Concept Development Diagrams
C A B I N I N T H E W O O D S
A&D (MSc01 ARC) Advanced Integrated Design I Sustainable-tectonic Design with Integrating of Structure, Site and Climate Conditions 2020
A&D (MSc01 ARC) Advanced Integrated Design I Sustainable-tectonic Design with Integrating of Structure, Site and Climate Conditions 2020
Finalization of the project: September 2020
Recognition:
Out of 1286 projects (by 1308 participants from 89 countries) competing in the 6th edition of Inspireli Awards, the largest student competition in the world, current project was selected by a global jury (576 jurors from 101 countries) as one of the best 41 projects from 26 countries that made it to the final round.
Site Plan
ABOUT THE CASE
SITE
The Black Monolith retreat sits on the hill West from Pebermosen lake, surrounded by dense forests of Hammer Bakker. The unusual topography is a remain after the glacial period resulting in rolling hills and a lake in the depression. It makes it unique in the context of typical Danish landscape.
Visualization: Outside view
CABIN
Retreat is designed for a writer to work remote from society and close to nature for some weeks or a few months in order to contemplate and concentrate, eventually seeking inspiration from nature. It addresses the human sense of vision, touch and movement (the kin-aesthetic sense).
RELATION TO NATURE
The aim was to design a structure that would not have any footprint on the nature. The architect placed the highest priority on reducting the impact of this cabin on its natural environment. Almost all trees on the site were intentionally preserved and the structure was lifted up to protect the ground beneath. Concrete pads were designed to support the cabin with minimal disturbance to the soil.
On the other hand, with its solid shape and onyx color the cabin clealy does not constitute of a natural element. It appears as if it was a shadow emerging from between the trees. The building do not overshadow the landscape, but also become a distinct mysterious object thrown into the existing surrounding beauty.
"Black Monolith"
SOLAR ENERGY
The cabin benefits from the most sunny glade in the surrounding. All energy use is covered by photovoltaics. Chosen solution of solar cells covers area of 11.8 + 10.26 m2. The larger area is aimed directly towards south at an angle of 70°, close to ideal winter angle (64°). The smaller area is aimed towards east at an angle of 60°. The angle and orientation of the panels is optimized for harvesting as much energy as possible during critical winter months. Trees in the further background on south-east side of the cabin are deciduous, shedding its leaves annually and therefore clearing up the sky, which contributes to improved solar access during winter. Additionally bigger windows are positioned towards south and west in order to benefit from passive solar gain.
VIEW
The cabin provides variable options for visual experience. Elongated window facing east gives an opportunity for the morning light in the kitchen area and provides a magnificent view for the Pebermosen lake. Terrace on the west is soaked with afternoon sun and gives a view for the most magical area of the site - gently rolling landscape covered with moss and forested with conifers. Tall windows facing north give a glimpse for unusual collision - where two different forest types, spruce and beech, are meeting. Such scenario will assure an interesting, multicolor view all year round.
It is also possible to see through the cabin from south to north and vice versa. The view clean through the building dissolves the boundaries between inside and out.
AIR FLOW
The retreat enables living and working all year round and provides fine opportunities for natural ventilation. Windows are placed on each side of the cabin, which allows to establish desired air flow through the building - depending on the current climate conditions cross or single-sided ventilation can be applied. It is also possible to establish air flow in between both floors - following the chimney effect.
CONTRASTING MATERIALS
EXTERIOR of the cabin is kept in a very dark color theme.
Walls are covered with charred wood cladding - applying an old method of wood treatment (Shou Sugi Ban) originated from Japan, which does not only look elegant, but also acts as a natural preservation of the wood. Burned wood has a long life span if conducted properly, with Japanese examples of Shou Sugi Ban lasting for well over 50 years.
Roof is covered with durable black slates made of metamorphic rocks which are derived from sedimentary rock of volcanic ash and clay. Natural slating offers a very long lifespan, good fire protection and an invulnerability to rot or insect damage, all of which ensures a very low-maintenance roofing solution. Slates are laid in combination with SolteQ Infinity monocrystalline solar panels in color “anthracite” with efficiency of 20.2%. Chosen panels allow to fulfill energy demands and, at the same time, achieve very seamless and non distinctive look. The building brings to mind a black monolith when seen from a far but, paradoxically, after approaching it closer one can notice it is actually not even close to a solid rock, but it appears to be a light wooden construction instead and after getting inside it opens up into very light, airy and soaked with sun interior. The constrast is clear.
Roof is covered with durable black slates made of metamorphic rocks which are derived from sedimentary rock of volcanic ash and clay. Natural slating offers a very long lifespan, good fire protection and an invulnerability to rot or insect damage, all of which ensures a very low-maintenance roofing solution. Slates are laid in combination with SolteQ Infinity monocrystalline solar panels in color “anthracite” with efficiency of 20.2%. Chosen panels allow to fulfill energy demands and, at the same time, achieve very seamless and non distinctive look. The building brings to mind a black monolith when seen from a far but, paradoxically, after approaching it closer one can notice it is actually not even close to a solid rock, but it appears to be a light wooden construction instead and after getting inside it opens up into very light, airy and soaked with sun interior. The constrast is clear.
INTERIOR is entirely made from wood in light colors, which remarkably contrast with the exterior. Hoop pine plywood was used for the joinery, wall, and ceiling cladding. All elements of the design were prefabricated with the exception of the flooring to aid in erection and possible disassembly.
Section AA
MULTISENSORY STIMULATION
VISION
The cabin provides visual experiences from multiple sources. Various light types, different surfaces and outside views from each side of the retreat assure visual stimulation.
The cabin provides visual experiences from multiple sources. Various light types, different surfaces and outside views from each side of the retreat assure visual stimulation.
SMELL
Since the cabin is almost entirely constructed from wood that naturally contains healing essential oils, it emits a pleasant scent for years and years diffused into indoors.
Since the cabin is almost entirely constructed from wood that naturally contains healing essential oils, it emits a pleasant scent for years and years diffused into indoors.
TOUCH
Variety of surfaces used in the cabin provides the guest not only with visual stimulation, but also adresses the aspect of touch. Rough and polished, cold and warm - these are just a few finishes to be met in the cabin.
Variety of surfaces used in the cabin provides the guest not only with visual stimulation, but also adresses the aspect of touch. Rough and polished, cold and warm - these are just a few finishes to be met in the cabin.
SOUND
The cabin is located in the forest and in the most natural way benefits from its beauty. Rustling leaves, creaking boughs, singing birds - sounds of nature surround the retreat, which truly make the atmosphere unique.
The cabin is located in the forest and in the most natural way benefits from its beauty. Rustling leaves, creaking boughs, singing birds - sounds of nature surround the retreat, which truly make the atmosphere unique.
KIN-AESTHETICS
The retreat sits on top of the hill - a bit further from main pathways, which makes it harder to reach. On the other hand there is a narrow green alley leading uphill to the cabin, which seems nearly inviting to climb up. It is worth taking a hike through the forest to reach the top of the hill.
The retreat sits on top of the hill - a bit further from main pathways, which makes it harder to reach. On the other hand there is a narrow green alley leading uphill to the cabin, which seems nearly inviting to climb up. It is worth taking a hike through the forest to reach the top of the hill.
Visualization - Interior
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
When using the Natural Materials biophilic design principle it is a good idea to involve unprocessed wood in a project. It is due to the fact that it does not only reflect light in a special, impossible to be replicated way, but also due to the smell it can effuse. Essential oils found inside the wood have a big potential to reduce blood pressure, lower the heart rate and promote a healthier immune system. It happens thanks to antimicrobial phytoncides like limonene, that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (natural cancer cells fighting) properties. The benefits of natural materials are endless. From enhancing human ability to absorb information from the environment to increasing healing abilities and creativity levels. Alike real forest visit, untreated wood used indoor was shown to have a potential to reduce both physical and mental stress.
Visualization - Entrance
INTERIOR LAYOUT
Although the layout of the cabin is spread over a very small floor area of only 27.9 m2 the designer made sure that all necessities were covered and the house is fully functional.
Entrance from the south east prevents wind to blow inside of the cabin.
All interior surfaces of the house are made with hoop pine plywood. The relatively rough wood interior frames large windows that almost give guests the impression that they are in the natural setting. Minimal furnishings include a bed with built-in drawers for extra storage. Bed plate later transforms into a small table that can serve as extra working space or dining area. Furnishing is designed in a flexible way and can serve multiple purposes at the discretion of the cabin guest. A lot of hidden storage space is incorporated in the interior design. There are push-to-open wardrobes hidden in the walls. Large sliding door mounted on the middle wall and hidden behind the ladder can easily divide spaces by separating sleeping and living areas if needed. It is also masking the door to the technic room, which allows for less distractive space. Sleeping area is facing the north which contributes to optimal sleeping conditions.
Retreat offers a partially wind-sheltered terrace with a horizontal area of 15 m2 that can be used both for work and outdoor residence. The terrace is facing West and therefore is soaked with afternoon sun. It also provides a view for the most magical area of the site - gently rolling landscape covered with moss and forested with conifers.
Entrance from the south east prevents wind to blow inside of the cabin.
All interior surfaces of the house are made with hoop pine plywood. The relatively rough wood interior frames large windows that almost give guests the impression that they are in the natural setting. Minimal furnishings include a bed with built-in drawers for extra storage. Bed plate later transforms into a small table that can serve as extra working space or dining area. Furnishing is designed in a flexible way and can serve multiple purposes at the discretion of the cabin guest. A lot of hidden storage space is incorporated in the interior design. There are push-to-open wardrobes hidden in the walls. Large sliding door mounted on the middle wall and hidden behind the ladder can easily divide spaces by separating sleeping and living areas if needed. It is also masking the door to the technic room, which allows for less distractive space. Sleeping area is facing the north which contributes to optimal sleeping conditions.
Retreat offers a partially wind-sheltered terrace with a horizontal area of 15 m2 that can be used both for work and outdoor residence. The terrace is facing West and therefore is soaked with afternoon sun. It also provides a view for the most magical area of the site - gently rolling landscape covered with moss and forested with conifers.
Visualization - Sleeping area
WORKING AREA
The area upstairs is designed to meet requirements for working environment. Lack of vertical windows assures no distraction or direct light. Whole floor is soaked in calculated diffuse light instead, coming from the skylights placed in the roof. There is freely a space for a massive 1 x 2 meter working table.
Visualization - Working area
CONSTRUCTION
Design for the cabin is primarily dictated by visible construction inside. The whole building is composed from modular timber studs making it very regular and easy to implement in the execution phase. All openings are fitting the modular grid and windows, doors and skylights used are meeting the certification of Passive House Insitute. Walls are filled with high class wood fibre insulation. OSB boards are covering the structure, sheltering from wind. Vertical distance strips and horizontal battens create a support system for the cladding and create a space to allow the air flow and ventilate the construction. There is also a Z profile and corrugated steel band in the bottom of wall elements to prevent rodents from entering the construction.
3D Construction Detail
ENERGY
Gross area of the building equals to 40 m2.
Energy consumption for hot water estimates to 800 kWh per year and for electrical appliances 1000 kWh per year. There is a water-well on the site. The energy generated from photovoltaics is stored in a battery, the size of ½ m3. Due to storage loss, only 80W% of the total solar energy produced can be utilized for use. The cabin enables low energy consumption for heating achieved by passive means. Energy consumption for heating per m2 floor area does not exceed 15 kWh per year. The cabin also provides an adequate amount of daylight.
Energy final numbers
Final poster representing the project:
Project poster
