African Design Magazine February 2016 | Page 43

International project Thoreau’s cabin H idden in the forest and covered by lush foliage, the volume has been shaped so that it reveals its presence only at the very last moment. Two large sliding doors open up the entire corner of the building blending the interior with the surrounding open space; a little green meadow where sheep graze to keep the young trees at bay. With neither running water nor electricity, local firewood is used to fuel the kitchen and fireplace. This sculptural hearth forms the heart of the cabin, which includes a storage room, washroom, and eating space. The hearth supports a folding aluminum-clad roof structure, which creates a protective yet open canopy that blends into the surrounding flora. The architecture of the cabin complements the pastoral elegance of the park. You can almost picture Thoreau writing Walden here. africandesignmagazine.com 43