Lost Whiskey Cabin | GREENSPUR

The first iPhone was released in 2007 and in less than 20 years there ain’t much the damn thing won’t do: from ordering pizza, to a real time global news feed, to documenting every inch of our lives all in 4k resolution. I’m addicted; my kids are addicted; and I don’t think it’s all been good for our family. The Lost Whiskey Project is about exploring our personal limits of slowing down and simplifying. It’s about the value of time and experiences over information and accumulation. This 160 sq.ft. all concrete structure is one part Scandinavian minimalism and two part Virginia countryside. With a crackling fire that heats the hot tub, solar panels, cisterns, murphy bed, shower and compost toilet this off-grid structure is virtually maintenance free and should look and function the same 100 years from now. But, the secret ingredient is the escape; the trees, a warm blanket, a good book, hopefully a good drink and with any luck a good conversation with a friend or family member. It’s meant to bring out the best versions of ourselves. Who we are after some quality time on the mountain, away from technology - if only for a few days. This project is about rediscovering the lost art of gathering, shelter and nature.

- Can you tell me a bit about what the architect hoped to achieve with the design of this cabin?

It seems the more connected we become digitally the less connected we are emotionally.  The Lost Whiskey project is about creating a space and environment that inspires visitors to reject consumption – to turn off their phones and focus on the scenery, and more importantly one another.  Last year, Harvard released the results of an 80 year long study that found the key to happiness is meaningful relationships with one another. “Close relationships can protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.” This project is about embodying that philosophy while also having a minimal impact on the earth.

- Can you tell me a bit about what the architect hoped to achieve with the design of this cabin?

It seems the more connected we become digitally the less connected we are emotionally.  The Lost Whiskey project is about creating a space and environment that inspires visitors to reject consumption – to turn off their phones and focus on the scenery, and more importantly one another.  Last year, Harvard released the results of an 80 year long study that found the key to happiness is meaningful relationships with one another. “Close relationships can protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.” This project is about embodying that philosophy while also having a minimal impact on the earth.

- What is the size of the residence in square feet? 

160 sq.ft.

- Where is the residence located? Are there any interesting aspects about the site mentioning?

The project is located just outside Marshall, VA.  The name Lost Whiskey comes from the property’s proximity to two landmark features in Marshall, Virginia: Whiskey Hollow and Lost Mountain. The latter was originally purchased by George Washington from Lord Fairfax. And when Washington became President he named Tom Marshall the Country’s first official Whiskey Tax Collector in the United States - hence the geographical name Whiskey Hollow. The name is rooted in our Nation’s founding and grit.  The project is sited on 50 acres just 60 minutes from Washington DC, nestled along the Appalachian Trail in the hills of Virginia Hunt & Wine country, and is flanked by 5800 acres of scenic protected public (federal and state) land​.

- In as much detail as possible, please describe the layout and program, and aesthetics for the interiors.

This 160 sq.ft. all concrete structure is one part Scandinavian minimalism and two part Virginia countryside. With a crackling fire that heats the hot tub, solar panels, cisterns, murphy bed, shower and compost toilet this off-grid structure is virtually maintenance free and should look and function the same 100 years from now.

- What materials were used for the framework, roof and exterior walls of the cabin?

The floor is essentially a concrete deck poured on composite panels that sit on top of 2 Lite steel beams.  The walls are pre-cast concrete panels that we manufactured in our warehouse; we then shipped the panels to the site to reduce construction time/exposure on site.  The project is on top of a mountain; execution and logistics were difficult so to compensate we pre-fabbed as much of the structure as possible.  The roof panels are concrete skinned SIPs

- What materials did you use for the interior fit-outs (walls, floors, ceilings etc.)

We left as many of the materials as we could raw.  Walls, floors and ceilings are all exposed concrete.  The warmth of the cabin comes from the reclaimed wood murphy bed, the wood burning fireplace, and a couple of leather rugs and throw pillows

- What are some of the most unique features of this project?

We installed an off the grid hot tub (known as a dutch tub) heated by a wood fire adjacent to the tub.  Essentially a couple of copper coils get wrapped around a firepit with a hi and low input/output connected to the tub.  Once the fire heats up the hot tub really gets cookin’. At it’s hottest we have measured it at 104 degrees (although it does take a good hour or 2 to get there)

- What were some of the challenges faced in designing and constructing this project?

The hardest challenge was building a concrete cabin on top of a mountain.  Access was almost impossible during the winter.  We had to drill our well over 700 feet deep to get water to the site, and even then the well was nowhere near the rock we wanted to build the cabin on.  Hauling pre fabricated concrete panels up the side of a mountain was no easy task either…

Photography: Mitch Allen with Mitch Allen Photo