At first glance designing a log cabin is not
as complex as say designing a large modern home. At first
glance! However proper design always has balance. The site
layout, position of windows and doors, components in relation
to each other, even down to the molding all requires balance
and symmetry.
Choosing a proper site location for a log cabin is enough
to fill an entire book but some things to consider are:
• Does it have good all year round access? Perhaps that is
the appeal of the site, the fact that it is remote. This also
adds complications in the building process unless the builder
is completely self-sustained.
• Is there nearby water for both consumption and fire fighting
if necessary. Is the water safe to drink?
• Is there a proper building site with a view, protected from
the prevailing winter winds and shaded from the summer sun?
Is the ground sloped away from the building site in the event
you want to add a septic system?
• Is the site zoned correctly and there are there any plans
for development in the area that would affect the location?
• Noise from over flights of planes, neighbor issues, building
restrictions to name a few more concerns?
For the log cabin itself the design should always strive
for balance in looks and symmetry between components. Each
component of the log cabin might be fine when used separately
but conflict when brought together. An example would be using
plywood paneling along side finely crafted logs or a bright
metal door in an all log structure.
Another non-balanced approach is to use wood for all components,
floor, walls, ceiling etc. A better way is to intermix plaster
or gyproc and wood to balance the look. In times past all
furniture was made of wood such as pine. Chairs for example
were then brightly painted the day they came out of the wood
shop. They did this because at the time all was made of wood
and people needed to balance that look with something else.
More Design
A Log Cabin |
