Architectural Cases

Mercedes-Benz is driving innovation in the automotive industry by launching its first electric vehicle, the GLC model, which features an entirely vegan interior. This forward-thinking design, unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, showcases the automaker's commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. The vehicle's cabin incorporates leather alternatives and animal-free textiles, offering a luxurious experience without compromising on environmental values.

The centerpiece of this groundbreaking interior is a material known as ARTICO, which masterfully replicates the look and feel of traditional leather but is produced without any animal products. Mercedes-Benz has chosen ARTICO for key interior elements such as seat upholstery and steering wheel coverings, ensuring a premium tactile experience. Beyond ARTICO, the GLC utilizes a range of certified vegan textiles and microfiber materials for various surfaces, including door panels, pillars, headliners, and floor carpets, all meticulously crafted without animal-derived fibers or components. This comprehensive approach extends to the manufacturing process, where no animal-based glues, dyes, coatings, or processing agents are employed, reinforcing the brand's dedication to a fully vegan product.

This innovative achievement is further solidified by a collaboration with The Vegan Society, an internationally recognized independent organization. The Vegan Society rigorously tested and audited all soft-touch materials within the GLC's interior, from their composition to their production methods. This stringent evaluation resulted in the vehicle being awarded the esteemed Vegan Trademark, a certification that will be prominently featured when customers select the Vegan Package for their new GLC. This partnership underscores Mercedes-Benz's commitment to transparency and verifiable ethical practices, establishing them as a pioneer in offering a Vegan Trademark-certified vehicle interior. US customers can anticipate the availability of these environmentally conscious GLC electric cars starting in the latter half of 2026.

In an era increasingly defined by environmental consciousness and ethical consumerism, Mercedes-Benz's introduction of a fully vegan interior for its electric GLC model represents a significant step forward. This initiative not only redefines luxury in the automotive sector but also champions a more sustainable future, encouraging other manufacturers to embrace eco-friendly materials and production practices. It's a testament to how innovation, when guided by responsibility, can lead to positive change, offering consumers choices that align with their values and contribute to a healthier planet.

Wittman Estes has brought to life the Wenatchee River Cabin, a singular residential creation located amidst the lush forests of Plain, Washington. This intimate one-bedroom dwelling, thoughtfully elevated on sturdy stilts, commands sweeping vistas of the Wenatchee River, embodying a design philosophy deeply attuned to its natural environment. The cabin's construction reflects a profound understanding of the landscape, influenced by the owner's extensive experience camping on the site, which informed crucial decisions regarding its placement and scale.

A Detailed Look at the Wenatchee River Cabin: Ingenuity Meets Nature

The Wenatchee River Cabin, a creation of Wittman Estes, is strategically positioned on a half-acre plot, a landscape meticulously shaped by the dynamic flow of the river, its floodplain boundaries, and the dense forest canopy. The owner's decade of seasonal camping on this very ground provided invaluable insights into the river's fluctuating levels and the sun's shifting patterns, culminating in a design that respects and integrates with its surroundings. This intimate knowledge led to the cabin's elevated stance, set back from the water's edge, a proactive measure against environmental shifts.

As construction commenced just before a global health crisis, the cabin's intended use evolved from a weekend escape to a full-time sanctuary upon its completion. Rising ten feet above the ground, supported by six robust concrete columns, the structure deftly navigates the river's floodplain, safeguarding against seasonal inundation and ground moisture. This elevated design ingeniously creates a sheltered undercroft, perfect for parking and a dedicated workspace, where a vintage Bronco finds its winter haven for mechanical upkeep.

The architectural firm, led by Matt Wittman, prioritized resilience and longevity in material selection. Concrete and steel form the core of the structure, chosen for their natural weathering properties and robust nature. Wittman emphasizes a commitment to 'tough, durable materials that weather naturally,' a philosophy that resonated with the owner's direct involvement in the construction process, favoring straightforward assemblies and clear detailing. This collaborative spirit is evident in the cabin's interior, where the owner, a skilled metalworker, personally crafted raw steel kitchen surfaces, a hemlock and steel dining table, and tube steel guardrails.

The cabin's vertical design unfolds across three distinct levels. The ground level serves as a versatile covered outdoor area. Above it, the main living space encompasses an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, complete with a full bathroom. The uppermost level houses the primary bedroom, a compact office, a half-bath, and a loft extending to a cantilevered steel deck. A magnificent twenty-foot-wide by twenty-four-foot-high window wall dominates the living area, offering uninterrupted views of the river while maintaining privacy from adjacent properties. From the bedroom, a framed opening provides a captivating glimpse into the living space and the river beyond.

The interior aesthetics are purposefully minimalist, with unadorned surfaces designed to highlight the interplay of natural light and the changing seasonal palette visible through the expansive windows. A cozy wood-burning fireplace, nestled beneath a fir-framed loft, provides warmth during colder months. Wittman articulates the design's core principle: 'The tiny footprint supports experiences over possessions.' The client, deeply invested in the material choices, explains his preference for steel and concrete, materials he views as a defense against the rapid decay common in the Pacific Northwest's wet climate, ensuring his home's enduring presence. The cabin's modest size is also a strategic response to zoning restrictions related to riparian and wetland buffers, reflecting a conscious choice for a simpler, less cluttered existence.

From the river, the cabin presents a striking narrow profile, characterized by its towering window wall and a distinct knife-edge roofline. The owner praises these features, noting their unique and iconic appearance from the river, and the expansive interior views they afford. This vertical orientation draws the eye upward through the thoughtfully stacked spaces, creating a sense of grandeur within a compact footprint. Ultimately, the Wenatchee River Cabin stands as a testament to thoughtful design, long-term observation, and hands-on craftsmanship, a full-time residence that embodies the principle of living abundantly within a modest space.

This project exemplifies a harmonious blend of architectural innovation and environmental consciousness. It underscores the importance of a deep connection to place, illustrating how prolonged engagement with a site can lead to a design that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly integrated with its natural context. The Wittman Estes Wenatchee River Cabin inspires us to consider how our living spaces can reflect our values, promote sustainability, and foster a deeper appreciation for the world around us.