Collaboration with Austen Goodman

Brief

The Amber Road is an expansive trading network that extends through Latvia and its coastline. The purpose was to design a cabin that would be placed in sequence along the trail for travelers to stop and rest during their journeys.

The concept “Shelter on the Go”, was driven by the idea of simplicity and practicality in mind, creating a structure that is simple to assemble and functions off the grid. Challenges such as climate and construction feasibility were addressed by focusing on modularity and sustainability.

The cabin accommodates 4 single beds, 2 hammock spots, and 2 spots for living room foldout seating.

* Accommodation will require backpackers to bring a small air mattress once they reach a load of 6 people.

Form development

The cabin’s form was derived from imageries and geometries of an amber stone, which are found along the trail. The design follows and interprets the stone’s form in its structure, plan, and section creating not only a functional and sustainable cabin, but also something relating to its site.

Practicality

The cabin hovers above the ground while it sits on precast piers which can be brought in, quickly placed, and leveled. This accommodates to the precipitation in Latvia and helps combat water runoff and flooding. Prefabricated timber frame and wall panels create a kit of parts that are ready to be assembled on site, requiring minimal construction time and skill.

Sustainability

The roof collects rainwater, which stores and heats up using solar water heaters. The water is accessible through gravity fed faucets to both sink and shower. Solar power is implemented to generate light for low E light bulbs and a wood stove is designed to heat the cabin’s interior. The toilet organically decomposes waste limiting the need for a septic field or pump.

Innovation

This cabin is centered around responsive and interactive design. The floor-to-ceiling window wall and roof skylight with shading apertures can be manually raised and lowered, operating from the inside. It is equipped with handles and cranks that allows the user to operate the cabin to their comfort.

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