Shelter for one rock, one tree, two people and four birds
Kalle Grude
2007-2011
Bamble, Telemark
Steel tubes, steel tube couplings, waterproof plywood, glass
350 x 460 x 2203 cm
Steel tubes were discarded at a local building site. Cut to size for reuse as structure for the shelter.
Uninsulated room for composting toilet and storage totals 9 sq.m.
Volume for living-, sitting- and kitchen niche is 12,5 sq.m. Volume for living, sleeping platform with storage and two office spaces is 13,5 sq.m.
Both volumes have 7,5 cms of insulation. The roof area with the opening for the tree and above the rock totals about 100 sq.m.
To be honest, most of it was obvious. The local mayor decided the placing of the structure. He suggested chopping down the tree and dynamiting the rock, to make a nice flat site. But the rock has been there since the last Ice Age, and it shares the ancient groove in the hillside with the tree. The new structure had to be divided into one volume between the hill and the tree, one between the tree and the rock, and one between the rock and the cliff edge. The width was given by the groove.
A plastic tube with water (a “water”) gives unbeatable levelling precision within the reach of the tube.
The metal jigsaw is clamped to the steel tubes, giving a precise cut which makes the erection easier.
The steel structure rests on the ground, just anchored with a small bolt in each of the corners of the three volumes.
In the winter the structure is strapped to the bedrock. Lateral stability is given by angled supports.
White plastic roof sheeting.
Water for washing is collected by the roof and led into a tank which gives a head down to the tree and the terrace. Drinking water is collected by boat from a shop on the mainland.
There is no mains electricity. Cooker and fridge run on gas, tools are battery operated. There is a 230 volt generator for emergencies, and a car battery for loading mobiles etc. If necessary, we will install photovoltaics.
Trees screen the shelter to the southeast, and the wooded hill stops the north and east winds. Only the southeasterly winds hit the short façade. So far no storms, even in the winter, have done any damage.
Access is via the crevice you can see in the big picture. The roof has a tough membrane and can be used as a terrace. (A plastic owl keeps the seagulls away and the water clean.)
The shuttering boards have been used as external cladding, opening returns, roof deck, -gutters, interior and shelving.
The shuttering boards have been used as external cladding, opening returns, roof deck, -gutters, interior and shelving.
Inside, the walls and ceilings of the insulated volumes are clad in 15 mm plywood. The floors are 18 mm plywood.
The four bird boxes are still waiting for inhabitants. They possibly have to be placed further away and apart for birds to move in.
It has been a delight not to be connected to power, water or sewage. To be located in the middle of a natural site. To make yourself at home with simple means, on just a small area. To enjoy the coming of darkness. Light a fire. See the surroundings appear in the cone of a flashlight. In short: to experience, from time to time, a contrast to the urban comforts of city life.