Gensler Designs Shipping Container Eco-Cabins for Boy Scouts

Embracing the Boy Scouts of America's "leave no trace" mantra, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/02/12/las-new-ritz-carlton-jw-marriott-tower-going-for-leed-gold/" target="_blank">Gensler</a> designed and built an incredible <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/09/21/lindal-homes-puts-a-green-twist-on-the-classic-a-frame/" target="_blank">eco-cabin</a> for Camp Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. Utilizing sustainable design principles, renewable energy and two <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/01/artist-in-residence-studio-made-from-shipping-containers/" target="_blank">20' shipping containers</a>, the cabin is the first of twenty off-grid cabins set for a redevelopment plan that will transform an 85-year old campground into a year-round outdoor learning center.

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.

The structure is composed of two 20' shipping containers bolted together and covered with a translucent vaulted roof.

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.

The translucent vaulted roof gives the cabin a larger feel and provides natural daylighting, reducing the need for any additional lighting.

The cabin's roof is stretched over aluminum arches and provides a slight overhang at the cabin's two entrances.

At night LED lights are used to illuminate the interior and the cabin glows through the canvas doors.

A solar panel located nearby provides all the power needed for the cabin.

Canvas is used to protect the windows and doors from the elements and can be rolled down at night or during storms.

The deck in front of the cabin was constructed using reclaimed wood from an old dock in Emerald Bay.

The entire structure was built in LA and outfitted with insulation. All the materials were packed inside the containers for shipment to the island.

The cabin is constructed from two 20' containers with their sides cut away and bolted together.

The cabin is easily assembled and put into place on a simple foundation of six points.

Cabins are big enough to sleep 12 people on bunk beds and are completely off grid.