The cabin is a unitary and intimate space, two presuppositions that are difficult to reconcile with the group life required by the program. The different functions are therefore dissociated and distanced to allow the adequacy between the hut spirit and the stay in a group: – the common space – which the architects embrace with a glance – is central and protective. Its geometry, both centripetal and centrifugal, expresses the cocoon and the observation of the environment. – the more intimate modules project outwards and are isolated from the central space by terraces forming transitional spaces. At each crossing this external threshold restores awareness of the environment, its noises, its smells, its climate.
The structure is an extremely readable framework both outside and inside, it recalls the primitive and vernacular character of the hut. It can be disassembled as easily as it is assembled, for travel, access restricted areas and integrate re-use sector at the end-of-life. The main materials (structure, insulation, fabrics, etc.) are all bio sourced, produced, or reused within a radius of 100km, like the cabins of childhood built from elements gleaned here and there.
Made up of small elements, the hut expresses fragility and lightness, as opposed to permanence. The periphery of the cabin is animated by a set of spaces with different functions, but all built in a single cubic module. The modules are varied and suggest multiple associations. The cabin may be scalable, both in terms of functions and its relationship to the site.
The equal measurements in the 3 dimensions allow on the one hand a very free assembly of the modules and on the other hand a multiple configuration of the walls by the interchangeability of the panels, floors, ceilings, glazing, partitions, and concealment systems. The rationality and repetition of this volume makes it easy to personalize the shelter. Several meters above the ground or touching the surface, in the canopy or in the center of a clearing, spanning a river or floating on a body of water, each situation stimulates our senses in a particular way. The sights, sounds, lights, smells, climatic atmospheres, fauna and flora are revealed in their diversity; each one to find the one that suits him the most.
Architect: R+R architectureDesign Team: Romain Delvalet et Raphaël PerdrisotClient: Dartagnans / YacPhotographer: images by R+R architecture
