Spatial Dendrites, 2021
Warming Huts v.2021 International Design Competition Entry
Text from above:
Our proposal consists of a collection of light-weight, dendritic shelters that touch down lightly on the River Trail in unique sizes and configurations. Though many readings are likely, from a distance they most closely resemble curious spatial ice crystals without front or back inviting visitors from all directions. Closer up, those who gather beneath them are compelled to look upward revealing a ‘floating ceiling’ of crystal-like branches just out of reach - light and delicate gently flexing in the wind as barometers of local wind conditions. More filter from their environment than shelter, these branches and side branches define hexagonal spaces below that exist somewhere between openness and enclosure - spaces lightly defined through the transparency of their surrounding walls and ceiling allowing the sights and sounds of their surroundings to freely enter.
These are structures that strive for lightness. Incorporating reclaimed wood, their lightness extends to their impact on local wood resources reducing demand for newly sourced lumber. Following their installation life, these structures will be offered up for reclaim once more ‘melting’ back into the local market place for reclaimed wood - as fleeting as their time on the frozen river. Inevitably, their precarious nature makes those sheltered beneath them firmly aware of the fragility, transience and ultimate beauty of Canadian winters - warming both heart and mind.
Branches
Unique to each structure, each ‘floating ceiling’ will appear as a different aggregation, or cluster, of crystal-like branches and side branches cantilevered in space filtering sunlight and precipitation from above.
Unique to each structure, each ‘floating ceiling’ will appear as a different aggregation, or cluster, of crystal-like branches and side branches cantilevered in space filtering sunlight and precipitation from above.
Structure
Inspired by efficiency in nature, each structure incorporates a refined structural form engineered by our team which includes a series of concentric V-shaped columns providing a high degree of openness while maximizing stability under wind and gravity loads.
Inspired by efficiency in nature, each structure incorporates a refined structural form engineered by our team which includes a series of concentric V-shaped columns providing a high degree of openness while maximizing stability under wind and gravity loads.
Reclaimed Wood
Since reclaimed wood is a one-of-a-kind product with no two boards ever being exactly alike, each structure will be finished with a semi-transparent white stain exhibiting its own unique combination of wood grain, colour tone and surface texture.
Since reclaimed wood is a one-of-a-kind product with no two boards ever being exactly alike, each structure will be finished with a semi-transparent white stain exhibiting its own unique combination of wood grain, colour tone and surface texture.
© 2020 atelier Christophe Du Chemin
