Discussing the Cabin.

This cabin was designed using some of the key ideas behind the Canoe Reach Residence. Particular attention has been payed to the relationship with the outside, the centrality of a courtyard house and the idea of pointing towards a view.

The form of the floor plan came about by manipulating the U shape of Canoe Reach, searching for a shape that would focus the attention towards a certain point; the view. The result was a V formation. This was then further changed to include flat sections, which allow the user to enter the building and have a line of sight directly through the center towards the view. The flat section also allowed the living area to feel more connected to the "wings" of the main building rather than being tucked into the corner of the V.

The centrality of this living area is further emphasised by the V formation as the sliding doors all open onto the courtyard. These doors allow the user to have the option of being connected to the courtyard or not and as such can alter the central feel of the courtyard. Or the seclusive feel of the main building.

Within the main building we find the kitchen, with dining room included, and the working area. The idea behind the working area was to have separate areas in which to work. Personally, I find that different areas have different qualities in which to work. If I am just thinking of ideas or mulling things over, I often find that a view outside is an efficient thing to have. However, when i'm getting down to it and need to concentrate, a pleasant view outside doesn't really help. This is replicated within the working area, by providing two facades each showcasing different aspects for the different stages of working.

From the working area we find the reflecting area, this was designed to be secluded from the rest of the house to provide intimate privacy. It was designed at a human scale, making it a cosy and comforting place to be. The form was taken from the Canoe Reach's idea of having a pavillion cantilevered off something. In this case it is the house. The modern use of materials was also taken from Canoe Reach and it gives the cabin different characteristics from the rest of the house, further emphasising separation and retreat.

Upstairs we find the bedroom and bathroom. The plan was fairly simplistic, just a rectangular room, but it compliments the angular nature of the lower floor. Here again is the notion of connecting the inside to the outside, by providing a balcony which hangs over the courtyard. This also forms the shade for the courtyard in the summer months. The bedroom also points towards the view and the bed was positioned emphethetically. The inner partition walls do not reach the ceiling, providing decent air flow which then escapes through vents in the roof.


Lets look at this cabin in terms of the criteria.

The House as an Environmental Filter.

• The cabin plan points towards a view.
• The courtyard has a direct relationship to outside.
• The upper balcony acts as a shade for the sun.
• The entry facade is made of glass, allowing the evening sun to enter.
• The low ceilings allow for good ventilation.
• The upper floor is raised so air can flow beneath.
• In response to topography, a platform effect happens.

The House as a Container of Human Activity.

• A central courtyard feel to the house.
• A vertical separation of public and private.
• Connected spaces with the option to escape.
• Various areas for working in.
• Views accessible from bed.
• Human scale reflecting space for retreat.
• Simple circulation.

The House as a Delightful Experience

• The viewing axis as you enter.
• The separated area for reflection.
• The use of materials on the reflecting box.
• The connection with the outside.
• Having sun slowly creep into the bedroom in the morning.

This cabin has a more or less equal balance of all three criteria. There is ample firmness, comodity and delight and as vetruvius says, there needs to be a balance of all three to have successful architecture.