Interior View of Cabin
Exterior view of cabin
Site Plan for Cabin
Floor Plans for Cabin
Elevation and Section for Cabin
Diagrams and Sketches for Cabin Development
Diagrams and Sketches for Cabin Development
Diagrams and Sketches for Cabin Development
Diagrams and Sketches for Cabin Development
Diagrams and Sketches for Cabin DevelopmentMy cabin has followed in the similar style of the architect, Rick Joy. Joy’s key architectural ideas of responding to the environment and the stimulation of senses underlie my cabin design.
Tubac House is located in the desert, whereas my Cabin is situated in a Sub-Tropical rainforest. Responding to this environment was the main focus of my design, however, maintaining the similar design theories and building styles of Joy was necessary. I have achieved this through the following:
Environmental Filter:
As the location of my cabin is dramatically different to Tubac House site, replicating the similar design styles could appear out of context. Joy, in his house, has large glazed openings used only for framing certain chosen views of the surrounding terrain. However, this glazing does not open to allow for breezes and cross ventilation. Whilst this suits the climate and site specifications of Arizona, my site is located in a warm sub-tropical climate. To align with his concept of large ‘picture frames’, I have incorporated openable glass louvre systems which permit 100% cross ventilation while still maintaining uninterrupted views.
As my cabin has no eaves, to remain in the style of Tubac House, all my windows have ‘boxed’ awning structures. On the western side of the cabin, the awnings protrude further than awnings on the southern and eastern side for increased solar protection.
Construction
During the construction of the cabin, there would be an intention to preserve the site. As the cabin is elevated above the site, there is no excavation required and the construction of the cabin would have minimal impact on the environment apart from excavating for only four footings. All timber used in the project will be plantation grown hardwood.
Materials
The materials used in the cabin have specific functions and qualities. The exterior of the cabin is to blend in with the natural surroundings, and the interior is to contrast with the environment. This is similarly seen in Joy’s works.
Other sustainable materials will be considered during construction of the cabin.
• I will use untreated wood panels for the exterior cladding. Over time, the timber panels will age to give a natural grey finish.
• Timber stud and interior ‘eco – health’ wall lining sheet system.
• Corrugated galvanized roof sheeting. (Not Zincalume sheeting as the aluminium component can be a risk to long term health if consumed.)
• Galvanized steel structural support to elevate cabin above ground and reduce footing impact on the ground surface.
• Stacking door with roll out insect screen. Stacking rather than sliding doors enable the whole wall to open – 100% ventilation.
• Glass louvres to allow for maximum cross ventilation and uninterrupted views.
• Steel portal frame structures to brace walls with large openings .
• Timber decking for deck.
• Light coloured, plantation grown, internal timber flooring.
• Glass – Heat resisting glass.
Container of Human Activities
The cabin contains all spaces required by the client (Exemplar architect – Rick Joy).
• Master bedroom (Sleeping space)
- Containing office desk overlooking forest.
• Bathroom (Abluting space)
- Containing laundry facilities
- Shower
- Toilet
- Sink
- Storage
• Kitchen
- Incorporating meals bench for couple to eat.
• Living room
- Swivel chairs either to face wall mounted television or creek/ rainforest views.
• Deck (Reflecting space)
- Contains table and chairs for entertainment.
- Views over creek and rainforest.
I have positioned all living areas such as the master bedroom, office, living room and the deck on the southern side of the building primarily to take advantage of the views to forest and creek. The kitchen and stairs face the north but have the advantage of better light. The lesser intensity of light from the south is compensated by larger openings in this direction.
The lower level is intended to be a public space and the upper level to be a private space. The bathroom, master bedroom and office spaces are on the upper floor.
Delightful Experience:
As previously stated, Joy’s house has a strong connection to the site. It has a physical connection of being embedded into the earth, whilst the sensory and emotional connection is based around the contrast of the interior architecture. I have made my cabin physically connected to the site by placing it in between trees and over a creek, between its supports. To further contribute to the cabin’s connection to the surrounding environment, its structural supports are designed to represent simplistic tree trunks and are used to elevate the house above the ground. Not only does this assist with connotations of a tree house, it also enables the cabin to impact ‘lightly’ on the environment with a reduced number of footings.
When approaching the house from the north, its visual impact is not jarring as its external materials help it blend with its natural environment. Only a few windows are positioned on the western and northern side of the building. Whilst it serves a purpose of counteracting the harsh afternoon sun, it also ensures that it blends the cabin’s natural and soft external materials with the natural surroundings of the trees. The southern and eastern sides which face the best site features, however, have large glazed openings panels of louvres, maximizing the views of the rain forest and creek. This side of the cabin truly displays the architectural merit and relationship to the environment. The ‘tree-like’ structure supports the upper level of the cabin and is a sculptural contrast to the natural surroundings.
When you enter the cabin, it becomes apparent how contrasting the interior and exterior environments are. My design intent, similarly with Joy, was for the interior was to create a completely new and man made, sensory experience to the outside environment. This has been achieved through various ways.
• Minimalistic contemporary materials have been used throughout the interior.
• Monochromatic colours which do not try to emulate the exterior environment have been selected.
• Windows and louvre panels which frame certain trees or spectacular views have been strategically positioned. In particular, the larger louvre glazed panels are used to invoke feelings of spaciousness in the cabin, contrasting with the intimate surroundings of trees.
• High ceilings to create feeling of spaciousness.
