-site events celebrating the local design community, it's an event you won't want to miss!


Ready to begin your cabin-building journey?

If you’re ready to begin your project, we invite you to book a consultation call with our team. Fill out our Get Started form and we’ll send you information on how to begin along with a consultation booking link.

From there, we will walk you through the process, discuss your project and site requirements, and help you plan ahead.

GET STARTED
In Events Tags IDS TORONTO, System S, System 00

The San Juan Islands Cabin

January 9, 2024 Guest User

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of San Juan Islands, Washington, the San Juan Islands Cabin is an inviting two storey System 02 | 3 Module structure. With an expansive 1270 square feet, it encompasses 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and a deck featuring an impressive 2/3 glazing wall. Originally purchased in October 2020 as a primary residence, the cabin was conceived as a sustainable and modern sanctuary for its initial owners. Under new ownership, it has transformed into a recreational getaway. 

This project was executed by a General Contractor on behalf of the original client.

Project Details

  • Kit Purchased: 2020 Built: 2021

  • System 02 | 3 Module + Deck

  • Layout F | 2/3 Glazing Wall

  • 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom

  • Gross Built Area: 1270 sq ft

  • Building Footprint: 778 sq ft

  • Net Usable Area: 983 sq ft

  • Location: San Juan Islands, Washington

  • Interior Design: Not Specified

  • Timeline: 6 weeks build BHC kit

Budget 

  • BHC System 02 Kit: $221,000 (as of October 2020)

  • BHC Shipping: $8,000

  • Consultant Fees + Permitting: By Others

  • Foundation + Site Work: $17,644

  • Interior Finishing: $91,015

  • Construction Trades: $188,386

________________________________________________________________________________
BHC Kit: $229,000 CAD
Assembly + Site Work:  $397,00 CAD
Total Construction: $626,000 CAD ($467,000 USD)

System 02 is carefully designed to minimize its impact on the environment. Inside, the design prioritizes adaptability, providing a variety of effective floor plans and flexible bay options ideal for families or groups. The structural framework incorporates sustainably sourced engineered glulam timber frames, enveloped by prefabricated insulated wall/roof/floor panels. This environmentally conscious envelope system is customizable, allowing adherence to Net Zero and Passive House standards.

Learn more

Visit us at IDS Toronto | January 18 - 21 2024

Step into the world of the Modern Prefab at IDS Toronto. The boom of pre-fabricated buildings in all forms continues across Canada, for good reason!

Our team will be assembling our popular prefabricated System 00 A-Frame on the trade show floor, demonstrated alongside our pre-assembled System S Sauna. 

We'll be there to discuss the workings and virtues of all our cabin systems, to answer questions about planning and budgeting, to extoll the virtues of prefabricated building, and to explore trends in incorporating wellness programming into recreational getaways. 

Interior Design Show Toronto
Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building
January 18 - 21, 2024

With a number of lectures, demonstrations, stunning installations, community-building, and off-site events celebrating the local design community, it's an event you won't want to miss!

Get your tickets early and save with the promo code: EXHIBITOR20IDS

Buy IDS Tickets
In In the Field, Case Study Tags System 02

Happy Holidays from the BHC Team!

December 21, 2023 Guest User

This past year has been a dream come true in our neck of the woods!

As we wrap up the last weeks of 2023 we're looking back at the milestones that marked our busiest year yet.

  • We were recognized with notable architecture and design awards from Good Design, Architecture MasterPrize, and Architect's Newspaper.

  • We launched our Interior Specifications Guide.
     to help support cabin builders in completing their System 01 and 02 cabin interiors.

  • We planted over 1000 trees as part of our 150 Trees initiative with the help of Forest Recovery Canada.

  • We were excited to watch as systems came to life across North America, from the PNW to the East Coast, with cabins popping up everywhere in between.

  • We're planning our 5 year anniversary return to IDS Toronto - find us January 18-21 2024 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre!


We're grateful to have the support and encouragement of our cabin-loving community, and thrilled to share in your enthusiasm for the cabin life.

To mark the season, we're sharing a few digital goodies to help you enjoy the holiday season, BHC-Style:

  • Whether you're gathering this season at home or your cabin, we have the perfect music to set the mood. Enjoy the latest Winter edition in our BHC playlist collection - a thoughtfully curated selection of songs to enjoy by the fireside with family and friends.

  • Time on your hands over your winter break? Dig in to the BHC Project Handbook and start shaping your cabin dreams. This digital resource will help walk you through the steps of planning your project. 

Thank you for joining us this year. Wishing you all the best as you head into your holiday season. Stay safe, stay cozy, and we'll see you in 2023!

Wilson + Michael, and the entire BHC Team


Please note that our office is closed December 22nd 2023 - January 2nd 2024 to give our team a well-deserved break. We will respond to your messages and calls in the new year. 

The Backcountry Hut Company returns to IDS Toronto in January!

November 30, 2023 Guest User

On the five year anniversary of our public launch, BHC is returning to IDS Toronto!

We first introduced our cabin systems to the public at IDS Toronto in 2019, where we assembled and showed the System 01 to great interest and enthusiasm. That version of our System 01 product offering - affectionately dubbed ‘The Great Lakes Cabin,’ was subsequently re-assembled at it's final home on a private island in Ontario’s cottage country.

Since that first appearance, we have undergone a remarkable transformation as an organization - we’ve grown as a team, increased our reach across North America, and introduced two innovative new systems - the System 00 A-Frame and the System S Sauna. Our evolution has not only kept pace with the demands of the marketplace but has set the bar higher for the prefabricated cabin sector.

Join us at IDS Toronto to experience the System 00 and System S

Our team will be assembling our popular prefabricated System 00 A-Frame on the trade show floor, demonstrated alongside our pre-assembled System S Sauna. Both systems have been developed since our original IDS launch, and we're excited to showcase them to the cabin- and design-loving community in Toronto.

We'll also be there to discuss the workings and virtues of all our cabin systems, to answer questions about planning and budgeting, to extoll the virtues of prefabricated building, and to explore trends in incorporating wellness programming into recreational getaways. 

The System 00  A-Frame, our smallest and most streamlined cabin option, distills the iconic A-frame aesthetic down to its purest essentials. With a compact area of approximately 10 x 10 feet, it comes to life as a single bedroom sleeping bunk, or as a meditation, yoga, or art studio. Designed to be self-assembled, our System 00 Prefab A-Frame is a dream DIY project. With a small team of 4-5 capable people, this a-frame cabin kit can be built from start-to-finish over a long weekend.

The System S Preassembled Sauna 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 can withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy use. Designed for ultimate instant gratification, no assembly is required! The system arrives on site fully constructed and ready to connect to existing electrical systems. 


Join us in Toronto to celebrate the best in Canadian design!

BHC x Interior Design Show Toronto
Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building
January 18 - 21, 2024

Thursday January 18 - Opening Night Party
Friday January 19 - Trade Day
Saturday January 20 + Sunday January 21 - Public Days

With a number of lectures, demonstrations, stunning installations, community-building, and off-site events celebrating the local design community, it's an event you won't want to miss!

Get your tickets early and save with the promo code: EXHIBITOR20IDS


About IDS Toronto

Celebrating 25 years of being Canada’s premier design showcase, IDS Toronto 2024 will not only commemorate its rich history but also set the stage for what lies ahead in the dynamic world of interior design. This landmark event promises to be an inspiring showcase of cutting-edge concepts, transformative trends, and visionary designs, as it explores the limitless possibilities of the future of design.

As Canada's premier showcase of new products, superstar designers, and innovative concepts, IDS is the platform to experience what's new and what's next while also participating in the broader conversation surrounding design. 

GET YOUR TICKETS
In Events Tags IDS TORONTO, System 00, System S

Plan your winter wood supply

November 22, 2023 Guest User

Across cabin-loving regions in North America the cool, crisp weather of winter has begun or is just around the corner. For many, the winter season brings to mind cozy evenings by the fireplace, warming up after a day of outdoor adventure. 

To ensure a season of warmth and comfort, it's essential to prepare firewood considerately. In this how-to, we'll explore various ways to prepare firewood for the winter season, including selecting the best woods for burning, stacking and seasoning strategies, and tips for using firewood in an environmentally sustainable way.

Using this guide, wood that you harvest this fall and winter can be in proper shape for burning next year. If you're starting out and need wood now contact your local wood supplier and ask for seasoned or kiln-dried wood to get you through the season. 

Choosing the Right Wood:

Not all firewood is created equal, and selecting the right type of wood is crucial for an efficient and warm fire. Hardwoods such as oak, maple, hickory, and birch are among the best choices. Hardwoods burn longer and produce more heat compared to softer woods like pine or spruce. Additionally, properly seasoned wood—wood that has been dried for at least six months—is essential for a clean and efficient burn.

That being said - utilizing any wood that is foraged from fallen or cleared supply on your property is the most sustainable place to start. 

Firewood Measurements:

  • A face cord is a stack of wood that is 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and the depth of the firewood pieces. It's a common measurement for residential use.

  • A full cord is a larger stack that measures 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep. It's the standard measurement for firewood sales.

Seasoning your Firewood:

Properly seasoning wood is a crucial step in ensuring a clean, efficient, and long-lasting burn. 

  • To achieve optimal seasoning, start by salvaging, harvesting, or purchasing hardwoods like oak, maple, or hickory, as they tend to have lower moisture content and burn more efficiently. Harvest in the Spring for Fall and Winter fires, or in the Fall for fires the following year to allow adequate time for seasoning.

  • Once acquired, the wood should be cut to the desired length and split into manageable pieces, exposing the inner wood for faster drying. 

  • Next, stack the wood in a location with good air circulation and sunlight, preferably off the ground to prevent moisture absorption. The wood should be stacked in a way that allows air to circulate freely between the pieces, aiding in the drying process. 

  • Allow the wood to season for a minimum of six months, or ideally a year, ensuring that it reaches a moisture content of around 20% or less. Testing the wood with a moisture meter can provide accurate measurements. 

  • Well-seasoned wood not only ignites more easily but also produces less creosote buildup, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable fireplace experience in your cabin.


Stacking Strategies:

Properly stacked firewood not only ensures efficient burning but also helps with the seasoning process. Here are just a few stacking strategies to consider:

  • Cordwood Stacking

    • Straight Stacks: This is the most basic and common style, where firewood is stacked in straight rows. It's simple and allows for easy access.

    • Face Cord Stacking: Firewood is stacked in a single row, creating a face cord. 

    • Holz Hausen (Round Stack): Firewood is arranged in a circular, beehive-like shape. This style helps with seasoning wood efficiently and provides stability.

  • Log Cabin or Log Pile

    • Log Cabin Stacking: Firewood is stacked in a log cabin or box shape. This style is not only practical but also visually appealing. It allows for good air circulation.

    • Log Pile: Similar to log cabin stacking, but without the enclosed sides. This allows for even better air circulation and quicker seasoning.

  • Lean-To or Single Slope

    • Lean-To Stacking: Firewood is stacked with one end leaning against a support, creating a sloped roof-like structure. This is particularly useful for keeping the top of the stack dry.

  • Herringbone or Chevron Stacking

    • Herringbone Stacking: Firewood is stacked in a V-shape or chevron pattern. This style can be visually striking and offers good stability.

  • Elevated Stacks

    • Elevating your firewood stack slightly off the ground using pallets or another method helps prevent moisture absorption from the ground, keeping the wood dry.

Environmental Sustainability

Using firewood considerately is not only a positive choice for the environment but also ensures a steady supply of wood for future use. 

  • Choose Local Wood: Use locally sourced firewood to reduce transportation emissions and support local economies.

  • Practice Responsible Harvesting: If you're harvesting your own wood, do so responsibly by selecting dead or damaged trees and avoiding overharvesting in a particular area.

  • Consider Alternative Heating Sources: Explore alternative heating sources, such as pellet stoves or wood-burning inserts, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly.

  • Clean Burning Practices: Regularly clean your fireplace or wood-burning stove to ensure a clean and efficient burn, minimizing emissions.

By choosing the right wood, employing proper stacking strategies, and embracing sustainable practices, you can enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire while minimizing your impact on the environment. So, as the winter winds start to blow, let the glow of a well-prepared fire be a source of comfort and sustainability in your home.


While you're out there chopping and stacking next winter's supply of firewood, it's a great time to think about your cabin plans. We can help with that! Start by exploring the resources on our website - the documentation section has everything you need to begin, including catalogues and our project handbook, which highlights the steps you need to take to embark on a successful project.

When you're ready to begin planning your cabin, fill out our Get Started form! You'll  get more information and a consultation booking link for a free 30-minute call with our project management team. 

GET STARTED
In Cabin Life Tags FIREWOOD, HOW-To
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