Architecture project // Tensile Fabric Structures and Charred Shingles Define Elemental Cabins for Outdoor Engagement

Tensile Fabric Structures and Charred Shingles Define Elemental Cabins for Outdoor Engagement

Authors:

Carlos Bravo, Oscar Herrera, Alexia Virue

Elevated on floating platforms, the Water Cabin integrates charred shingles and extensive screening to harmonize with its natural surroundings, providing trekkers a space for rest and reflection along scenic hiking routes.

5 key facts about this project

Elevated cabins designed for treks incorporate floating platforms to minimize land disruption.

Incorporate charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.

Optimized for natural ventilation through extensive screening and strategic openings.

Distinctive bent A-frame design allows for effective rainwater runoff and increased headroom.

Each cabin type corresponds to a classical element, creating a cohesive environmental experience.

General keywords

cabins nature mewla hiking sustainability earth air water fire rural

Project specific keywords

tensile rustic modular floatation screend interactivity bio-based communal topography elemental

### Project Overview

The initiative, designed for the Ramblers Association, is situated in a rural landscape between Mewla and Vensplis, spanning approximately seventy miles. It incorporates a series of cabins that support an immersive experience for trekkers, emphasizing the integration of leisure, exploration, and nature. Each cabin embodies one of the classical elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—offering distinct interactions with the environment while adhering to sustainable design principles.

### Site and Context

The strategic placement of cabins approximately every two miles along established hiking pathways enhances accessibility for users. The topography of the site informs design decisions, allowing each structure to integrate with natural features. This alignment with the landscape considers both the visual and functional aspects, ensuring that cabin placements encourage exploration and interaction with the surrounding environment.

### Design and Materiality

Each cabin is specifically designed to reflect its elemental inspiration, facilitating a unique user experience that engages with nature.

- **Earth Cabin**: Characterized by a sloped roof and large screened openings, this cabin promotes natural airflow and interaction with the changing seasons. Constructed with wood and insulated materials, it emphasizes thermal efficiency while harmonizing with the earth.

- **Air Cabin**: Featuring lightweight structural components and semi-permeable walls crafted from tensile fabrics, this cabin optimizes breeziness and minimizes visual disruption within the canopy.

- **Fire Cabin**: Designed around a central communal fire pit, its steeply pitched roof fosters socialization and warmth. Timber and metal are employed to ensure durability against natural elements.

- **Water Cabin**: Elevated on a floating platform, this cabin offers expansive views and abundant natural light. The use of waterproof materials ensures structural integrity and adaptability to its aquatic setting.

This careful material selection throughout the project emphasizes sustainability by utilizing renewable resources and minimizing environmental impact, while enhancing user comfort and functionality.