A House For A River Rat

This is a house situated by a river. It is a retreat, or a cabin, and is not occupied on a full time basis. Its form is an interpretation of a cube, and retains its general appearance. It is lifted off the ground to prevent damage when the river floods, and has a deep foundation to achieve stability on the loose floodplain soil. It has three levels, the first containing the main living areas, the second, a lofted space containing the bed and bath, and the third, a roof terrace. It is for two people, and so has a small footprint of about thirty two feet square. The footprint is subdivided into nine squares, with a fireplace and chimney occupying the center and habitable spaces surrounding the periphery. Its foundation is of a concrete two way flat slab supported by concrete caissons, its walls are of reinforced concrete masonry units, and its floors and ceilings are of small timber frame construction.