Cabin Design

South East View

My cabin design was inspired from the Isaacson Davis House by John Wardle. First of all, climatically and geographically responsive design was applied such as ventilation and natural light. With my design, in relation to the given site, I have situated my cabin facing due north to take advantage of all of the beneficial climate influences and scenery. For example, the kitchen receives an abundance of sunlight in the morning and the large window allows the nice green scenery around the cabin to be captured Furthermore; the vegetations to the south of the site create a boundary between the neighbours and the cabin which then leads to the feeling of some protection and privacy.

The site is so easily accessible that it has no privacy. Because of this, the cabin is built on pillars in order to keep the privacy from people who walk pass the site. Another positive factor of the house being built on pillars is that the breeze coming from south east of the site is able to circulate beneath the cabin which can be beneficial as a natural cooling system. The shape of the roof also helps with air ventilation; hot air goes up and cool air stays in the lower level.

North View

The second idea that was influenced from John Wardle’s design is the materials that were used; in particular timber. The use of timber as exterior and interior walls and the floor gives a richness and delightful sense which also brings the idea of harmony together with the environment. Two layers of timber walls can provide more protection and therefore the occupants can have some privacy. Also, the timber minimizes noises from outside which is helpful because the site is open to the vehicle noises from the road next to the site. The lighter colour of the outer wall and the roof prevents excessive absorption of the sunlight so that the cabin does not heat up due to the sun.

Garden and Outdoor living room/deck

The large controllable timber blinded window on the north side wall allows the occupant to control the amount of sunlight and privacy by altering the timber blind which also helps to provide a very nice wide-open view at the front. This would negate the stiffness that the closed roof may create due to the tall building next to the site. As well as these ideas, the most influenced idea from Isaacson Davis House was the idea of ‘journey’. The cabin is a very long and narrow design which creates the feeling of a journey, which starts from the side of the cabin. The deck at the front, acts as an outdoor living room where occupants can spend their free time enjoying the sunlight, cool breeze and beautiful view. The little garden brings out the coziness of the cabin and outdoor activities can be done in the garden.

View from bedroom to the entrance - kitchen and dining

 View from indoor reflecting area to courtyard and private area across

View of indoor reflecting area

Thirdly, the idea of structural placement was reflected on my cabin design. The cabin is divided into two spaces; private and public. For example, spaces that are public such as the kitchen, dining and living rooms are placed at the very front of the cabin from the East, so they can be easily accessed whereas the spaces that are private like the bedroom and the studio are located in both upstairs and downstairs at the West side of the cabin. The courtyard between the private and public areas can be used as a space for reflecting; it constantly catches the sunlight and also gets breezes coming directly through the pillars. Also, there is an indoor reflecting space where the occupants can enjoy the night sky through the glass wall; it is a perfect spot for relaxing with the cool breezes and the outdoor views visible through the large windows The high ceiling creates a sense of open space, so the occupants can enjoy the greatness of the cabin even though the cabin is narrow and also the owners can experience the contrast of great adventure of indoor activities and peacefulness through the connection with the outdoor environment. The fences around the cabin create a boundary which brings about the idea of private and public space again.

Site Plan 1:100

Plans - 1:100

South Elevation - 1:100

North Section - 1:100