ARCHITECTURE

Base Camp 49 cabins are a direct response to the natural surroundings. The design utilizes low slope shed roof forms inspired by vernacular architecture seen in the region which consists of mining, logging and agricultural structures. Raw corrugated steel siding, weathered barn wood and concrete floors are the primary materials used which further reinforces the vernacular aesthetic. These low maintenance materials were also selected in response to the environmental challenges of the region. The dry forested nature of the area makes homes susceptible to wild fire. Special care was taken to incorporate Firewise design strategies when designing Base Camp 49. Some of these strategies include the use of fire-rated metal roofing, non-combustible steel support beams, slab-on-grade construction to prevent flames from moving through a crawl space, and open soffits. The landscape strategy incorporates rockeries and gabion walls as fire breaks and was specifically designed to limit the use of combustible vegetation and large trees while utilizing a sprinkler-system to keep the low-growing plants consistently well-irrigated.