Award-Winning Sunset Cabins at Lone Oaks Farm: A Unique Approach to Specialized Housing

The Sunset Cabins at Lone Oaks Farm have been recognized as an Honor Winner in the 2024 Residential Architect Design Awards under the Specialized Housing category.

An Exceptional Design Recognized for Clarity and Elegance

According to juror Rene Gonzalez, "There were many projects that attempted a similar concept, but few executed it with the clarity and beauty seen in this one. It’s a rich project with a well-controlled set of design moves." This recognition highlights the project's architectural excellence and functional ingenuity.

A Purpose-Driven Lodging Solution for Youth Education

As part of a youth education initiative in West Tennessee, these thoughtfully designed cabins provide comfortable and functional accommodations for campers. The project consists of four cabins, each designed in U-formations to share communal spaces, including a mudroom, bathhouse, and gathering area. Each cabin can host 16 campers and two counselors while offering a flexible bedroom for either a camper with special needs or an additional counselor.

Designed for versatility, the cabins include:

• A multipurpose activity space

• A kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator, sink, and microwave

• An accessible bathroom

• A covered outdoor porch, elevated on columns to accommodate the site’s uneven terrain

  
  

Enhancing Comfort with Thoughtful Design

The design maximizes natural elements to create a comfortable experience. Each cabin features covered decks where campers can enjoy fresh air and serene views of the lake and Lone Oaks Farm, part of the University of Tennessee’sextensive outdoor education program. The U-shaped layout encourages community engagement, creating courtyardsthat serve as outdoor gathering and play spaces.

For climate efficiency, the cabins use natural cross-ventilation, with open gathering spaces that promote airflow and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.

Sustainable and Economical Construction

Spanning 10,350 square feet, the project embraces an economical yet durable material palette:

• Corrugated metal panels for siding and roofing

• Locally sourced tongue-and-groove cypress for warmth and durability

• Minimal yet strategic color use for enhanced wayfinding

Project Details

• Project Name: Sunset Cabins at Lone Oaks Farm

• Location: Middleton, TN

• Client/Owner: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Lone Oaks Farm

• Architect: EL DORADO (David Dowell, AIA; Sean Slattery, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; Brock Traffas)

• Completion Date: January 2024

• Total Area: 10,336 SF

• Project Cost: $5,640,000

Key Contributors

• Mechanical, Structural, Electrical & Civil Engineering: Allen and Hoshall

• General Contractor: E&T Contracting

• Landscape Architect: WMWA Landscape Architects, Nelson Byrd Woltz

  
  

Sustainable Building Materials & Features

The cabins incorporate high-quality, sustainable materials to ensure longevity and energy efficiency:

• Insulation: Owens Corning EcoTouch PINK FIBERGLAS

• HVAC Systems: Trane XR13 Condensing Units, Greenheck Minicore-10 Energy Recovery Ventilators

• Flooring: Interface Brushed Lines

• Roofing & Siding: Morin C-40 Exposed Fastener Metal Panels

• Windows & Doors: YKK 50D Storefront Entrances, WeatherShield Contemporary Collection Casement Windows

• Lighting: Spectrum Lighting Wallaston Series, Lumenpulse Lumencore Small Downlights

• Appliances: Whirlpool Refrigerators & Microwaves

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Final Thoughts

The Sunset Cabins at Lone Oaks Farm set a new standard for youth lodging and specialized housing, blending aesthetic appeal, environmental responsibility, and functional excellence. With its innovative layout and sustainable design, this award-winning project serves as a model for future educational and residential retreat developments.

Photo Credit: Timothy Hursley