Tucked away in the tranquil woodlands of Lake Arrowhead, California, the Arrowhead Double A-Frame House, also known as “Bern Double-A,” is a stunning reinvention of a 1970s cabin by Dan Brunn Architecture (DBA). This retreat harmonizes vintage charm with contemporary flair, merging luxury with eco-conscious design. The renovation introduces a “double A-frame” structure, blending minimalist aesthetics with welcoming elements. This duality enriches the cabin’s form, accentuating both its original character and modern innovations.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Dan Brunn Architecture
Location: Lake Arrowhead, California
Project Name: Arrowhead Double A-Frame House (Bern Double-A)
Design Style: Modern Minimalist with Vintage Elements
Materials: Restored Wood, Glass, Stone
Interior Elements: Mid-century-inspired Furniture, Scandinavian Decor
The inspiration stems from the cabin’s initial T-shaped footprint, which presented an ideal foundation for expanding the A-frame geometry in two directions. This ambitious design move creates a bold yet familiar aesthetic, innovatively bridging past and present architectural styles. A notable feature is the glass wall on the structure’s short axis, which bathes the lofted interiors in natural light and visually connects indoor spaces with the lush forest outside, enhancing the home’s integration with its environment.
Maintaining a balance between refinement and warmth, the interior showcases DBA’s signature minimalist material palette. Original wooden elements, such as beams and ceilings, have been carefully restored using a sandblasting method with walnut shells, preserving their natural texture. This process enriches the continuity between the cabin’s original craftsmanship and its refreshed design. Central to the home is a living room, where a glass-framed A-frame ceiling beautifully contrasts with a rustic, tumbled-stone fireplace. This inviting space, featuring a semicircular sofa by the hearth, offers panoramic forest views, fostering relaxation.
Spanning three thoughtfully designed levels, the cabin caters to distinct functions. The ground floor is a haven for restful bedrooms and necessary utilities. In contrast, the second floor features a more social, open plan, incorporating a guest suite, living and dining areas, and a smoothly integrated kitchen that blurs the boundaries between indoor ambiance and the external landscape. The lofty third floor highlights high ceilings and mid-century-inspired furniture, delivering an air of playful sophistication. Strategic floor-to-ceiling windows amplify the woodland vistas, blending outdoor beauty with interior comfort.
Color plays a crucial role in the cabin’s design. A dark navy hue, used prominently in essential elements like cabinetry and select exterior parts, offers a striking contrast to the lighter woods in the living areas and bedrooms. This palette enhances the cabin’s grounded elegance, with navy siding and decks reinforcing this refined aesthetic. In the kitchen, design nods to the 1970s through dual-toned cabinetry and detailed craftsmanship, creating a seamless blend of modernity with period authenticity. The use of white, soft-touch Fenix laminate, alongside dark finishes, further elevates this timeless atmosphere.
High up in the loft, expansive windows provide uninterrupted views of the treetops, deepening the cabin’s bond with nature. Custom-built cabinetry displays vintage records and a turntable, celebrating the home’s mid-century allure. Adding a whimsical touch, a Noguchi Akari lantern softly illuminates this space. The sleeping quarters embrace Scandinavian design principles, featuring plush rugs and soft textiles that craft intimate retreats. With its vintage-inspired reading nook enhanced by Irish Green accents and a velvet sofa, the main bedroom epitomizes comfort and relaxation. Carefully selected lighting fixtures, including wall sconces and floor lamps, impart a gentle, ambient glow, cultivating a serene environment. For further details on the architectural innovations by Dan Brunn Architecture, readers are encouraged to explore their work firsthand.
