HMH ONE
“READY-TO-BUILD” PREMIUM CABIN
1 bed · 1 bath · 800 SF
Luxury meets efficiency in this premium cabin design for the ultimate California retreat. This cabin is the result of years of development to meet your functional and budget needs for a weekend escape, a backyard guest house, or a weekly rental. Thoughtful features in every room mean comfortable living in a small space without compromises.
Big bed, big shower, big views. What more could you ask for?
The exposed post-and-beam construction, natural materials, and efficient floor plan are inspired by the Case Study House program and designer Duane Smith’s own experience studying at the Bauhaus in Germany.
There’s a WOW at every turn.
Two offset modules joined by a glass entry separate public from private spaces and give a sense that the structure is much larger than its modest 800 square feet.
The slim roof profile extends over the recessed entry for protection from wind and rain. And the stepped floor plan creates natural wind breaks and nooks for private outdoor gathering spots.
When the 8 foot-wide glass slider magically disappears behind the fireplace, the lounge opens up to nature and the whole room becomes an outdoor living area, creating the ultimate Californian experience. Awning windows in all rooms allow for cross-ventilation, and the main rooms have natural light sources on two sides for balance and reduced need for artificial lighting.
The open living space incorporates lounging, dining and cooking. Two built-in sofas wrap around the lounge, providing multiple window seats and doubling as twin-sized beds for extra guests. An EPA-approved wood-burning or gas fireplace is at the center of the living space and will heat the entire house comfortably on chilly winter evenings.
A central utility room houses the washer and dryer, mini-split HVAC system, water heater, and still has room for solar inverter and batteries, depending on how off-grid you’re looking to be!
Small doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or function.
An efficient L-shaped kitchen, large enough for 2 people to comfortably cook side-by-side, wraps around a dining table for four. The tile-clad fireplace bookends the kitchen and adds a beautiful focal point to the room. Premium appliances from Fisher Paykel are hidden behind custom millwork so they don’t impose on the living space, and a quartz countertop from Caeserstone ensures years of maintenance-free use.
This home is all about escape and relaxation.
A restful, minimalist bedroom has ample built-in storage for clothing and linens, and room for a king-sized bed. A skylight above the bed allows star-gazing, and windows on both sides of the room let in morning and late afternoon light, while maintaining a comforting sense of privacy.
The generous, tile-clad bathroom has a walk-in shower with a floor to ceiling window or, if you prefer, a door to an outdoor shower. A built-in bench and wood shelf run the length of the room for storage and easy access to linens and amenities.
Every detail in this cabin has been thoroughly considered, from the custom cabinet millwork to the perfectly framed views of the landscape in every room. We’ll also work with you to ensure the landscape and features outside the home are as functional as inside: a cedar hot tub, plunge pool, outdoor shower, firepit, vegetable garden and built-in grill…all enticing complements to this premium escape.
The materials are rustic, minimal, and maintenance-free for years.
The quality of design and attention to detail in HMH ONE is evident from the moment you approach: the richness of the textured wood cladding, the 5 foot-wide glass pivot entry door, the polished concrete floors, and the expose beam construction all show careful consideration of materials in their environments.
Optional features like a wood-clad interior and premium handmade tiles are inspired by the rugged beauty of California’s varied landscapes, from the rugged cliffs and towering redwoods of the central coast to the brutal heat of the Mohave desert.
Exterior cladding options were all selected to be resistant to rot, termites and be zero maintenance. The rustic siding options reflect the intensity of the desert climate, while the minimal black windows frame the views and complement the rustic with a touch of sophistication.
Thermally-modified pine with a deep rib provides a rich three-dimensional texture, requires no finishing and has a 20 year warranty. The tongue-and-groove profile means no exposed fasteners for a cleaner look.
Yakisugi, the centuries-old Japanese technique of burning wood to preserve it, is naturally resistant to fire and makes a bold statement while disappearing into the natural landscape. Our preferred option is a burnt cypress with the burnt texture left on.
Weathered steel is also fire resistant and maintenance free for decades. We use a vertical panel with hidden fasteners for a clean, modern look.
Just say yes. We’ll handle the rest.
We’ll help site the home to fully consider nature, keeping the main living area and large doors and windows in shade for the summer months while taking advantage of passive heating in the winter. Energy efficiency and sustainability were a focus in specifying all aspects of the project: high-efficiency heat pump HVAC with variable speed fans in each zone allow you to control each room independently to not waste energy; R50+ continuous insulation under a cool roof creates a world-class thermal barrier against the most extreme weather; and argon-filled glazing with a low-e coating provides expansive views without sacrificing comfort.
Our exclusive partners for products and finishes include Clé Tile, Caeserstone Quartz, Fisher Paykel appliances, Lunawood, Nakamoto Forestry, Styline and Arcadia Doors, Weathershield Windows, and Hot Purple Energy solar power. We have a number of pre-selected finish packages ready for you to choose from to make the process quick and effortless. Where possible, we utilize local vendors and materials that are sourced or made within 100 miles of your site.
Faster and more affordable than pre-fab.
Contact us to discuss pricing, process and customization of your HMH ONE cabin! For those seeking a turn-key rental or vacation property, we also offer a “move-in-ready” service where we’ll furnish the cabin with all the furniture, cookware, dishes, linens and artwork you’ll need to be ready for you or your guests.
Want to kick the tires?
It’s natural to want to experience an HMH ONE cabin in person before making any commitment. Inquire below to arrange a meeting at one of our current cabins under construction, or sign up for our newsletter for updates on when new HMH ONE cabins will available to rent overnight for a completely immersive experience! Click here for current rentals. Please note that these are hosted by our clients, not HMH.