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Design & Build

Headwaters Prefab Cabins

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December 5, 2023
Headwaters Prefab Cabins

A Modern Take on the Appalachian Dogtrot

The project consists of two off-grid cabins, each approximately 800 square feet, connected by a shared breezeway and continuous roof form. This configuration draws from a historic southern Appalachian building type known as the Dogtrot House—where a central open porch channels summer breezes, creating a naturally cool gathering space.

Each cabin includes an open great room with a sleeping loft above, offering compact efficiency without sacrificing volume or light.

Lightly Touching the Land

Situated on a steeply sloped site, the cabins are supported on concrete piers rather than continuous foundation walls. This approach minimizes site disturbance, reduces visual weight, and gives the structures a sense of elevation—allowing the buildings to sit lightly within the landscape.

Materials Rooted in Place

  • Exterior Siding: Locally sourced Red Oak, run vertically
  • Interior Flooring: Red Oak milled from the same material as the siding
  • Soffits & Fascia: Corten steel
  • Roof: Standing-seam metal
  • Windows: Sierra Pacific Windows H3 Series

The consistent use of Red Oak inside and out reinforces material continuity while celebrating regional sourcing and craftsmanship.

Fully Off-Grid Performance

Both cabins operate entirely off-grid, powered by a large roof-mounted solar array with battery backup. The system supports modern comfort while aligning with the project’s low-impact, self-sufficient goals.

The Seven Rivers Design + Build Difference

The Headwaters Prefab Cabins embody Seven Rivers Design + Build’s evolving approach to high-performance construction—combining traditional Appalachian forms, modern prefab methods, and off-grid systems into a cohesive, efficient whole. The result is a durable, place-based cabin project that honors regional history while pointing clearly toward the future of building.

Seven Rivers is awesome. I would hire them to water my plants. October 26, 1985.
Jack White,
Webflow
Hire this company... They are awesome and the owner is really cute! October 26, 1985.
Tia Bouman,
TBA Architecture
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