Eco Cabins are designed by Gensler to replace the old military barracks which currently occupy the Boy Scouts' campgrounds at Emerald Bay, Santa Catalina Island, California. The main objectives was to build sustainable cabins that would envision the boy scouts motto "leave no trace". The Boy Scouts director also wanted the buildings to be interactive teaching tools for the scouts.
This was also a pro-bono project and most of the materials are reclaimed or donated. For the main structure of each cabin, Gensler used reclaimed shipping container. (None of the articles seem to specify this but the photos seem to show two twenty-foot containers used for each cabin.) The designers wanted to steer away from the image of a dark enclosed box. A translucent, silicone-coated fiberglass stretched over a vaulted roof was used instead of the original opaque flat top. Windows with roll-up canvas covers were added to the sides. The final result looks more like a tent than a cabin.
Other sustainable elements includes the exterior deck which uses reclaimed lumber taken from a nearby construction site (the camps recently rebuilt pier). The cabins use LED lighting which is powered by a solar photovoltaic panels, all of which was donated by Primus Lighting. Finally, "all of the elements that must be imported from the mainland can be packed into the container itself for shipping—with one exception. The footing for the structure—originally intended to be made of recycled tires—ultimately needed to be poured-in-place concrete in order to meet code." (Chang, Jade. "Cabin Upgrade" METROPOLIS MAGAZINE. 2010 January 13.)
In conclusion, the Eco Cabin is a very good option for an off -the-grid shelter. There is the benefit of passive ventilation when both ends of the cabin are opened. Cons: The project was also possible due to donations, pro-bono work and a volunteer labor force. Some of the elements (the canopy roof, the solar-powered LED system) may cost more in reality. Also, although the cabin has day-lighting through the translucent roof and the alternative solar-powered LED lighting, it does not have plumbing or cooking facilities. It has the possibility of meeting these basic needs but it is a SHELTER and just that.
(Construction is completed on the full scale prototype. Eventually 20 units will be constructed.)
Additional information:
"Cabin Upgrade" Jade Chang METROPOLIS MAGAZINE. http://www.metropolismag.com/story/20100113/cabin-upgrade
"Eco Cabin for Camp Emerald Bay Scouts." Preston Koerner. JETSON GREEN. http://www.jetsongreen.com/2010/02/eco-cabin-shipping-container-camp-eme...
Photos for project by Richard Hammond:
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?swfPop=true&noClickURL=true&ur...
