Recharge Range

Embarking on a journey. Leaving on a trip. Reaching out to new horizons. These are some of the phrases that might pass through the minds of hikers that dare to traverse the Pyrenees Mountain range. Boasting breath taking views, incredible changes in elevation, and an unmatchable emersion into nature, hikers will find themselves in need of a good recharge after a day hiking in this environment. Thus enters the trio of cabins collectively named, Recharge Range. Each cabin responds uniquely to its environment through its form and function. Cabin one picks hikers off the ground giving them a new vertex point to enjoy the serial scenery. Cabin two bends with the horizon to give viewers an unblocked scene. Cabin three aligns itself with the most iconic scenes its environment has to offer and gives hikers a perfectly framed view. Each cabin, like its surroundings is different and approaches its design problem through an alternative lens. The metal cladding assembly and roofing gives the cabin a resilient advantage against the elements through its durability and built in rainscreen. The yellow color was specifically chosen for its high visibility to ensure hikers do not miss the cabin in low visibility conditions. The playful color also adds a tinge of excitement juxtaposing against the rocky background. The floor system of the cabins can be adjusted to many terrain types utilizing angular supports as illustrated in cabins three’s design, thus allowing for maximum flexibility in a shifting terrain. Vernacular architecture types were explored early in the design process to ensure the cabins appropriately live in their context. Although unprecedented in form and material the massing and size of the cabins reflect traditional hiking shelters found elsewhere in the Pyrenees Mountains. Safety and adaptability were also taken into consideration. Stairs were included in the design of cabin one in case a hiker may be injured and needs access to the sleeping area. Locking doors and windows were also included in the design to increase the safety of the hikers. Also, investigated early on were the day-to-day conditions that hikers in the Pyrenees Mountains face. After some consideration it was determined that comfort should be another main design driver in reaction to these conditions. Thus, it was reflected in furniture selection and the general layout of the cabins. As hikers will often be sleeping outside during their journey the Recharge Range cabins will provide them with a warm reminder of home and a safe place to recharge for the remainder of their adventure. Custom glazing was purposefully incorporated into each of the cabins designs as few views are more worthy of special facilitation than those which one will encounter in these mountains. Instead of looking from the outside in, the emphasis is instead placed from the inside out as seen in cabin two’s dining bar. In this manner, the hiker never really leaves the trail but instead receives a well deserves rest as they face the trail ahead. Each cabin is seen as a lighthouse in its sea of mountains. A place of rest and refreshment and inspiration. The architecture of each cabin is unique and becoming of its site location. Hikers will often gaze upon its beauty for hours as they climb slope after slope to reach these resting places of seclusion. After a night’s rest and receiving some inspiration, the hikers will again advance in their journey. But this time they will begin their undertaking with momentum in their step and memories in their minds.