The Designer’s Journal: Inside Heather Dubbeldam’s Bunkie on a Hill

Heather Dubbeldam, of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, is known for blending forward-thinking design with a deep respect for nature across her diverse portfolio. From modern urban spaces to tranquil retreats like Bunkie on a Hill, Heather’s work is rooted in sustainability and thoughtful, human-centered design. Tucked into Muskoka’s landscape, Bunkie on a Hill draws inspiration from the iconic A-frame, combining geometric shapes and sustainable materials to create a serene and timeless retreat.

“We focus on creating spaces that respect the environment while fostering human connection,” Heather explains. The design of this cabin—perched on a steep slope—was driven by a commitment to minimal disruption to the natural surroundings. We caught up with Heather to discuss her design process, her love for Schoolhouse’s timeless lighting, and how she brought this peaceful getaway to life.

Describe your design style in three words.

Forward-thinking, sustainable, and warm.

Where do you draw your design inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from nature, art, and the people who use the spaces I design. Traveling also fuels my creativity through new perspectives and ideas. My recent trip to Tokyo was particularly impactful—the way the Japanese respect and integrate nature into their environments was truly inspiring.

What is your design ethos?

My design ethos focuses on creating beautiful spaces that respect the environment while inspiring the people who inhabit them. I strive to be innovative while fostering human connection to space in a simple, timeless way.

What are you working on right now?

We’re working on a number of exciting projects, including an eco-cabin resort north of the city, a high-end multi-level restaurant in Toronto’s hip Queen West neighbourhood, several innovative multi-unit residential developments, and a modern renovation of a historic golf club for women.

What’s your favorite Schoolhouse product?

I love so many of Schoolhouse’s light fixtures, but if I had to choose, the Ray and Harlow would be at the top of the list. We’ve used the Ray in multiple projects where we wanted the fixture to be a statement piece, not just a light source. The Harlow has also been perfect for spaces where we wanted a playful and distinctive wall sconce. The variety of color options and exceptional craftsmanship make these pieces truly stand out.

Can you tell us a bit about your recent project, Bunkie on the Hill?

The smallest in a collection of cabins scattered across four family properties, the Bunkie on the Hill serves as a space of respite for a family-oriented client in Muskoka. The Bunkie, tucked into the trees at the top of a steep slope, was designed to provide a quiet space away from the action of the multi-generational family cottages below.

The cabin’s intersecting gables reminiscent of the layered rock in the landscape create striking geometric forms. A tall, glazed façade overlooks the lake, while the forest-facing side is more intimate and sheltered, featuring a cedar-screened entrance. Thoughtful interior details, like built-in storage and a lofted workspace, provide flexibility, while framed views blur the boundaries between indoors and nature.

Sustainability was central to the design. Thickened insulation, triple-glazed windows, FSC-certified wood, and low-impact foundations allow the structure to sit lightly on the landscape. Materials like greyed wood siding, cedar accents, and board-formed concrete complement the rustic surroundings. By day, the Bunkie offers a serene connection to nature; by night, it transforms into a glowing lantern, embodying the perfect harmony of modern design and environmental stewardship.

Where is the project located? 

Muskoka, Ontario, Canada

What was the biggest challenge in bringing this project to life? 

The biggest challenge in bringing this project to life was ensuring minimal disruption to the natural landscape. We were committed to preserving the site, so no trees were removed and no rock blasting was done for the foundation (it sits directly on the rock). The materials needed to be natural, and we aimed for as passive a heating and cooling system as possible. The site itself, located in a natural clearing on the Canadian Shield, presented additional difficulties. The steep hill made it challenging to access the site with large vehicles, complicating the construction process and requiring creative solutions for material delivery and site access.

Any fun facts about the project? 

The Bunkie’s design is a contemporary take on the classic A-frame shape, which gained popularity worldwide from the mid-1950s through the 1970s. As the A-frame's simple triangular form became iconic, architects started experimenting with variations, leading to the modified A-frame style. The Bunkie represents this evolution, combining the timeless appeal of a pure triangular form with a more functional, practical design. Fun fact: its intersecting gables and geometric forms are inspired by the layered rock formations found in the surrounding landscape, giving the cabin a unique and natural integration with its environment.