Architecture project // Timber Retreat Featuring Sliding Doors and Greenhouse Elements

Timber Retreat Featuring Sliding Doors and Greenhouse Elements

Authors:

Craig Desmond, Samantha Fruhwirth, Farah Ahmed

Incorporating traditional timber joinery and sliding doors, the cabin provides a serene greenhouse environment filled with tea cuttings, serving as a retreat for moments of reflection and connection with nature.

5 key facts about this project

Traditional timber joinery enhances structural integrity and craftsmanship.

Sliding doors provide natural light and a moment of reflection upon exit.

A dedicated greenhouse section supports tea cuttings, promoting a connection to nature.

Solar array enables off-grid charging for devices, supporting sustainability.

Wood-burning stove offers warmth and serves for tea preparation.

General keywords

cabin greenhouse timber escape nature reflection solitude sustainability tea outdoor

Project specific keywords

joinery solar array wood-burning tea plant sliding doors

Cabin Gateway is a small timber-framed roadside cabin designed to provide a peaceful escape for people looking to step away from their busy lives. Located in a natural setting, the cabin aims to create a welcoming space that encourages users to connect with nature. The design focuses on nurturing experiences, allowing for personal encounters through thoughtfully arranged areas.

Functional Layout

The layout is centered around the interaction between the cabin and its surroundings. A ramp and the presence of a tea plant draw attention to the entrance, inviting visitors to explore further. Inside, users encounter a private greenhouse filled with tea cuttings and seedlings that thrive in natural light. This indoor garden not only offers visual appeal but also creates a sensory-rich atmosphere that brings people closer to nature.

Material Selection

The construction features traditional timber joinery, which adds strength while showcasing careful craftsmanship. Timber is used as the primary material, contributing warmth and a touch of nature within the cabin. This choice helps create a cozy environment that encourages visitors to relax and enjoy the space. The focus on materiality supports the overall theme of connection to the outdoors.

User Engagement

Sliding doors enhance the experience by creating a smooth transition between different areas of the cabin. These doors let in natural light and provide a reflection of users as they step outside, prompting moments of self-awareness. Additional features such as a solar array for off-grid device charging and a wood-burning stove for warmth and tea preparation highlight the practical aspects of the cabin. These elements all work toward allowing visitors to focus on restorative experiences.

Aesthetic Details

The design of Cabin Gateway emphasizes harmony between form and function. The arrangement encourages interaction with the natural surroundings, inviting moments of quiet reflection. Unique details, like the play of light and shadow through the sliding doors, enrich the sensory experience, allowing the cabin to blend with its environment while offering a retreat from the outside world.