How To Build 20 Log Cabins > The Gypsy
Show Mr. Hermanovski still another hill (see The Eagle's Nest and The Hermitage) and he creates sheer fantasy! At least, the roof of The Gypsy is the sheerest we've ever seen. To say nothing of the wall of windows. In fact, we suggest decorative drapes or blinds for occasional privacy.
The concrete work for the cabin can be cut to a minimum by using piers instead of the solid foundation wall illustrated, leaving it solid only toward the hill for protection. Another variation would be to build The Gypsy as a combination boathouse cabin. One important alteration, in this case, would be the elimination of the lower-level barbecue pit, which construction would then be utilized as the foundation for the upper fireplace. (See Boathouses and Docks for other suggestions.) As originally designed, however, The Gypsy is unusual enough without further innovations. It is, without doubt, a sunbather's paradise.
The cabin consists of three main parts:a one-piece roof slab, one floor slab (extended as a balcony) and the front wall with a huge chimney for the fireplace on the main floor and barbecue on the lower level. At the front of the house, and on this lower level, an attractive outdoor terrace harmonizes with the modern lines of The Gypsy.
Two decorative stairs connect the ends of the balcony with the walls and terraces. The balcony leads to two entrance doors: one to the kitchen and one to the living room.
You'll notice that the balcony is eminently functional since it is wide enough for sunbathing, sleeping or even dining. Meals may be served either on the balcony or indoors with ease because of the convenient location of the kitchen at one end of the living room. The balcony may be constructed as a regular five-ply builtup roof with a gravel finish or with wood grilles over the last coat (the mineral surface) of the five plys of the roofing felt.
The front wall is designed to provide an abundance of light, sun and view. Most of the glass panels are fixed and are set in combination with awning type ventilating windows. Both the interior and exterior can be finished in knotty pine, cypress or redwood. The roof can be made of asphalt shingles or similar material.
For architectural pattern and convenience, the doors are set in pairs. All are of the flush type to carry out the simple design.
In the living room, brick veneer may be used for the fireplace and wa1l instead of stone to cut down expenses. On the same floor, the compact bathroom is readily accessible from all rooms because of its central location. Steep wooden stairs lead to the second floor sleeping area where, in case of emergency, eight to ten persons can be accommodated.For a future boiler room, the foundation walls can be built deep enough with a third 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch terra cotta flue added to the chimney.
This cabin will fit naturally in woods, on hills or on cliffs.
If more space is needed in the future, the area under The Gypsy (providing for this beforehand by leaving this area open) can be walled in. This vast space can then be considered the first floor of the cabin, or the main living room - which can be converted to sleeping quarters when necessary.
Want to build your own log cabin, or maybe start smaller with a few simple woodworking projects? These wood working plans will show you how to build everything from a deck chair to a barn.
Introduction
The Eagle's Nest
The Hermitage
The Gypsy
The Four Winds
Leisure House
The Little Lodge
The John Alden
The Six-Shooter
The Rustic
The Logger
The Scout
The Spring Bay (Part One)
Spring Bay (Part Two)
The Trailblazer
The Vagabond
The Hunter
The Seneca
The Hideout
The Hiawatha
The Fireside
The Triton
Where to Build It?
Pumps and Plumbing
Heating the Cabin
The Widgeon
The Snipe
The Wood Duck
The Bluegill
The Pike
The Boss
The Tidewater
The Cozy Cove
Carports
How To Build A Log Cabin
The Cabin Movement- Pre-cut Log Cabins
Where and Wherewith to Build
Foundations
Log Cabin Material
Log Cabin Walls
Log Cabin Floors and Roofs
Log Cabin Porches and Interior Details
Modern Log Cabins
Other Types of Cabins
Doors, Windows and Shutters
Building Fireplaces and Chimneys
Furnishing Ideas
Modern Conveniences
Beautifying the Cabin
Longer Life for Your Cabin
Hunting and Fishing Lodges
Profit-Making Tourist Homes
Wayside Stands and Other Things
Inside Cabins
Summer Homes
Specifications and Estimates