The eco-cabin is made up of two 20′ containers bolted together to create a 320 sq ft space. The structure has been covered with a vaulted translucent roof of stretched silicone-coated fiberglass over aluminum arches, and the roof and the connecting sides of the two containers were removed to provide a larger, light-filled structure. As this is a cabin designed for boy scouts, little is needed in terms of power, and LEDs are powered by a solar system to offer light at night. During the day, the translucent vaulted ceiling offers ample daylighting while also giving the cabin a more spacious feel.
Gensler designed and built the cabin back in LA, cut the sides away, insulated the interior and from there all the materials were packed away inside the containers for shipping to the Island. The two containers were installed upon a low concrete six pier foundation and a deck was constructed from reclaimed wood taken from an old dock in the bay. An additional nineteen, identical cabins will be constructed and assembled on the island to replace the camp’s existing barracks. There will also be the addition of a new outdoor learning center, also to be constructed from shipping containers.
Gensler provided their services pro-bono for this project; while Arup managed the structural engineering, J. Miller Canvas the roof and doors, The RMS Group the containers, Primus Lighting the LED Lighting, and Nora Systems the rubber flooring.
Embracing the Boy Scouts of America’s “leave no trace” mantra, Gensler designed and built an incredible eco-cabin for Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. Utilizing sustainable design principles, renewable energy and two 20′ shipping containers, the is
[2]
Gensler worked on this project pro bono for the Boy Scouts of America to help replace their existing barracks at the Emerald Bay Campground on Catalina Island.
[3]
The structure is composed of two 20′ shipping containers bolted together and covered with a translucent vaulted roof.
[4]
Emerald Bay Campground is an 85 year old campground on Catalina Island reserved for the Boy Scouts. The Eco Cabin is the first of twenty new cabins to be built.
[5]
The translucent vaulted roof gives the cabin a larger feel and provides natural daylighting, reducing the need for any additional lighting.
[6]
The cabin’s roof is stretched over aluminum arches and provides a slight overhang at the cabin’s two entrances.
[7]
At night LED lights are used to illuminate the interior and the cabin glows through the canvas doors.
[8]
A solar panel located nearby provides all the power needed for the cabin.
[9]
Canvas is used to protect the windows and doors from the elements and can be rolled down at night or during storms.
[10]
The deck in front of the cabin was constructed using reclaimed wood from an old dock in Emerald Bay.
[11]
The entire structure was built in LA and outfitted with insulation. All the materials were packed inside the containers for shipment to the island.
[12]
The cabin is constructed from two 20′ containers with their sides cut away and bolted together.
[13]
The cabin is easily assembled and put into place on a simple foundation of six points.
[14]
Cabins are big enough to sleep 12 people on bunk beds and are completely off grid.
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]