Guest Space

Summer’s coming and the program calls for an additional bedroom and a private, “get-away” space for summer visitors.

The existing 1929 seasonal cottage is too close to the water, too close to the seasonal stream, and too close to the side-yards for an addition. The budget and available resources are limited.

After careful consideration of the seasonal sun path, the prevailing breezes, the natural features, and the landscape and gardens; a site is selected for a new, free-standing Guest Space. The site is defined by a large ledge outcrop to the north, a garden shed to the east, a perennial garden bed to the west, and the open meadow with views of the Linekin Bay to the south.

Given the budget, the timeframe, and the desire for a light touch on the landscape, the architect designs a 10’ x 12’ free-standing platform and sources an a la carte tent kit from Sweetwater Bungalows. The architect designs and details three identical, hopper, screened windows and a pair of screened French doors made by a local cabinet shop. The design includes an off-grid PV solar collector, lithium storage battery, and LED light kit for after hours and night-time use.

The Contractor secures the Shoreland Building Permit, orders the tent -to be modified on site, and awards the sash and doors contract. Weekend work begins in mid-May and all is completed when the guests arrive on July 4, 2017.

Project Budget:

• Permits and approvals: $ 125
• Lumber and materials: $1700.
• A la carte tent: $3500.
• Doors and windows: $3200.
• Volunteer labor: $ 0

Total cost: $ 8525.  @ $71 square foot.

The sustainable design Guest Space is a low impact, off the grid structure made from renewable wood materials and galvanized, steel hardware. The life expectancy of the tent and fly is seven to ten years. In the future, a replacement tent will be ordered, the sash, doors, and hardware will be removed, and all the parts will be re-assembled in a weekend.