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Modern Ski Cabin in New Hampshire
Marcel and his family had long envisioned a modern ski cabin nestled deep in nature—a stylish yet cozy retreat where they could escape the city and reconnect with the wild. They dreamt of a home that blended modern design with rustic warmth, a sanctuary where each season could be fully experienced and appreciated. When Marcel discovered Design with Frank and its contemporary aesthetic, it felt like an instant connection. He enlisted the team to bring his family's dream to life.
Set against the majestic backdrop of New Hampshire, the site is surrounded by pristine wilderness, snow-capped mountains, and serene lakes. This region is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, with White Mountain National Forest to the north, offering iconic ski resorts and winter activities. With Mt. Washington’s legendary summit within reach, the location is truly a ski-lover’s paradise—perfect for weekend adventures and peaceful getaways alike.
From the earliest sketches to the final construction documents, the design process was a fluid and collaborative experience. Marcel and his family emphasized their desire to feel immersed in the landscape, and the design reflects that vision. A sweeping 20-foot floor-to-ceiling glass slider anchors the northwest corner of the living room, framing breathtaking views and blurring the line between indoors and out. An open-concept layout connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, making the space ideal for entertaining and gathering with loved ones. At the heart of the living room stands a wood-burning fireplace—a rustic focal point designed for warmth and togetherness after long days on the slopes. This detail reflects Marcel’s vision of a space where comfort and modern elegance coexist. The layout also includes thoughtful features tailored to the family's lifestyle. A dedicated mudroom serves as a secondary entry, perfect for skiers needing a space to store gear, warm boots, and gear up before heading to the lifts. The home comprises two luxurious primary suites, a children's bunk room, and a versatile office that doubles as a guest bedroom or quiet workspace. Each bathroom is positioned for privacy and convenience and features either a relaxing hot tub or walk-in shower, offering respite from the cold winter air. "Working with Design with Frank was a great experience from initial design all the way through construction. Chloe and the team listened to us and understood our design vision quickly, and they were able to effectively translate this into the plans while bringing their great ideas and design experience to give us the best product, while being innovative and smart to help keep us on our budget. Plans were drafted quickly and efficiently from schematic design all the way through completion. They were extremely responsive, working with us to refine the plans to get them perfect. Once in construction, they were supportive, jumping on tasks where things popped up in the field that needed detailing and often answered urgent questions. We felt they cared about our project and always treated us fairly and reasonably in their pricing. It was overall a wonderful experience, and we would be happy to work with them again on our next project." — From Marcel
From the earliest sketches to the final construction documents, the design process was a fluid and collaborative experience. Marcel and his family emphasized their desire to feel immersed in the landscape, and the design reflects that vision. A sweeping 20-foot floor-to-ceiling glass slider anchors the northwest corner of the living room, framing breathtaking views and blurring the line between indoors and out. An open-concept layout connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, making the space ideal for entertaining and gathering with loved ones.
At the heart of the living room stands a wood-burning fireplace—a rustic focal point designed for warmth and togetherness after long days on the slopes. This detail reflects Marcel’s vision of a space where comfort and modern elegance coexist.
The layout also includes thoughtful features tailored to the family's lifestyle. A dedicated mudroom serves as a secondary entry, perfect for skiers needing a space to store gear, warm boots, and gear up before heading to the lifts.
The home comprises two luxurious primary suites, a children's bunk room, and a versatile office that doubles as a guest bedroom or quiet workspace. Each bathroom is positioned for privacy and convenience and features either a relaxing hot tub or walk-in shower, offering respite from the cold winter air.
"Working with Design with Frank was a great experience from initial design all the way through construction. Chloe and the team listened to us and understood our design vision quickly, and they were able to effectively translate this into the plans while bringing their great ideas and design experience to give us the best product, while being innovative and smart to help keep us on our budget. Plans were drafted quickly and efficiently from schematic design all the way through completion.
They were extremely responsive, working with us to refine the plans to get them perfect. Once in construction, they were supportive, jumping on tasks where things popped up in the field that needed detailing and often answered urgent questions. We felt they cared about our project and always treated us fairly and reasonably in their pricing. It was overall a wonderful experience, and we would be happy to work with them again on our next project."
— From Marcel
Marcel’s project is a true DIY-led endeavor. With cost-efficiency and self-direction in mind, our team crafted a smart, streamlined floor plan that supported ease of construction without compromising style. With a well-prepared construction set and a clear design vision, the build is progressing swiftly and smoothly.
Taking full advantage of the sloped terrain, we incorporated a walk-out basement, expanding both space and function. This lower level is flooded with natural light through two large windows and a glass sliding door, transforming what might be an ordinary basement into a flexible, welcoming space. Designed to evolve over time, the basement currently houses a cozy TV room, bedroom, laundry, ample gear storage, and lounge space. It’s also planned to accommodate future expansion, such as additional bedrooms, allowing the cabin to adapt to the family’s needs, or even operate as a rental or vacation lodge.
To align with Marcel’s design sensibility, the cabin’s exterior features Hardie board and batten siding in Iron Gray—a pre-painted material that reduces maintenance and helps trim budget costs. A durable asphalt shingle roof withstands the region’s heavy snowfalls, while triple-pane vertical windows enhance energy performance, insulating the home in winter and inviting light in year-round.
The interior finishes were sourced from Adige Design, a Boston-based Italian interior design office, bringing a sense of refined craftsmanship to the modern mountain retreat.
Whether basking by the fire after a perfect powder day, cooking a hearty meal in the open kitchen, or gazing out at the expansive forest views, Marcel’s ski cabin embodies everything his family envisioned—a place of serenity, functionality, and timeless design.
This project is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when thoughtful architecture meets deep personal intention. At Design with Frank, we’re proud to have supported Marcel’s vision from dream to reality—delivering not just a house, but a home that will be cherished for generations.
