A team of young architects from Poland, founders of the vibsu.co studio, consisting of Brian Dam, Marcel Dawid, Anita Wisniewska, received second prize in the international competition Romantic Cabin for Two, organized by the Bee Breeders platform and The Earth Energies Sanctuary . Their cocoon design was recognized for its minimalism and subtlety of execution.
The Bee Breeders platform has recently been focusing its attention on small-scale, affordable and sustainably built projects. To that end, it has organized a number of international competitions for projects that address the housing crisis and climate change. The Romantic Cabin for Two competition co-organized by The Earth Energies Sanctuary, located in New Zealand, was such a challenge.
cocoon won second prize in the Bee Breeders competition
© Brian Dam, Marcel Dawid, Anita Wisniewska
eco-friendly cottage for two
The goal of the competition was to design a small house/cabin that could be built on the grounds of The Earth Energies Sancturary, a New Zealand farm covering an area of 200 acres. This organic farm uses, among other things, seaweed fertilizer to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Beeswax, used in local products and herbalism, is produced on its grounds. The owners, Duncan and Marie, were looking for a design for a small cabin to complement their existing accommodations. The designed cabin for two was to have an open floor plan that would provide a comfortable and relaxing respite from everyday life. At the same time, the facility had to meet the highest standards of sustainable and green building practices.
The interior is made of warm, natural materials
© Brian Dam, Marcel Dawid, Anita Wisniewska
The goal of the competition was also to show that ecotourism and architecture can grow together, providing visitors with comfort and a beautiful experience in well-constructed, sustainable buildings that use local materials, are small in scale and reduce negative environmental impact.
second prize for polish team
The submitted works were judged by a jury of local and international experts: Nancy Beka (Studio Edwards), Mari Hunt (b210), Suzanne Hunt (Suzanne Hunt Architect), Pablo Larroulet (LARROU ARQ - Pablo Larroulet Arquitectura), Marco Lavit (Atelier LAVIT), Cristina Verissimo (SVDB arquitectos). The works selected by the jury were awarded for being poetic, minimalist and taking into account the principles of sustainable and ecological construction. First place went to a team from Uruguay, and two more were won by Poles.
design diagrams
© Brian Dam, Marcel Dawid, Anita Wisniewska
The project titled cocoon by Brian Dam, Marcel Dawid and Anita Wisniewska was awarded second prize.
The cocoon, according to the author's description, is designed to "embrace the residents with a warm hug." The design creates a cohesive and intimate space, taking into account opposing forces: openness and closure, shadow and sun, heat and cold. The wood and steel structure is covered on the inside with warm, natural materials - pine boards, ceramic tiles. On the outside, however, it is topped with an aluminum roof and solar panels. Cocoon presents a minimalist proposal with subtle solutions, such as the sloping side wall and roof, that shape the efficiency of the space and systems. The design is well optimized and the concept is refined to the smallest detail, the jury's reasoning reads.
video introducing the project team
video: visbu.co
three friends
Cocoon is the result of three friends who joined forces to create visbu.co studio earlier this year.
As they say about themselves:
We are three friends with interdisciplinary professional backgrounds - from architecture and graphic design to journalism and photography. We combined our multifaceted skills into a joint business - vibsu.co, a small studio established this year. We specialize in image creation and other media for the architectural market. But this time, we decided to try our hand at design, wanting to create something that reflects our dedication to the values of sustainability and quality functionality. We were united by a common need to shape the world for the better. Experiencing the events of the past few years, we are convinced that the way we operate must change, and we wanted to contribute to this change as best we could.
house projection
© Brian Dam, Marcel Dawid, Anita Wisniewska
wrapped in nature
The award-winning cabin, the authors say, embraces its occupants with a warm hug, creating a cozy and private space. It is a place that combines the two forces most soothing to our bodies: nature and the touch of another person. The romantic retreat creates harmony between opposites - openness and closure, shade and sun, heat and cold.
cocoon is a sanctuary for the senses
© Brian Dam, Marcel Dawid, Anita Wisniewska
Cocoon is a concept that reflects the environment and its elements. The architects encapsulated them in the textures of the materials, the openness of the structure, allowing the wind to flow and filling the space with sounds - the rustling of leaves, the singing of birds and the hum of grass. All of this takes place around a centrally located fireplace. The wood used is a reference to the trees growing nearby. Through the large glazing, one can admire the horizon, seemingly available at one's fingertips. The warm water in the pool located on the terrace relaxes and allows you to forget for a moment.
The combination of the elements and their opposites provides a unique experience. Cocoon provides a sanctuary for the senses - a place where they merge. Love and the bond of existence," the authors conclude.
We would like to remind you that the student competition HEALTHYHOUSE is underway. We are looking for designs for single-family and multi-family houses that are user- and nature-friendly, functional and created with the residents in mind. Submit your works.
