Chicken Point Cabin

I first learned about this project by Olson Kundig Architects this past spring when looking for design ideas for a residential project. Olson Kundig Architects is a Seattle, Washington based firm that works internationally on a plethora of projects. The firm was started in the 1960's by Jim Olson who believed in exploring the relationship between dwellings and the landscape in which they inhabit. He also believed that, "buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture and people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on peoples' lives." His ideas and beliefs still carry on today into their much larger firms' projects. In 1996 the firm became Olson Kundig Architects and now has four principles and a staff of around 75. The firm has won countless awards across the world, been published internationally, and has been in multiple books.
   The Chicken Point Cabin is a great example of a project which blends naturally with its surroundings, with as little of an impact as possible. Placed in the woods of Northern Idaho, this cabin can sleep 10 and is made out of all natural materials. Most of the cabin is built of concrete block, steel, and plywood all of which can age naturally with the surroundings. The cabin has a industrial, manly, musky feel to it and at the same time a natural, historic feeling. One of the greatest aspects of this cabin and what sets it apart from all others is the very clear connection to the surroundings. The cabin has a 30' x 20' industrial glass wall which can be opened 90 degrees so that the living room has a direct connection to the woods outside. Another interesting aspect of this cabin is the front door which is aged steel and rises two stories. The door once open leads into a thin hallway drawing you into the depths of the cabin, where it opens up into the public spaces of the home which is absolutely creating an experience within. This cabin shares similar aspects to Olson Kundigs' other projects which all share similar ideals, but is definitely in its own separate category. Olson Kundig is one of my favorite firms to follow due to the fact that they are always working to try something new that has never been accomplished previously, while learning through the process. I would absolutely recommend looking at their site and reading through their projects. http:/www.olsonkundigarchitects.com