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Architects: Alex Wyndham
- Year: 2011
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Photographs:Alex Wyndham
Description
Nestled next to a redwood canyon and overlooking a panoramic view of the ocean, the hawk house is a minimalist retreat cabana furnished only with a bed, a chair and a desk. The roof is planted with native wildflowers and the siding is made from reclaimed redwood bark. Three glass doors fold to one side, opening the front of the building to the panoramic ocean view. Walls become wings as the sides open to increase ventilation and views. You can watch whales swim by while lying in bed.
Concept
The concept behind the cabana was to create a building that became landscape and augmented the surrounding ecosystem.The roof is planted with native wildflowers and native grasses that provide habitat for native pollinators and act as a nursery for native plants. Over time, wind will disperse the native seeds from the roof and spread them up and down the hillside surrounding the cabana creating an oasis of native species.
Sustainability
Heating/Cooling: The hawk house is heated by the sun and cooled by the prevailing breeze. Double pane windows and five inches of soil on the roof moderate the indoor temperature.
Materials: Most of the materials used were recycled from other building projects. Salvaged doors were reconfigured to make the triple folding front doors and the windows came from a building reuse center. Local redwood bark siding was saved from a lumber mill where it was destined for burning. Natural finishes on all materials, no VOC's.
Energy: The cabana is completely off the grid. Lighting is provided by candles. I plan on installing a simple solar panel and LED lights in the future.
Ecology: The green roof aims to augment the surrounding ecology by providing habitat for native pollinators and spreading native plants into the surrounding ecosystem.
