Cabin In The Woods
Cabin In The Woods from Brian Lee
cabin in the woods

As part of the Architecture Science and Technology module, this design focused on the the technical and construction aspects of a series of cabins in a natural context. Special attention was given to environmental considerations such as solar radiation, natural ventilation and rainwater drainage. The deliverables of the project was a set of construction plans and sections, a first for the course. In this design, a mix of timber and precast concrete elements were used to provide shelter for the inhabitants while maintaining their connection with the natural surroundings. Though a simple concept, the project necessitated careful attention to construction joints, insulation, waterproofing and material interfaces.

The project envisages a mini development in a natural setting for short-term stay by researchers. Programmatic requirements included living areas, work space and viewing decks, all of which had to fit within a total building envelope not exceeding 3m x 6m x 9m, to be orientated in any way preferred. From left to right: Work space and Viewing Deck, Kitchen and Lounge, Bedroom and Bathroom
The site is an open grassland at Diary Farm, bordered by high cliffs and dense vegetation. Access to the site is limited to narrow trails. The concept calls for breaking up a single mass into three smaller cabins. Each cabin occupies a different location in the site with appropriate functions designated to each cabin.
The presence of tree canopy surrounding each building had a major impact on material choice, shading and insulation. Each site was different and the cabins were designed to be site-specific whilst maintaining a common identity.
The study room in enclosed in pre-cast concrete walls on the East and West-facing sides, while allowing cross ventilation through the fully-opening doors and window slits. The viewing deck is partially enclosed in filigree construction and sheltered by a light-weight roof.
The bedroom and bathroom cabin is single-floor with the bathroom an open-air design enclosed in light-weight timber construction. As the west-facing facade is not shaded by trees, the wall is the only insulated one among the three cabins.
Here the lounge and kitchen cabin consisted of a timber-enclosed entrance on the ground floor and with pre-cast concrete elements for load-bearing walls and floor slabs.
More attention was paid to detailed construction joints and material interfaces.
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cabin in the woods

As part of the Architecture Science and Technology module, this design focused on the the technical and construction aspects of a series of cabins in a natural context. Special attention was given to environmental considerations such as solar radiation, natural ventilation and rainwater drainage. The deliverables of the project was a set of construction plans and sections, a first for the course. In this design, a mix of timber and precast concrete elements were used to provide shelter for the inhabitants while maintaining their connection with the natural surroundings. Though a simple concept, the project necessitated careful attention to construction joints, insulation, waterproofing and material interfaces.

Brian Lee
Architecture Undergraduate Singapore, Singapore