The concept of building that blurs the lines between humans and nature - is cost effective, reflects our history and unique natural environment and allows for personal expression would be a true work of art.
Description
- Suggested building will be called a woodland studio or forest studio, rather than backwoods cabin which has a traditional connotation of all wood construction; studio is defined as the workroom of an artist or creator (which we all are!).
- This design is a combination of Mi'kmaq, Maliseet wigwams, Innuit igloos, and Acadian/English building techniques.
- Can be dismantled with little effect on the surrounding environment.
- The footprint is 12' x 15', with two verandahs optional.
- Clay covered straw bales attached to a timber frame with birch bark shingles for roof: clay to protect the straw from water/fire inside and out; straw for insulation; and birch bark shingles to provide weather protection.
- Clay and birch bark could be painted solid colour or as art to add surface protection.
- EPA approved woodstove used for heat and cooking; hot water tank above stove and in south window to provide hot water through a hose for washing/showering outside, etc. Fill tank with rain water from storage tank by using hand pump.
- Washing dried on clothes line or drying rack inside.
- Composting toilet recommended as part of studio; hard to reach a communal one in winter, when sick or older.
- Cooking/fridge/root cellar included as not everyone will always want/be able to eat communally; root cellar built with a hatch and platform with shelves that can be raised with pulley connected to timber frame in ceiling.
- Solar panels 8 x 40w connect to 12V deep sink battery that connects to lights with LED bulbs, outlets for phone, computer, TV, satellite which all run on solar.
- Solar panels mounted on frames at ground level so can access to remove snow in winter and clean.
- Eaves trough to collect rainwater from roof and pipe to wooden underground tank or well, hand dug and used for washing, cooking, drinking and water prepared by boiling or solar powered UV disinfection.
- Artesian well with wood walls an option depending on groundwater and you will need to monitor water us vs. rainwater storage to determine capacity needed. We recommend a 4' x 4' tank 9 feet deep. Consider moving the studio closer to a stream for water collection.
- Solar powered 4' thick insulated bar size fridge is optional and would most likely require another solar panel/battery setup.
- Windows and doors will be outfitted with insulated drapes to control sunlight and heat loss.
- All windows and doors are energy efficient.
- Drain from the sink will run to a small greywater tank to be used for a garden.
(Competitor's text)
5 scanned / 4 viewable
- Site Plan
- Plan
- Elevation
- Construction detail
