Cabin 2 is a self contained extension to an existing 1960s log cabin located in bay side Blairgowrie designed by Maddison Architects. The surrounding coastal Moonah woodland forgivingly hides a suburban-like density of houses and network of winding roads free of formed kerbs, gutters and footpaths. Amongst the Moonah scrub the cabin's folding roof grows out of the coastal topography like it's part of the landscape…
Inspired By the Landscape
The new architecture is informed by and embedded into this landscape. The folding roof grows out from the topography to act as a new type of landform. Its supporting pre-fabricated skeletal frame appears influenced by the prevailing wind forces that shape the surrounding Moonah trees.
Skeletal Tree-Like Frame
The roof directly reflects the internal volume, and the skeletal frame is fully exposed inside and out to convey a structural and architectural honesty. The monolithic plinth is purposefully part sunken into the land and hollowed out to emphasise a feeling of refuge and physical engagement with the site.
Connected but Separate
By freeing Cabin 2 from connecting to the existing 1960s log cabin, the Maddison Architects have allowed it to respond to the site, its orientation and vegetation. This freedom has created a completely new set of geometries. When accessed from the garage, which grows out of the topography and opens to the views, Cabin 2 appears as a closed and folded roof.
Honest Materials
The materials selected for the project convey an essential honesty that moves from the exterior to the interior. Externally the exposed laminated beams anchor the project to the site. The possible complexity of the geometries created by folding forms has been embraced and simplified with a delightful and calm interior, achieved with the use of a simple and rigorous palette of natural materials. By carving the project into the site, intimate, well-planned spaces have been formed. These open up to the views and allow unique spaces for both connection and privacy.
