Climber's Cabin: a sustainable escape in the woods of Winchester

Nestled between the edge of a deciduous forest and a stream, near Winchester in England, the Climber's Cabin is intended to serve as accommodation for guests and as an independent space for the client's children as they grow up.

Sustainable construction and self-building

The Climber’s Cabin is one of the architecture projects by the award-winning AR Design Studio in Winchester and is designed to be almost entirely self-built by the client. For this reason, specialized works are kept to a minimum, using simple construction methods and sustainable materials sourced locally. The cabin is built around four A-Frame trusses and sits on simple brick foundations. Scaffold boards form the interior finishes, while locally sourced cedar shingles clad the exterior.

Maximizing space and connectivity with nature

In the Climber's Cabin of only 25 square meters, space is precious: the 6x4m volume is cleverly manipulated to maximize the available surface. The roof has been sloped to create a mezzanine that houses a double bed at the back of the cabin, where there are also two bunk beds for children; the front truss has been rotated towards the northwest to capture the late evening sun and also allow for a small sheltered terrace. A large terrace surrounds the cabin and allows for outdoor space utilization during the warmer months.

Comfort and environmental sustainability

The cabin is equipped with a thick layer of thermal insulation, ensuring a comfortable temperature throughout the year and minimizing heating needs. This sustainable approach to construction gives a very natural feel to the building and further emphasizes the connection with the surrounding woods. The result is a peaceful space that makes use of natural materials, wood and glass, and leverages its context to create a true sense of connection with the forest, providing a small escape from everyday life.

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Climber's Cabin: a sustainable getaway in the woods of Winchester

PEOPLE

AR Design Studio

20 Little Minster Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9HN, United Kingdom