Beacon Shanty
Imagine your cross-country skis sliding effortlessly across the snow being guided only by the light of the moon. As you round the final bend, your destination comes into view. A beacon in the darkness, calling to you across the snow with promises of warmth and community. That is the Beacon Shanty.
The use of semi-transparent glass breaks down the barriers between the interior and exterior environments. During the daylight hours it welcomes the outside in creating a seamless existence through shared sunlight and warmth. At night the light comes from within inviting visitors with its soft glow in the darkness.
The Beacon Shanty is an experiment of architecture as sculpture. And its ability to engage people through quality of space, light, and material. The inspiration behind the design was to create a place for people to gather, surrounding them with architecture that is warm, inviting, and comforting.
The sturdy wood that clads the northwest corner of the building represents strength and protection, shielding us from the harsh winter elements. At the same time the smell and natural quality warm your body and soul. It is reminiscent of time spent outdoors or at a cabin in the company of family and friends.
Project Details
Location Minneapolis, MN
Size 200 SF
Collaborators Gardner Builders
Image Credit Jacob Williams