view to WNW Fall
view to NW Summer
view to East Fall
view of build site to N
view of build site to N
view of build site to S
view from SW
view from West
view from NW
view from NE
view from SE
cottage frame
cottage frame
auxiliary frame
Wood Island Cottage: current thoughts
(subject to change)
I would like to get your comments: (whether used or not your suggestions are greatly appreciated since it will
allow me to appreciate your perspective and think and rethink about things that I may
not have considered adequately)
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suggestions via email click
here to put your comments in a discussion board
Thanks!
Note: the thumbnail pictures below are also links to corresponding larger images
-- click on them:
Notes:
The hip roof depicted in the images above (because that is what the design program will do) will
in the actual building have a truncated top ("flat" area at the top for meteor
watching and unfettered ultimate-view sleeping under the stars). Also, I would like to put a short (~12") high railing
around the flat part of the roof for an architectural detail (and disguise
lightening rods)... this is often
seen on the old big intown houses from the later 1800s in Bath.
Considerations:
1. the site has views of the sunrise and the sunset ... excellent high
distant views to the East, North, and West. The view to the South is of
nearby trees at the top of the island ... not distant but very pleasant in
its own right. With the views come corresponding exposure to significant
wind.
2. the windows on the second floor are ~ 16" from the floor so that
one can look out the windows while in bed.
3. a post and beam approach (probably with metal bracing) is needed for
structural strength because of the larger amount of glass and hence the smaller
amount of traditional structural stiffening siding. The post and beams may
be "pseudo" -- built up from 2 x material ... such is easier to haul
...
4. the glass is intended to make the view omnipresent ...
particularly on those days when being outside continually is difficult:
wind, sun, rain, bugs, temperature, ... This results in a
"contemporary" design of necessity ... the traditional NE cottage
(though historically desirable and pleasant visually when viewed from the outside) cannot be implemented
with such glass ... not at a reasonable cost since all windows would
have to have grills and probably be custom ... and the windows could not be as large...
The windows will be wonderful to view the sunrises, sunsets, thunderstorms ...
they will add interest on the gray days.
5. the North deck will allow much natural shade ... important as the sun
can fry one that is outside there too much in the summer.
Similarly inside one should be able to move around enough upstairs and
downstairs to find enough shade (variable with time), though some shades may
well be added to be drawn as necessary. Shade is important.
6. the South deck will allow one to get the sun and be shielded from much
of the wind (except a pure westerly)
7. the South windows as well as the West to some extent will allow much
solar heat gain ... and the opening windows and typical wind should allow manual
control of internal temperature if it gets too hot.
8. an entryway section to take off boots and coats is functionally
desirable but its presence would compromise the view in that direction.
The view to the South of the nearby trees is too pleasant to compromise. A
large closet on the first floor will have to suffice for putting outdoor things
out of sight.
9. other considerations / compromises: cost, ease of construction,
ease of transportation, blending in, ...
10. specific other considerations: 19' building height deed restriction,
625 sqft building footprint deed restriction, 500 sqft deck size deed
restriction. The height restriction entails a foreshortened second floor
and a low roof pitch ... if sizeable windows are to be used as depicted.
11. building floor frame size about 20' x 31 ', height to top of roof
rafters from bottom of floor joists = under 19 ', deck area under 500 sqft
12. theft and vandalism are significant possibilities for an unattended
cottage. Windows and doors will be designed to be replaced with a minimum
of work.
13. the inside of the cottage will be unfinished ... lots of wood ... just the exterior
sheathing will show on the inside. Sheathing is intended to be 1.5"
pine v-match. Probably with a light stain ... maybe polyurethane.
14. the outside of the cottage will be shingle.
15. facia and soffit materials may be vinyl so I don't have to swing from a ladder
risking life and limb painting it.
16. there will be no wiring or plumbing inside the cottage. A sink in the
cottage will empty for now into a pail which will be emptied into an appropriate
strainer / filter ... AMC hut style. A separate 100 sqft auxiliary building
will be used for a composting toilet and (hopefully) a sauna and some
storage.
17. there will be lightning rods around the flat section of roof somewhat
hidden within the architectural detail railing mentioned above.
18. a chimney (probably metalbestos) will be needed for a woodstove --
this will make things cozier on raw foggy days / nights.