RABBIT BEND CABIN
Gayla Bechtol, AIA | Gayla Bechtol Architects
This is a family cabin/lodge for an artist and photographer, their grown children and grandchildren to enjoy the Conejos River and the environment of southern Colorado and the San Juan Wilderness formerly Ute, Pueblo and Jicarilla Apache Territory. The house is sited above a beaver pond with views of the river. The local vernacular of barn and mining construction informed the board and batten wood-sided simple structure, mindful of the context of other cabins in the area. The initial cabin was one bedroom with a huge sleeping porch. Later the carport wing was added for another bedroom, sleeping loft, storage and space to park a vintage tractor. The river shelter provides a place to watch the water and wildlife. Designed in sustainability with super-insulated walls in a double-frame Larsen truss wall allows for energy efficient winters. The local lumber mill provided the beetle-killed lumber for the ceiling and floors and the timber frame.
Features
Antonito, Colorado
Completed May 2019
2800 SF
Double wood frame walls
Timber frame truss with metal roof
River and Beaver Pond
Super-insulated walls, floor and roof