ZeroPlus Architects’ Sneeoosh Cabin Rests Lightly On the Forest Floor

Sneeoosh Cabin by <a href="http://www.0-plus.com/flash.htm" target="_blank">ZeroPlus Architects</a> is nestled into the trees off Puget Sound in Washington, and sited in a way to have the smallest impact on the forest as possible. Resting on stilts, the cabin sits above the forest floor, allowing plants and trees to continue growing below. Inspired by camping, Sneeoosh Cabin gives the feeling of resting in a tent amidst trees with a living space encased in glass and a private cocoon in which to sleep, above.

<a href="http://www.0-plus.com/flash.htm" target="_blank">ZeroPlus Architects'</a> main goal for Sneeoosh Cabin was for it to have minimal impact on the forest.

They developed a set of guiding principles to ensure their goal, which included not disturbing the Douglas Fir, cedar trees or the ground cover beneath.

With the help of an arborist, the firm came up with a solid plan to site the home.

The home is tucked away and almost hidden when seen from the water.

The home rests on a foundation of minimally invasive concrete disks which raises the house up off the ground, leaving the plants and wildlife alone.

During construction, most of the site was fenced off except for a path to the house and the building site itself, in order to protect the environment.

Built with a prefabricated, lightweight steel structural system, the home relies on tension for support.

The downstairs is the public living space and is fully open to the forest with only glass in between.

Natural daylight filters through the forest canopy and into the space as if everything were out in the open.

The roof is made with prefab SIPs that provide insulation and protection without too much weight.

Finally, the upstairs serves as the private bedroom and is quiet and dark.

The architects envisioned the sleeping quarters emulating the experience of being in tent while camping.

During the day, one spends time outdoors, but at night they crawl into the tent where it is safe and protected.