The Ol' Log Cabin
Building with local materials is often a challenge to architects. Given the advanced building technology that is constantly creating new opportunities and possibilities, designers can make the wildest structures come true. However, I think there is beauty in building with only materials that can be obtained locally. What once was necessity is now becoming a unique design element and a sustainable measure. I immediately think of the olden days, when people would travel, claim some land and build a log cabin. People were forced to cut down trees and haul them through the forest one way or another, and construct a stable shelter that they could call home. Ya, this is a way of life that very difficult these days. But I think the idea of utilizing materials on a site or nearby, minimizing wasteful or damaging construction techniques and utilizing resources should still be considered.
I like this post a lot. Another interesting point to this is that this style has also become inherent to certain areas like the mountains. Every family that takes a trip to the mountains always looks for a log cabin to stay in, it's one of the exciting things to look forward to. Obviously this is due to the amount of trees in the mountains that allow this to be true.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really interesting post. Nowadays it seems designers are trying their best to incorporate natural/local materials into their designs to help with the buildings sustainability. It's a sought after notion now but back in the old days, this was a natural thing. You didn't have a choice but to use the materials that were around you in order to build shelter.
ReplyDeleteI think along with the sustainability factor, there is the anchoring of the building and design into the existing context. It fits, and looks like it fits. It's part of the greater culture. Which unfortunately doesn't seem as much of a benefit because the naked eye wouldn't recognize it. I wish there was a better way to tell the story of a design
ReplyDeleteThis concept is great. Rural communities and building techniques are rooted in sustainable, low tech construction. Many of these measures can be brought forth in other regions too, not just rurally. I'm interested to see if there is a movement in architecture that is based on this old time concept of building.
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