The summit house : forces and forms cooperating in an extreme environment

Abstract

The summit house is examined as a building type. The Green Mountain climate is analyzed. A site is chosen in order that specific, as well as general, issues can be addressed during the design process. Protection is provided from only those aspects of the environment which pose a threat to the health or safety of the users. A cooperative attitude is defined toward the site and toward the climate. Natural forces are harnessed to reinforce selected architectural intentions. Natural forms which have evolved in a protective response to strong winds and various thermal actions are identified . The most effective of these are subsequently composed of or contained in built forms exposed to similar stresses . The relationships between winter and summer uses are clarified. Building materials and techniques and the qualities of access and enclosure are varied in response to daily and seasonal changes in the climate and in the activities it allows. A positive attitude toward continuity with the landscape is used as a generator of local and total building form.