HOSPITALITY — J Flores

A CABIN ON STILTS

Spring 2022

Advanced Design Studio

University of Texas at Austin

Professor: Michael Benedikt

Site: Skrunda, Latvia

Software: Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop, Enscape

The Cabin on Stilts is situated on a fertile, picturesque landscape. Native tree species will be planted utilizing a ten-year plan to develop a sustainable forest. This woodland will provide a habitat for native birds and species. The forest will be strategically planted to encourage curiosity and human-nature interaction.

The entrances of the cabins face the planted trees, while the balcony overlooks the Latvian countryside, creating a duality in the landscape. As a result of the cabin’s placement among the trees and elevation from the ground, the visitor is given a surreal experience with nature.

The Venta River is brought into the site to create a canal for boats and adventure-seeking visitors. A man-made trail system connects the cabins and fireplaces to the communal spaces on the site.

The cabins are assembled using modular construction methods. The glulam frames are bolted together with glulam beams and constructed with timber purlins, plywood sheathing, and zinc-plated metal panels. Each cabin is structurally joisted up on steel stilts and spot welded at the junction of each bolted glulam frame. The stilts create a paradoxical relationship by elevating the cabin while still bringing it closer to the landscape. The tube-like form takes advantage of natural light and views of the Latvian landscape.