Architectural Cases

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.

Dublin-based designer Cara Campos, driven by a profound interest in structural design and material endurance, has unveiled an innovative furniture collection titled 'Objects from Frames' (OFF). This unique series reinterprets the function of everyday items by meticulously crafting furniture from reclaimed bicycle parts. Campos, who transitioned from fashion to industrial design, focuses on components that have completed their initial purpose but still possess structural integrity, transforming them into new domestic pieces.

A core principle of Campos' 'OFF' collection is the deliberate integration of the bicycles' original characteristics into the final furniture designs. Each piece, whether a chair, table, or lamp, is shaped by the inherent geometry of the salvaged frames. The manufacturing process involves minimal new materials, with existing frames being carefully cut, repositioned, and stabilized. Visible welds, original tube diameters, and even the natural wear and tear from previous use are intentionally preserved, allowing the furniture to tell the story of its origins.

Far from merely upcycling, Campos' vision is to pay homage to the bicycles' former lives. The furniture maintains the original weight, scale, and material density, creating a robust and honest aesthetic. By leaving surface imperfections and attachment points unconcealed, the collection celebrates the raw, functional beauty of the steel frames, offering a straightforward physical presence that highlights the journey of each component from a vehicle to a piece of artful, sustainable furnishing.

This innovative approach not only promotes environmental responsibility through material reuse but also challenges traditional notions of beauty and value in design. By embracing the imperfections and histories embedded in discarded objects, Campos inspires us to see potential in the overlooked and to appreciate the enduring stories that materials can tell, fostering a more mindful and sustainable relationship with the products around us.