System for hiking cabinson the High Coast Trail

Abstract: site of the High Coast area. The area spans from Örnsköldsvik down to Härnösand. In this area, a hiking trail called The High Coast Trail extends through almost the entire World Heritage. The trail is 130 km long and is one of Sweden’s 14 signature trails. The environment along the trail varies a lot and shifts between deep forests, mountain tops, sandy beaches, steep cliffs, and green meadows. My work has been focused around the trail and the hiking possibilities. I started this project by analyzing and mapping the trail distances, the current amenities, and the nature to find suitable locations for my cabins. The mapping has been done by hiking the trail, meeting with people involved in the trail, as well as examining maps. Through my research and interviews, seven nature experiences were extracted. These were then paired with my seven chosen sites to shape the seven cabins. The cabins are designed to accommodate eight people and operate in the same way as the Norwegian DNT self-service cabins, requiring advance booking and a special key for access. Produced in local wood, the cabin elements are built in a factory located in the heart of the High Coast area. The materials are transported close to the site by helicopter or snowmobile and then assembled by hand. The cabins are anchored to the ground using one of three methods: on stilts attached to the mountain, floating on steel pontoons, or suspended from trees. The walls of the seven cabins are all constructed of the same system with stackable elements. The weight of the elements is limited to 45 kg and can be lifted by two workers and assembled by hand. 1.5 m or 2 m long wall elements are stacked and connected with wooden joints. The joints lock together without nails or screws and can be disassembled, moved, and stacked in new configurations, providing greater flexibility for future modifications.