Beaver Cabins

Spatial narrative that celebrates accessibility and Banff’s natural beauty.

Location Banff, Alberta
Size 4,000 sq ft
Status Proposed

Beaver Cabins is a celebration of resilience, advocacy, and a transformative vision for inclusion. This project is inspired by the remarkable journey of the client, an avid outdoor enthusiast whose life changed after a devastating skiing accident left them paralyzed and reliant on a wheelchair. Their unwavering love for the outdoors persisted, leading to the realization of a profound gap: the glaring lack of accessible accommodations in Canada’s national parks. This project seeks to transform that realization into action, creating an inclusive retreat that redefines what it means to experience Banff.

Every detail serves both function and storytelling, ensuring that no one is excluded. Accessibility is not treated as an afterthought but as a driving force behind the design. Features such as tactile wayfinding, visual contrasts, generous turning radii, barrier-free pathways , and a wheelchair accessible hot tub, seamlessly integrate usability into the broader architectural language. These elements not only serve the practical needs of all visitors but also speak to the pressing need for accessible spaces, allowing everyone to connect with Banff’s breathtaking landscapes.

The preserved historic cabin on Beaver Street anchors the development. It stands as a powerful symbol of the project’s ethos, bridging the past and the present.

Natural elements like trees, boulders, and plantings define the shared courtyard, and shape beautiful spaces that balance privacy with a sense of community.

Communal amenities, including an outdoor dining area, barbecue, firepit, and a wheelchair-accessible hot tub, extend the connection to nature, encouraging guests to gather and share stories while immersing themselves in the landscape.

Module 1

Module 2

Prefabricated units that are fully constructed off-site, are craned into place on pre-built foundations, ensuring efficient construction with minimal disruption to Banff’s sensitive ecosystem and tourism cycles, addressing the challenges of building in a protected area

Versatility and function take center stage. Fir plywood millwork is designed with the adventurer in mind—transforming to create loft spaces, storage, and trundle beds that meet every need with ingenuity. These spaces reflect the resourcefulness of a Swiss Army knife, offering simple, clever solutions for every guest.

Natural light streams through skylights, illuminating vaulted interiors and framing awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. Passive ventilation strategies welcome fresh alpine air, enhancing the connection between interior and exterior spaces.