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Charred Slats and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Compact Quarantine Cabin

Authors:
Michael Salka, Vicente Guallart, Daniel Ibañez
Charred Slats and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Compact Quarantine Cabin
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Constructed from cross-laminated timber and clad in charred slats, the cabin incorporates a biogas system and rainwater collection, offering a self-sufficient living environment designed for a 14-day isolation period.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from cross-laminated timber, ensuring structural strength and sustainability.
02
Features a biogas system that transforms blackwater into usable fuel and fertilizer.
03
Incorporates rainwater collection and greywater recycling for enhanced resource efficiency.
04
Designed for rapid assembly using pre-fabricated components, minimizing construction time.
05
Clad in charred wooden shingles, creating an organic texture that integrates with the landscape.

The Voxel Quarantine Cabin addresses current health and environmental issues through a clear design strategy. Located in a landscape that supports its purpose, it functions as an independent living space meant for one person needing to isolate for 14 days. The design focuses on sustainability, efficiency, and the smart use of resources, reflecting an understanding of modern ecological architecture.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The cabin is built using cross-laminated timber (CLT), which provides strength while promoting environmental awareness. A parametric rainscreen offers protection and improves energy efficiency by carefully managing how the building interacts with the environment. Solar panels with battery storage supply energy for lighting and electronic devices, allowing the cabin to operate independently and minimizing dependence on outside energy sources.

WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The inclusion of a rooftop garden enhances the local ecosystem and promotes biodiversity in the area. The cabin features systems to collect rainwater and recycle greywater, thus reducing reliance on external water supplies. Additionally, a biogas infrastructure for treating blackwater produces usable fuel and fertilizer, creating a closed-loop system that aligns with principles of sustainable living.

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION AND LOCAL MATERIALS

Efficiency is key in the construction of the cabin, which uses pre-fabrication techniques. All CLT and facade components are made in a workshop and then quickly assembled on-site. This approach not only improves safety and precision but also minimizes the impact on the environment. The use of Aleppo Pine, sourced through careful harvesting practices that support local forest restoration, further emphasizes a commitment to sustainable practices in sourcing materials.

NATURAL INTEGRATION

The design connects the cabin with its surroundings through varied visual elements. Off-cuts from timber fabrication are repurposed as charred slats on the exterior, which helps the building blend into the landscape while adding to its character. This detail highlights an innovative approach and underlines the relationship between the constructed environment and nature, emphasizing the project's focus on sustainable design practices.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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