Great design is transparent.
The McGee Floating Cabin is an unconventional bachelor pad in South Florida. It is located in a swamp site without adjacent urban development. Entry to the building is through a boat. The structure system consists of six wooden columns that run all the way down to bedrock, forming 8-foot cantilevers on east and west ends. The building envelope is made of polycarbonate insulation to prevent shattering during storms. Florida's warm weather permits an unenclosed envelope that allows cross ventilation throughout the day. Roof and south facade solar panels reduce interior heat gain and produce electricity for interior use. The house is situated along the north-south axis to minimize heat gain while maximizing lake views.
This project is completed at Kansas State University.