Tucked into an alpine environment, Forest House by Faulkner Architects is a cabin in the woods surrounded by thick pine trees, Fir trees and basalt rock. Desiring to save and protect the landscape, the architects saved 95 per cent of the trees on the property by leaving the front land largely untouched. As the clients delivered a simple brief with an open mindset, the architects were able to create a cabin in the woods that respected its surrounds and did not fall to the arbitrary aesthetics of larger homes in the area.
Due to its nature-rich location, the home remains neutral and respective by allowing the landscape to breathe and embrace its structure. As the house tour moves inside, the front of the home opens into the living, dining and kitchen areas. Tucked behind the kitchen is a small family room, while an addition of a hidden office allows for further separation of spaces where the clients can find a place to work, study and rest. Additionally, the master suite has been left on the main level, while the three ensuite guest rooms are positioned upstairs for increased separation of private and public spaces.
Described as a cabin in the woods that is an atmospheric exercise in form and light, the architects began the process of designing Forest House by looking to the sun. Due to this, the home is positioned on an elongated rectangle that stretches along the east-west axis and faces south, gaining the maximum amount of sun exposure. Splashing the home with light during the day, skylights allow for advantageous views of the night sky when stars are twinkling overhead. Once opened, the doors of the public areas allow for an increased flow of movement, with the sounds and smells of nature wafting through and enhancing the idealistic life of living in a cabin in the woods.
With every project built by Faulkner Architects there is a focus on sustainability, as such, Forest House is built with non-flammable materials that reference this focus. Starting with a palette of concrete and steel, the architects bring in materials that allude to the nature of the property. Crafting the building in a collage-like nature, the architect references the forest’s pattern. Black steel recedes like the surrounding trunks, while light concrete stands out in the sunlight and the glass façade reflects the surrounding forestry. Embracing its location, Forest House is a home that encompasses the idealistic life of living in a cabin in the woods.
00:00 - Introduction to the Cabin in the Woods
00:22 - The Site and Surrounding Landscape
00:38 - Saving the Landscape Around the Home
00:55 - The Clients and the Initial Brief
01:44 - A Concealed Entry
02:00 - A Walkthrough of the Home
02:38 - An Experience Space
02:58 - Working with the Sun
03:25 - A Focus on Sustainability
03:49 - The Materials Used
04:09 - A Reflection of the Surrounding Landscape
04:35 - The Most Exciting Space and its Successes
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Photography by Joe Fletcher.
Architecture by Faulkner Architects.
Interior Design by Natalie Zirbel and Rory Torrigiani.
Build by Glennwood Mountain Homes.
Civil Engineering by Shaw Engineering.
Structural Engineering by CFBR Structural Group.
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering by Sugarpine Engineering.
Geotechnical Engineering by NV5.
Filmed and Edited by Cheer Squad Film Co.
Production by The Local Project.
The Local Project acknowledges the traditional territories and homelands of the Indigenous peoples in the United States. We recognise the importance of Indigenous peoples in the identity of our respective countries and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous people of these lands.
#CabinInTheWoods #Architecture #HouseTour
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