CABIN DESIGN_ANALYSIS

Architectural cabin;

“Firmness” in Design & “Environmental Filter”

This element of the cabin design is largely based on the St. Lucia House elements – however somewhat advanced and improved. Therefore again the sustainable aspects such as passive cooling and heating, less reliance on mechanical means to create comfortable temperatures, use of vegetation (green roofs, green walls, large dense gardens, shading trees with dense canopies) and water to cool and heat the house as well as recycle. Vegetation is a powerful tool not only in heating and cooling, but also for privacy and aesthetics. Appropriate shading from trees, taking into consideration, canopies, density, type and function of the species, is another strength they obtain. Therefore limiting and controlling sun exposure on eastern and western facades in summer and increasing filtered sun light in winter also contributes to a sustainable design. In the cabin design this is achieved with the tree choices 2 large non-deciduous trees on the western side and one on the eastern side. These filter enough sun in the winter time when the other trees lose their leaves and allow more natural light in and shade in summer time. Another aspect which was directly mirrored to the cabin design was the design to fit the existing site and landscape and engage with it accordingly – creating in-side/out-side spaces all over the cabin – even utilizing spaces such as rooftops and leftover floor space as a means of connection to the landscape. The location of these openings and open spaces allows for constant cross ventilation and can be controlled to the used preferred intensity. Like St. Lucia House, the cabin is orientated to the North, allowing soft sunlight in the unshaded front façade. The materiality is wooden panels and filtered glass which are simple and respect the landscape which it intrudes. These materials are soft; contain a low heat mass, highly reflective, sustainable as well as aesthetic. The large scale windows allow natural light, natural heating, prevailing winds (opening louvers on every level) as well as allow for views into the expanding landscape.

“Commodity” in Design & “Container of Human Activity”

The cabin is also a simple semi-open plan with 3 levels – the ground floor contains the kitchen, dining room and two walls which open up – one a bay folding door another a large sliding door- to open up to a courtyard and pergola area which stretches out into the trees. The first floor is a large glass room it contains the living room, reflecting space and working space – although this is a completely open area it can be divided with curtains to create privacy and multi use spaces. The second floor is a master bedroom and the bathroom which is very much enclosed due to privacy requirements – however still maintain natural light and ventilation. The overall plan is systematic and specific to its function and form – each aspect of the cabin is being planned yet as multi functional as possible.

“Delight” in Design & “Delightful Experience”

- As this cabin is design to fit the existing site and landscape, it melts in with the landscape and uses the tree for support as to almost dissolve into it. This unique design not only creates a delightful experience on the surface but upon entering the volume and intensity of views from extensive windows becomes enticing. Serial vision almost reaches all 360° and the intertwined branches with the building questions the idea of what is natural and what is not? This consumed cabin has in-side/out-side space surrounding the house- various roof decks, pergolas and balconies surround the cabin.