The overall design concept of our backwoods cabin is a simple transparant structure with rotating side panels using an umbrella-like mechanism. These panels can be closed down or opened up, depending on the weather conditions or on the needs of the user. The panels provide an almost literal blur of the line between the inside and outside. When fully opened up, the transparant façade make it invisible, when closed down, the cabin is fully insulated and sheltered form the weather. The adaptability means that between those two phases, many different combinations are possible. Besides sheltering, the panels, together with the transparant façades, create a second additional space underneath when opened up. The building is therefor a tool for people to thoughtfully observe nature, giving the option to fully open up, as if there were no building, or fully close in, like a cocoon. Because of the size and easy adaptability, visitors are stimulated to respond to nature, as an interactive experience. The building makes people aware of natural forces that they have grown used to.
The structure is a simple construction of of wooden beams and columns, all FSC labeled, filled with knotweed insulation in the floor and ceiling. The transparent façade is made out of acrylic glass panels for easy assembly and cost reduction. The panels are insulated using knotweed stems, making it very light and therefore easy to handle. Finally the façades and roof are cladded with stripped birchbark . This forms a waterproof layer, besides providing an unique texture that make it blend in even more. We propose the use of locally sourced materials, lowering the environmental impact of the building.
The cabin does not try to work against the forces of nature, but rather tries to respond to them as if it were an organism. That is how it blurs the lines.
(Competitor's text)
7 scanned / 6 viewable
- Site Plan
- Plan
- Axonometric Drawing
- Section
- Elevation
- Perspective
