Tent House
The starting point for the design of this project was our interest in working with cross-laminated-timber (CLT) and the application of digital CNC fabrication techniques – at both the scale of the physical model and that of the building itself.
Our interest stemmed not only from CLTs sustainable characteristics, but also from its exceptional capabilities as a structural, thermal and moisture regulating material with an attractive and natural aesthetic.
For the brief of this project – a family holiday cabin – we explored the idea of building without the need for complex groundworks or layered element assemblies.
The walls, floor and roof are made from solid timber panels that are thicker than structurally required. This in-turn improves the thermal and acoustic performance of the building envelope to reach levels that are suitable for this function.
To support this, an over-sized ‘tent like’ roof protects the coated timber panels from direct rain and sun exposure whilst the entire structure is raised off the ground using extended metal screw pile foundations.
The efficiently organised arrangement of the spaces creates two raised sleeping areas that can be closed off from one another using sliding panels and curtains. The shared living space in the central part of the plan opens up onto two covered external terraces, providing additional living space in the form of outside rooms.
