Orli Schwartz
The design of Kristina’s Happy Place started with the simple form generated in X0. This form of three faceted volumes of different heights stretched vertically to nearly come together at a peak. It explored moments of constriction in contrast with moments of opening within the space generated in and between the volumes, and the two scales of interior space that this created.
In order to adapt the form from X0 to create Kristina’s Happy Place, the faceted volumes were shifted to create a fireplace in the void between them, along with a separate nook for bathing. Additional facets were added to connect the volumes and allow for a sheltered interior space.
In order to adapt the form from X0 to create Kristina’s Happy Place, the faceted volumes were shifted to create a fireplace in the void between them, along with a separate nook for bathing. Additional facets were added to connect the volumes and allow for a sheltered interior space.
Kristina’s Happy Place is designed to evoke a cozy, cabin, and antique experience. Although it does not have a specific site, it is imagined to be in the fall and winter environment of the forests and mountains of New England (specifically the Adirondacks or the Green Mountains). Kristina enjoys collecting antiques, thrifted items, and decorations. She loves the holiday atmosphere of Halloween and Christmas and is passionate about making thoughtful gifts for people through methodical preparation and crafting.
The form of the volumes was adjusted to appear as a lopsided gable in only some elevations so as to evoke the feeling and language of a cabin while maintaining the irregular facets. In this way, when approaching the Happy Place within the woods, it appears almost as a glacial erratic from certain angles but shifts to resemble a cabin as you approach the primary entrance.
The Happy Place is envisioned to be constructed primarily of concrete and wood. The use of concrete as a construction material allows for the absorption of heat from the fireplace by the walls to create a cozy interior in the fall and winter. The board-formed concrete on the exterior of the Happy Place reveals the wood grain and is intended to be reminiscent of a wood cabin exterior.
The Happy Place is envisioned to be constructed primarily of concrete and wood. The use of concrete as a construction material allows for the absorption of heat from the fireplace by the walls to create a cozy interior in the fall and winter. The board-formed concrete on the exterior of the Happy Place reveals the wood grain and is intended to be reminiscent of a wood cabin exterior.
The sections through the Happy Place show a series of pegboard hooks and shelves that have been built into the faceted interior walls. This allows for flexible storage and display space for antiques, decor, and crafting supplies.
The comic of Kristina’s Happy Place is spread out across the presentation board and sets the scene by showing Kristina’s approach to the Happy Place through the forest from her perspective, the antique items and decor that surround her on the walls once she enters it, and the views out into the fall/winter forest and mountains from its openings. Across the bottom of the board, the comic continues as a plan/timeline of the remnants of Kristina’s day in her Happy Place and the activities she does throughout it, including pumpkin carving, knitting, reading, and wrapping presents.