Caring Cabin

Children's Cancer Association

Pacific City, Oregon

4,114 sq ft

Caring Cabin is the result of numerous individuals, businesses and organizations donating their talents, time and vision to create an extraordinary place for healing and renewal of the human spirit.  The Children’s Cancer Association sought to provide a lakeside retreat near the Oregon coast where families of critically ill children could escape the sterile environments of the medical world, and enjoy the serenity of nature to create their own lasting memories.  Nestled among donated land comprised of 24 wooded acres in Pacific City, the Caring Cabin provides that opportunity.  Over $1.2 million in donations, materials and energy were donated to this project – the first of its kind in the western United States.

Designed as a series of inter-connected pavilions, the retreat compound is defined by the main residence, a small meditation pavilion, and a recreation room with a sleeping loft that can be converted into a two-car garage.  The main facility is comprised of two private family bedroom pavilions and an adjacent family gathering pavilion including kitchen, dining, and informal gathering spaces, and a monolithic basalt fireplace.  The connecting circulation space is defined by a lower flat roof building form.  Wrapped with glass walls, the corners of the pavilions allow connection with the outdoors via views of the lake, and flood the exposed wood-framed interior spaces with the warmth of natural light.  Virtually every room was designed with the comfort of children in mind.

A primary concern of the Children’s Cancer Association was the elimination of toxic building materials and environmental sensitivity; therefore finishes include natural stone, low-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives, natural wool carpets and formaldehyde-free wood products from sustainable sources.