Cabin version C project overview
This model is my interpretation of an unexecuted 1948 design for a one bedroom, one bathroom summer cabin for Maginel Wright Barney by Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright. I adopted Mr. Wright's use of a parallelogram building grid module with each parallelogram measuring 4' - 0" by 4 '- 0". The stabilized insulated rammed earth material originally developed for the ARC II project was used for the load-bearing walls. The rammed earth walls are based upon a 0' - 7" by 0' - 4" by 0' - 7" module where there are two seven-inch thick sections of rammed earth on the exterior and interior surfaces of the wall along with a four-inch section of rigid foam insulation in the middle. The flooring is concrete tinted red as specified by Mr. Wright on various projects and the floor could be scored to match the parallelogram module. The roof would be covered with copper as depicted if the budget allows or a standing seam metal roof if not.
My additions include the following: the two-car garage, the semicircular patio wall, a reoriented fireplace mass, frameless glazing, an expanded kitchen with an island, lowering the floor area under the fireplace grate, altering the access to the bathroom, and the use of rammed earth walls, all while attempting to adhere to Mr. Wright's original design intent where feasible. The dining room table (accommodating up to six individuals) will have casters so that it could be wheeled onto the patio through the two glass doors for outdoor dining when the weather allows. Eventually, a suitable landscape theme for this model will be created. This model is still a work in progress so there are numerous items still to be addressed.
The program calls for this structure to be built for a hypothetical couple as a weekend getaway destination in the woods or adjacent to a lake or other grand vista. The structure would be oriented upon the proposed building site to maximize the view from the living room area. Since this cabin is not intended to be used every day, the addition of two sliding steel security wall assemblies are envisioned. The security wall assemblies are rolled on tracks in front of the frameless glazing on the exterior of the south and east walls of the living room area then secured in place to deter thieves and vandals from breaking the glazing. The two security wall assemblies would then slide back along the walls fully exposing the frameless glazing whenever the structure is occupied. Security is also the reason why the window over the kitchen sink is currently modeled with a limited height although another sliding or hinged steel security shutter assembly could be used to secure a larger kitchen window. A metal security door would also be added in the entry area leading to the front door. These security features will be added to the model at a later time.
Even though this project is only intended as a weekend retreat, the addition of a home theater audio/video system is envisioned comprised of two motorized viewing screens dropping-down from the ceiling to either side of the fireplace mass. Video projectors are mounted to the ceiling. The two chairs currently depicted facing the fireplace are only placeholders. The actual chairs would be of a design by BodySound that incorporates powered speakers angled toward the seated viewer. This two-screen front projection arrangement allows for the simultaneous viewing of two different video content streams for his and her viewing preferences at night. Power receptacles as well as audio system jacks (unless a wireless audio signal system is used) are available in the concrete floor adjacent to the viewing chairs.
This web page last updated on Saturday December 29, 2012 at 4:35 pm.
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Luis Ashelford | Architectural Designer
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