A Cabin You Can Carry Away

This "bunkie" is designed to disassembled at the end of a 20-year lease.

Photos by Félix Michaud

In Ontario, a bunkie typically refers to a small bunkhouse. Snuggly situated on the northern edge of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park, the Smoke Lake bunkie runs with this idea, but makes it modular and takes it off-grid to a boat-in site.

Designed by Toronto-based Anya Moryoussef Architect, the cabin sits lightly on the land, literally. The entire structure can be taken apart and moved, a design decision driven by both practical need and environmental responsibility:

The structure is designed to minimize its impact on the land. Constructed almost wholly of dimensional timber and Douglas fir plywood, the structure can be easily deconstructed at the end of the mandated 20-year lease period without leaving any permanent trace on the site. At that time, the majority of the bunkie’s components could also be cleanly salvaged for reuse.

Algonquin is Ontario’s oldest provincial park, known for its dense forests, glacier-carved lakes, and moose sightings. The terrain is rugged, and most access is by canoe or foot. It’s a place where even the hum of a distant engine feels like an intrusion. Smoke Lake itself is long and narrow, popular with backcountry paddlers and those seeking solitude. Building anything here requires a deep respect for the land, and a willingness to leave no trace.

The only way to reach the site is by boat. From the shoreline, materials had to be hauled up a steep incline using a makeshift trolley. The cabin’s structural system is fully modular. It was prefabricated in Toronto and broken into manageable parts small enough to fit on a barge, assembled later on site without the need for concrete or permanent footings.

Inside, the layout follows a clear progression: an entry ramp leads to a screened porch, followed by a glass-wrapped living area and an enclosed sleeping space tucked behind it. The sequence is arranged along a one-meter grid and takes cues from traditional Canadian bunkies. The framing is oversized to support large window openings on every face of the building, offering views of the surrounding forest, sky, and water.

The cabin is constructed entirely from dimensional lumber and Douglas fir plywood. These were left exposed inside, giving the space a warm, amber glow. The interiors are unpainted and unstained, allowing the wood to weather naturally over time. Despite its off-grid designation, the cabin includes a lake-fed water system and a septic tank to minimize site disturbance while meeting basic needs.

Takeaways for Builders

• Design for removal. A modular structure makes it possible to pack out what you bring in—essential for sensitive or leased sites.

• Avoid permanent footings. No concrete was poured; this reduces environmental impact and simplifies future removal.

• Let the layout reflect the journey. This cabin’s sequence of open deck, screened porch, and enclosed living space mirrors the way people experience a campsite.

• Use local, minimal materials. Douglas fir plywood and dimensional lumber were used throughout, left raw for both appearance and longevity.

The Smoke Lake build proves that a place to stay doesn’t need to be permanent to feel rooted. It’s an approach that might inspire other builders working in sensitive landscapes, or anyone craving a simpler shelter that can disappear as easily as it arrived.

Takeaways for Travelers

Canadian blogger Jess Yawney published a great write-up about a canoe route that loops through Smoke Lake.