Located in Jiangxia District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, 'The Cabin of Palette' is part of the Wiki World Co-Building Plan, which aims to develop a series of nature-integrated homes. This structure follows a series of artistic cabin designs, including past projects such as the Pure Blue Cabin, a Chinese Lake Islet, and the Maze Cabin, among other houses. The main goal? Building around places that are abundant in nature.
Building Around Nature - Wiki World's Goal
The cabin, situated in a forest, is intended to offer shelter while remaining open to the surrounding environment. Due to the cold winters and hot summers of the region, a green elevated, palette-shaped roof was developed to enhance airflow. Contour lines mark the canopy, which is supported by lightweight wooden structures. The house comprises three linked sections—bedroom, living area, and bathroom—organized in a circular configuration to provide different views of the surroundings. Large covered terraces extend from both the front and back, offering shaded spaces ideal for summer heat and seasonal rains. The private courtyard makes it possible to engage in outdoor activities like bonfires.
Charred Black Wood Blends Architecture With Nature in 'The Cabin of Palette'
The outside shows a contrast between the green roof and the black carbonized wood cladding beside the abundant nature and green trees being the main focus, combining with the green cabin. The roof is supported by wooden structural elements arranged in a non-uniform pattern, enhancing both aesthetic and functional qualities. Wooden support beams are placed at irregular intervals around the structure, bolstering stability while preserving a sense of visual openness.
The architects of Wiki World have designed the structure to exhibit a dual character: from an aerial perspective, it looks abstract and expressive, while at ground level, its materiality highlights natural textures and encourages tactile engagement with nature and natural materials. The carbonized wood facade, along with open-air spaces, amplifies the feeling of integration with the forest surroundings.
The cabin employs a prefabricated glued-laminated timber system, featuring digitally fabricated components for complete off-site assembly. The construction process focuses on minimizing environmental impact. To prevent changes to the natural terrain, the structure is raised above ground level, and existing trees and vegetation are preserved. Modular wood elements, put together with small metal connectors, guarantee adaptability and reusability. The wood facade, carbonized for durability, is treated by hand using traditional methods that preserve a connection to natural techniques.
Wiki World Builds Small-Scale, Nature-Integrated Living Spaces
Wiki World is based on a design philosophy that emphasizes small-scale living spaces integrated with nature. The Cabin of Palette further investigates this theme, centering on how constructed forms relate to their environmental context. The project accentuates a sustainable and interactive architectural approach by preserving the original woodland textures and integrating prefabricated wooden structures. The design promotes direct interaction with nature, encompassing everything from the sensory experience of walking barefoot on wood to the acoustic properties of the nearby forest.
In simple words, it's a cabin designed for both shelter and openness within a forest setting! What else could you ask for?
Photos: Wiki World.
