Architectural Cases

In the verdant embrace of rural Westmeath, Ireland, a distinctive off-grid cabin known as Cucu has been meticulously crafted by the New York architectural practice, Studio Bucky. This unique dwelling, characterized by its striking red-stained shingle exterior, is a testament to innovative design harmoniously integrated with its natural surroundings. Conceived for Samsú, a purveyor of singular cabin retreats across the Irish countryside, Cucu aims to offer an unparalleled escape.

The Red-Shingled Haven: A Deep Dive into Cucu Cabin's Design and Ethos

The vision behind Cucu, as articulated by Studio Bucky's founder Alexander Buckeridge, was to forge a compact structure imbued with a pronounced sense of individuality and wonder. Buckeridge emphasized the client's desire to diverge from the prevalent standardized cabin hospitality, advocating for a design that actively engages with its landscape rather than merely existing within it. The result is an edifice intended to encourage contemplation, drawing the eye from a distance and fostering a deeper introspective experience upon entry. The cabin's unique tapered form, enveloped in red-stained shingles, evokes the rustic charm of local agricultural structures and metallic roofs, creating a visual dialogue with its environment. Inside, Cucu's square footprint ingeniously accommodates a cozy seating nook, a functional kitchen, a warming log-burning stove, and a discreet toilet and shower room concealed behind a sliding door. A ladder ascends to a tranquil sleeping area on a mezzanine level, where a circular window frames captivating views of the surrounding natural beauty. Subtle touches of red in the window frames and tiling inject vibrancy into the plywood-lined interior, while a custom roll-top copper bath on the outdoor deck provides an indulgent touch. Buckeridge's design draws inspiration from Ireland's historic tower houses, evident in the cabin's vertical layout and the intimate sensation of inhabiting elevated spaces. This architectural nod to tradition, though not literal, translates the essence of verticality into a contemporary form, allowing occupants to feel as if they are 'sleeping in the sky' while remaining firmly rooted in place. Functioning entirely off-grid, Cucu is powered by solar energy and features an eco-friendly compost toilet, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Studio Bucky, established by the Irish-born Buckeridge in 2024, operates across architecture, interiors, and furniture design, previously having created a furniture collection inspired by Irish portal tombs. The photographic documentation of Cucu is attributed to Jasmine Hughes.

Cucu Cabin stands as a compelling example of how thoughtful architecture can create a profound connection between humans and nature. Its off-grid functionality and unique design not only offer a peaceful retreat but also inspire a re-evaluation of sustainable living and innovative spatial solutions. This project beautifully demonstrates that even compact structures can possess a strong personality and evoke wonder, proving that a retreat can be both intimate and deeply integrated with its environment. The cabin challenges the status quo of standardized hospitality, encouraging us to seek out and appreciate design that truly resonates with its surroundings and offers a distinctive, memorable experience.

Experience the Past, Embrace the Present: Green-Wood Cemetery's Revitalized Gateway

A Visionary Transformation at Green-Wood Cemetery

New York-based architectural firm ARO has spearheaded a remarkable renovation of a venerable greenhouse situated within the revered Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. This ambitious undertaking has not only rejuvenated the historic structure but also introduced a contemporary welcome center, complete with an inviting entrance courtyard, significantly enhancing the visitor experience at this iconic 19th-century American rural cemetery.

Reclaiming a Forgotten Gem: The Greenhouse's New Chapter

The greenhouse, originally erected in the late 1800s, once flourished as a floral emporium catering to the cemetery's needs before succumbing to disrepair. Recognizing its latent potential, the cemetery administration acquired the property with the strategic intent of centralizing its diverse visitor programs into this singular, revitalized location, thereby consolidating services and creating a more cohesive visitor journey.

Bridging Eras: Design Philosophy and Architectural Elements

The project's architectural approach is characterized by two principal design strategies: the meticulous restoration of the original greenhouse and the construction of a striking burgundy-hued building. This new addition is thoughtfully designed to house various facilities, including welcome areas, spaces for historical exhibits, archives, and administrative offices, all contributing to the cemetery's expanded operational capabilities.

Harmony in Design: Integrating Old and New Structures

ARO ingeniously conceived an L-shaped building that gracefully envelops the greenhouse, strategically aligning its sightlines with the majestic arched gateway that crowns the cemetery's picturesque, undulating landscape. This careful placement ensures a harmonious visual flow and a natural progression for visitors entering the grounds.

A Canvas of Colors: Echoes of History in Architectural Choices

In a deliberate nod to its historical context, the greenhouse received a fresh coat of green paint, while the newly constructed building was adorned with rich burgundy cladding. This color selection was a conscious decision to resonate with the brownstone archway of the cemetery's main entrance, forging a subtle yet profound connection to the site's enduring legacy.

Expanding Horizons: Connecting with the Community

The design philosophy, as articulated by ARO principal Kim Yao, aimed to symbolize the cemetery's proactive engagement with its surrounding neighborhood, portraying the greenhouse as a precious asset at the heart of the community. This outward-reaching vision is further reinforced by the thoughtful landscaping, meticulously crafted by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, which seamlessly extends the cemetery's verdant beauty into the new entry courtyard.

The Journey Within: A Seamless Transition for Visitors

Upon entering the courtyard, visitors are guided into a central lobby, which serves as a pivotal link to the meticulously restored greenhouse. This connection point ensures a smooth and engaging transition, inviting guests to explore both the historical charm of the greenhouse and the modern amenities of the new welcome center.

Modern Comforts Meet Historic Charm: Enhancements to the Greenhouse

Within the rejuvenated greenhouse, ARO integrated advanced acoustic paneling and efficient radiant heating systems. While the original brick flooring was replaced and some glass panes updated, great care was taken to maintain a minimal load on the delicate steel framework, preserving the structural integrity and historical essence of the building. This delicate balance of modernization and preservation ensures the greenhouse retains its authentic character while offering enhanced comfort.

Panoramic Vistas: A Glimpse into the Cemetery's Serenity

The revitalized space masterfully frames sweeping views of the cemetery beyond, creating a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. On the opposing side, the lobby flows into an expansive gallery, featuring elegant stone floors and large glass panels that offer unobstructed views of the articulated brise-soleil and the greenhouse structure, blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces.

An Elevated Perspective: The Upper-Level Offices

The upper floor of the new building is dedicated to an open-plan office environment, thoughtfully designed to offer expansive views towards the east. This strategic placement ensures that the cemetery's serene landscape remains a constant backdrop, reinforcing the deep connection between the architecture and its historical setting.

Sculpted Rooftops: A Nod to the Landscape's Enduring Symbolism

From the vantage point of the office space, occupants can observe the meticulously landscaped roof of the lower section of the new building. This unique feature, adorned with carefully arranged mounds and rocks, subtly evokes the imagery of burial grounds, serving as a poignant reminder of the cemetery's profound purpose and history.

Celebrating Adaptive Reuse: A Trend in Brooklyn's Architectural Landscape

The revitalization of the Green-Wood Cemetery greenhouse stands as a testament to the growing trend of adaptive reuse in Brooklyn. In recent years, architects have increasingly focused on preserving and repurposing historic structures amidst the borough's dynamic 21st-century redevelopment, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and heritage. Other notable projects include Herzog & de Meuron's transformation of a historic power station into an arts complex and Bench Architecture's conversion of a steel mill into a high-end co-working space.