Now, to the finer details of Tom Kundig's quirky design. The project we're undertaking dictates three different ways to analyse a building, according to a number of concepts set down by Vetruvius. Firmitas, Utilitas Venustas. Or in other words, Firmness, Commodity and Delight. Chicken point Cabin is a benchmark example of simple living, while accomodating for our needs, and providing a sense of wonder to those inhabiting the building. There are three ways to examine the many facets of this design: The house as an environmental filter; as a container of human activites; and as a delightful experience.
As an Environmental Filter
"When Jeff and Amy Larson sought out Tom Kundig to design a lakeside cabin, their only directive was simple: make the house as open to the water as possible. Tom's response to the challenge was equally as direct as the request: a large pivoting picture window on the waterside that literally opens up to the landscape." (Ngo, 2003: 79)
It seems only fitting to begin this segment with the most striking element of Kundigs design: A 30 foot tall glass window-wall, which pivots open via a crank on the adjoining wall. This effectively opens up the entire living room space to the surrounding environment, playing with the very notion of indoor/outdoor spaces. Kundig collaborated with science expert Phil Turner to fine-tine the device, which was given the nickname 'The Gizmo'.
A closer look at 'The Gizmo'
As the entire wall pivots upwards, the living room is completely opened to the landscape beyond, the lakeside breezes and fresh air. This is environmental filtering in its most basic sense, allowing human operation of inside and outside spaces, all the while providing protection and shelter when needed. Fitted into the wall are a number of small windows which can be opened at will, without the need to raise the entire wall. This allows for easy ventilation, though due to the climate not much is required.
Another way Kundig addresses the environmental filtering in his design is through his masterly use of windows. One might notice the small windows cut into the deep concrete blocks used to enclose the house. Every single one of these allows just the right amount of light in, at the right time of the day, and all the while framing the breathtaking local scenery.
The house incorporates a lot of passive lighting, however this is used mostly in public spaces, whereas the bedrooms are left fairly dark. Kundig incorporates a series of windows around the very top of the cabin, a design element which not only introduces passive lighting at all times of the day, but adds an element of delight to the design, making an enormous roof seem weightless.
The entire cabin can be closed off from the surrounding landscape when necessary, though the original design intent was to open it as much as possible. Kundig's response to that request was simple, yet stunning in its execution, creating a starkly unique approach to environmental filtering.
As a Container of Human Activities
Kundig's approach to holiday living is as simple as it is unique. The design for Chicken point Cabin is, in laymans terms, a cube, with a fireplace and a plywood box.
The exploded view gives a good sense of exactly how this building goes together, and its simplicity is startling. The circulation is apparent, with a strong definition between private and public spaces. However, all these spaces are situated within one large area, forming a communal sense of living. The kitchen/living area is undoubtedly the main focal point of the building, housing the dining area and the fireplace. These are places where the family may meet, spend time together, and socialise, before retreating to the more private spaces to relax. There is a heavy emphasis on being outdoors, as the family who commissioned the building are avid water-goers. Tom designed the building with this in mind, ensuring the two main entry points are large enough to fit canoes through. It is in the small details such as this which Kundig shows his commitement to his clients desires.
"While his buildings are exemplary and highly spirited, it is his distinct personal presence in the work and in the lives of all involved that truly stands out for me." (Ngo, 2003: 131)
As a Delightful Experience
"He looks closely and makes things carefully. Whether opening a window or touching a stair railing - each time we are tugged, tapped, and whispered into paying attention. There is always an element of elegant innovation. Our admiration for originiality is balanced with our pleasure in 'doing'. He reminds us that small moments in life are precious. That is his gift to us." (Bukkue Tsien, an excerpt from Ngo, 2003: 109)
Once again, we return to the most obvious feature of Kundig's design. That massive window.
Operating the wheel which raises the large wall in Chicken Point Cabin is designed to achieve a sense of childlike wonder in the user, as they so easily raise tonnes of metal and glass in the air, while the bell on the flyball governor chimes vibrantly through the air. Perhaps one of the most obvious traits of Tom's work is his interest in mechanics and engineering, a trait developed during his adolescence when he worked with a sculptor. This leads him to all sorts of quirky designs, which provide an enormous sense of wonder to those operating them.
He is also a master of choreographing spaces for dramatic effect. Once a person enters the house, through the heroic nineteen-foot metal door, a tall set of stairs in a plywood box acts as both a sentry and screen of the kitchen beyond. After moving through this narrow space, you enter the enormous living area, with its textured materials, vibrant patches of colour, and odd materials.
The centrepiece of the house is a 4 foot wide fireplace, fashioned from an old Alaskan oil pipeline, with an opening notched into it at an angle, much like the way one would cut log. This huge steel pipe also doubles as the structural post for the steel frame, as mentioned earlier. This allows support of the roof, which appears to hover weightless above the living area. Another curious piece of design is Kundig's use of an old truck spring to support the long wooden table, which acts to surprise the senses.
One of my favourite parts of this design is his use of steel rungs on the back of the fireplace, allowing an unconventional means of access from the plywood loft to the living room below. It is ideas like this that define Tom Kundig's architecture, little mechanisms everywhere, just waiting to be discovered.
Another defining factor of Tom's architecture is his use of materials. Often seen as raw, and industrial, he leaves everything unfinished. Nothing is hidden away by paints or plasterboard. The texture is raw, real, and acquires age with the years. His use of concrete and steel is repeated throughout his designs, although in a new way each time. The sight of enormous exposed steel beams, the feel of rough concrete, and the contrast this has with the smooth plywood all stimulate the senses.
References
Ngo, Dung. 2003. Tom Kundig: Houses. Princeton Architectural Press: New York.
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