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

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

Our largest System 02 cabin build to date!

October 24, 2023 Guest User

We're excited to share our latest - and largest - build in the field! Assembly and interior finishes were recently completed on this impressive 5 Module + Deck System 02 cabin in Ontario's cottage country. The layout (Floor plan H) offers 1366 square feet of interior space over two floors, and a 174 square foot deck. This configuration features a full glazing wall and lift slide door.

This cabin, designed for personal family use, comfortably sleeps 6-8 on the upper floor over three bedrooms and includes two bathrooms and a double-height living room area. The open plan living room, dining room, and kitchen were planned around entertaining.

The System 02 Prefab Two-Storey Cabin, the original Backcountry Hut concept, was inspired by traditional alpine cabins. Our most adaptable cabin kit, System 02 features a variety of flexible floor plans designed to suit a variety of uses and space needs.

Ready to build your own?

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

The Backcountry Hut Company Recognised in Australia’s International Good Design Awards for Excellence in Design and Innovation

September 8, 2023 Guest User

The winners of Australia’s peak international design awards were announced on Friday 8 September at the 2023 Australian Good Design Awards in front of more than 1000 guests from the design and architecture community.

The Backcountry Hut Company received a prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Architectural Design category in recognition for outstanding design and innovation.

“““Tread lightly and safely” is written all over this incredible design as it empowers DIY homebuilders to shape their own communities. We commend the understanding of the risks involved in remote construction, as well as its resource-intensive processes, and believe each Backcountry Hut offers an elegant, waste-free and ecological solution. The essentialist philosophy is beautifully presented throughout the design process and the finished products. Phenomenal job.””

— The Good Design Awards Jury

The Good Design Awards are the highest honour for design and innovation in the country and reward diverse projects across 11 Design Disciplines covering more than 35 Categories and Subcategories. Each year, the Awards celebrate the best new products and services on the Australian and international market, excellence in architectural design, engineering, fashion, digital and communication design, and reward new and emerging areas of design including design strategy, social impact design, design research and up-and-coming design talent in the next-gen category.

The 2023 Good Design Awards attracted high-quality design projects from Australia and around the world. These innovative projects were evaluated by more than 70 Australian and international Jurors, including designers, engineers, architects and thought leaders. More than 900 entries were evaluated according to a strict set of design evaluation criteria which includes Good Design, Design Innovation and Design Impact.

“To be recognised with an Australian Good Design Award tells the world this project not only represents design excellence, but it also surpasses the criteria for design innovation and design impact. The Good Design Award is an independent endorsement of professional design quality,” said Dr. Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia and Chair of the Australian Good Design Awards.

The Australian Good Design Awards is the country’s oldest and most prestigious international awards for design and innovation with a proud history dating back to 1958. The 2023 Awards celebrated 65 Years of Good Design since the founding organisation behind the awards – the Industrial Design Council of Australia (IDCA) was first established.

The Good Design Awards Jury spent two days at the Sydney Opera House discussing and debating which projects should be recognised with the prestigious Good Design Award accolade.

“Some of the Award-winning projects from this year’s Good Design Awards are truly ground-breaking. There are so many inspiring impact-led projects this year that have embraced the power of design as a problem-solving tool – their design stories deserve to be recognised and celebrated at the highest level."

Projects recognised with an Australian Good Design Award demonstrate excellence in professional design and highlight the impact a design-led approach has on business success and social and environmental outcomes.

“The Good Design Awards recognise and celebrate the transformative power of design to find innovative, customer-centric solutions to local and global challenges. My sincere congratulations to all the designers, engineers, architects and innovators recognised in this year’s Awards - you deserve to be celebrated at the highest level possible,” Dr. Gien concluded.

Now is the time: Place your System 00 + S order for 2024!

August 31, 2023 Guest User

Calling all A-Frame and sauna lovers! Orders for two of our most popular structures are due by October 31st.

Our fabrication centres craft the pre-assembled System S Sauna and prefabricated System 00 A-Frame cabin kits over the winter months and orders ship out in the Spring.

If you're interested in building a System 00 or System S in 2024, it's time to plan your order and secure your spot in line. There are just 60 days until our October 31st ordering deadline!

Placing your order is simple and we can help you begin. Read on for more information about the Systems and ordering process, click through to go deeper, and hit that consultation booking link when you're ready to get started!

System 00 A-Frame

System 00, our smallest and most streamlined option, distills the iconic A-frame aesthetic down to essentials - 10' by 10', room for two to sleep, and a covered deck. It's the simplest way to get a roof over your head in the place you love. It also works really well as an office, home studio, yoga or meditation space.

Designed to be self-assembled, System 00 is DIY-able - with a small team of 4-5 capable people this project can be built from start to finish in under a week. It requires no heavy machinery, and comes with a step-by-step assembly guide.

View the System 00 page of our website for the catalogue and pricing information.
Questions? Take a peek at our FAQ to learn more!

System S 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. This system may be placed on your site without a construction permit in most cases.

It comes 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.

View the System 00 page of our website for the catalogue and pricing information.
Questions? Take a peek at our FAQ to learn more!

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.
Secure your System by placing a $2500 Fabrication Reservation deposit ASAP to guarantee your place in the queue.
To complete your purchase, 75% of the total purchase price is due by October 31st.
The remaining 25% is due at the time of shipment.
Your System will ship directly to site in Spring / Summer 2024.

Ready to begin?

If you’re ready to begin your project, we invite you to book a consultation call with our team. We will walk you through the process, discuss your project and site requirements, and help you plan ahead.

GET STARTED

Milestones to Celebrate!

August 23, 2023 Guest User

We're celebrating over 5 years in business and a growing collection of built cabins in dream locations across North America!

We're excited to share that we recently celebrated over five years in operation and an ever-growing collection of successful cabin builds in dream locations across North America! With so many cabins, A-frames, and saunas popping up across the continent, we thought it was a good time to share a few of our favourites.

At our inception we spent time meticulously testing, rendering, and fine tuning our initial concept - modular, scalable cabins designed to be assembled in the field using a prefabricated and flat-packed kit-of-parts, with a keen focus on user-participation.

Our first real-world prototype was a single story System 01 cabin. Launched in 2019, it was assembled as an installation for the Interior Design Show in Toronto, where it generated a lot of interest and was purchased by an attendee. Today it's affectionately known as the Great Lakes Cabin, and is the central dwelling in a family vacation compound located in Ontario's Georgian Bay area which also includes several other BHC structures.

BHC's two-storey System 02 cabin is known as the most customizable option, and it can grow to accommodate large families and groups. System 02 cabins have popped up on islands and forested sites across the Pacific Northwest, in the heartland, at the easternmost edge of the continent on Newfoundland's famed Fogo Island, and in upstate New York, to name a few locations.

BHC introduced the System 00 A-Frame cabin with the goal of producing the most streamlined iteration of the cabin concept. With a footprint of just 10' x 10' it's envisioned uses include as a sleeping bunk, additional structure in a compound, as an office, home studio, or creative space. These cabins have been dotting the landscape coast-to-coast as well.

The pre-assembled System S sauna joined the BHC product family in as a compliment to the existing collection. Designed for immediate gratification, it arrives on site ready to be installed, and makes a welcome addition to a cabin's hydrotherapy circuit or amenity offerings.

Ready to build your own?

GET STARTED

The countdown is on!

July 31, 2023 Guest User

It's time to place your System S or System 00 order for 2024!

Our fabrication centres craft the pre-assembled System S Sauna and prefabricated System 00 A-Frame cabin kits over the winter months and orders ship out in the Spring.

If you're interested in building a System 00 or System S in 2024, it's time to plan your order and secure your spot in line. There are just 90 days until our October 31st ordering deadline!

Placing your order is simple and we can help you begin. Read on for more information about the Systems and ordering process, click through to go deeper, and hit that consultation booking link when you're ready to get started!

System 00 A-Frame

View the System 00 page of our website for the catalogue and pricing information.
Questions? Take a peek at our FAQ to learn more!

System S Sauna

View the System 00 page of our website for the catalogue and pricing information.
Questions? Take a peek at our FAQ to learn more!

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.
Secure your System by placing a $2500 Fabrication Reservation deposit ASAP to guarantee your place in the queue.
To complete your purchase, 75% of the total purchase price is due by October 31st.
The remaining 25% is due at the time of shipment.
Your System will ship directly to site in Spring / Summer 2024.

Ready to begin?

GET STARTED

The new BHC Interior Specifications Manual!

June 1, 2023 Guest User

Flexible and attainable interior recommendations designed to support homeowner-builders in System 01 and 02 cabin builds

We're excited to announce the launch of the new BHC Interior Specifications Manual!

Our prefabricated kit-of-parts cabin Systems are designed for ease-of-assembly, with the goal of delivering everything homeowner-builders need to efficiently craft the cabin of their dreams.

The interior aspects of each cabin have historically and intentionally been left up to the discretion of each cabin builder. Now, this new easy-to-use manual focuses on offering detailed recommendations for consistent and readily available products from two major national retailers, IKEA and The Home Depot. Designed to cover all aspects of an interior fit-out, it includes specifications for kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, lighting, wall and flooring finishes, and supplemental features including fireplaces and furniture. The result is a professionally coordinated total design solution.

The manual has been developed to make a significant impact on successful completion of the project. It outlines everything you need to finish the interior of your System 01 or 02 cabin.

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 attainable price point, and allow you avoid adding an additional budget for Interior Design services.

As a special bonus to celebrate the launch of this new offering, the manual will be offered for FREE to clients who sign a contract for a System 01 or 02 cabin in 2023.

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.

GET STARTED