MORE Cabin: Architecture Suspended Between Forest and Sky
Architecture that Defies the Forest
Deep within the dense woodlands of Wakefield, Quebec, the MORE Cabin emerges like a scene lifted straight from a science-fiction film. Designed by Kariouk Architects in Ottawa, this unique project offers an extraordinary model of contemporary Canadian architecture.
A Retreat Suspended Above Nature
The cabin spans 900 square feet, but what truly sets it apart is its astonishing height: nearly 60 feet above the forest floor. Supported by a single steel column, the structure appears to float effortlessly among the trees, creating both a visual and engineering marvel.
A Vision of Sustainable Architecture
The goal was never just to design a weekend getaway, but to craft an architectural statement about the relationship between construction and nature. Instead of clearing trees or reshaping the terrain, architect Paul Kariouk embraced the concept of rising above the landscape. The cabin now hovers over a rocky cliff, overlooking a pristine lake, while leaving the surrounding environment virtually untouched.
Hybrid Engineering with Innovative Materials
The construction of the MORE Cabin relies on an advanced blend of materials and techniques. Its primary structure is built from cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels paired with Glulam beams, while precisely reinforced steel provides additional rigidity. This hybrid approach allows the building to maintain structural stability while minimizing its environmental footprint, as it touches the ground at only a single point.
Energy Efficiency and Natural Insulation
Wood serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also provides highly efficient thermal insulation. Its natural properties help regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year, reducing the need for additional heating or cooling systems. In this way, the cabin becomes a practical example of how traditional materials can be employed in modern contexts.
Harmony with Nature Instead of Resistance
One of the cabin’s most remarkable features is its complete self-sufficiency, independent of conventional utility networks. It generates its own energy and manages water resources autonomously, making it a living model of sustainable architecture.
Infrastructure as a Tool for Wildlife Conservation
In an innovative touch, the steel framework doubles as a safe habitat for endangered bat species. Special cavities were designed within the structure to provide protected spaces for these creatures, away from predators. In this way, an essential architectural element becomes part of an intelligent ecological solution, linking architecture with biodiversity conservation.
A Unique Interior Visual Experience
Inside, the cabin reflects the drama of its suspended location through expansive windows that reveal breathtaking views of the lake below and the surrounding forest canopy. The cross-laminated timber remains exposed throughout, creating warm, organic surfaces that harmonize with the natural environment, despite the project’s reliance on high-tech engineering to achieve this daring balance. The result is a continuous sensation of floating among the treetops.
Minimizing Impact Without Sacrificing Ambition
The MORE Cabin demonstrates that sustainability does not require compromising architectural creativity. By elevating the entire structure above the forest floor, architect Paul Kariouk was able to protect the existing ecosystem while simultaneously crafting a strong architectural statement that adds both aesthetic and environmental value.
An Inspiring Alternative to Conventional Construction
As environmental concerns increasingly push architects to reduce their ecological footprint, projects like this cabin serve as inspiring models for rethinking architectural alternatives. They show that architecture can go beyond merely providing shelter to become a tool for preserving nature and reshaping our relationship with it.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
Although the MORE Cabin leaves a strong visual impression and offers a unique experience in blending architecture with nature, its suspended location raises some questions. Relying on a massive steel column makes the project dependent on intensive technical intervention to maintain stability, which may not fully align with the simplicity often promoted by sustainable architecture. Additionally, its nature as a private, limited-use retreat may restrict its practical value on a broader scale. Nevertheless, the project remains a striking example of bold architectural thinking, even if it is not without its challenges or contradictions.
Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team
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