[notes from a roman palace]

It's easy to miss--this tiny, bark-covered woodland cottage in the heart of one of Rome's palaces. I walked right by it, looking instead for parterre gardens at the Palazzo Barberini: those ubiquitous geometric carpet-like gardens at European estates. Imagine: I walked right past the dwelling of bygone royal wood nymphs! Walls are covered, both inside and out with thick, spongy bark and intricate detailing of slender branches. Light filtered through foggy windows, and the world became still for a few moments. A good reminder to look between the mundane cracks of life for beautiful places + things.

Aforementioned parterre gardens...rather overgrown

Barberini Palace, Image courtesy of Galleria Barberini

[history of bark houses]

We all know the word wigwam but who knew what one looked like? 8'-10' wood-framed dwellings covered in birch bark, of varying lengths and shapes. Supposedly belonging to agricultural (vs. nomadic) Algonquian, Ojibway, and other tribes around the wooded Great Lakes region, these were some of the first recorded bark houses on the continent.

Chippewa Indian wigwam camp from MInnesota Historical Society 1915

http://ed101.bu.edu/StudentDoc/current/ED101fa10/hillaryw/Woodland.html 

Tom Smith poses at a Birch bark Wigwam, Minnesota Historical Society 1920

Pukaskwa National Park by Ojibway people, Walter Muma photo

Pukaskwa National Park by Ojibway people, Walter Muma photo

[design tips]

While building your own bark dwelling might not be possible, planting a grove of birch trees is within reach. At least that way you'll have free material when you are ready to start siding... Betula papyrifera or Paper or Canoe Birch is an excellent grove tree and one of my favorites in naturalized landscapes and urban wilds.

If you are inspired to side your urban garage or your wood nymph dwelling, I've discovered that bark shingle manufactures do exist. The typical overlapping shingle technique doesn't do the Barberini cottage justice, but it could be cobbled together without overlap with the same twig detail technique could be used to conceal seams. In terms of sustainability, it's often harvested today from Poplar and Chestnut trees and is incredibly durable, lasting for well over 50 years. See these two manufacturers:

Barkhouse

Parton Bark Siding 

Before signing off, a little eye candy of a third type of wood structures by one of my favorite artists, Patrick Dougherty, for a final moment of day-dreaming:

Brahan Estate Scottish Highlands_2006_Fin Macrae Photo

patrick dougherty la county arboretum

Desert Botanical Garden PhoenixArizona_2007_Adam Rodriguez Photo

Morris Arboretum Philadelphia PA_2009_Rob Cardillo Photo

[notes from a desert picnic]

Not exactly a grove. The opposite, in fact. Yet an example of a human-scale space created for one evening's picnic in the midst of a 250,000 sq mile desert: The Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali) on the border of the UAE + Saudi Arabia.

Astronaut aerial photo of the Empty Quarter

The author in a hotel near the sands.

[design tips]
1. Shoes off.
2. Location: nestled between 2 dunes; never place a house or a picnic on top of a ridge. 
3. Space demarcation: 4 tiki torches at the 4 corners of our space.
4. Material change: large blanket, but never make a living space too large. Picnics included.
5. Light. That night was a full moon, and we had tiki torches, but candles with wind covers are a must for any outdoor space.
6. Food. Opt for the highest quality your budget allows. We had just smuggled in Champagne, a nice Bordeaux, some foie gras from France with fresh bread and veggies.
7. Company. Be selective. I politely allowed a 4th to join us whom I didn't like; it put a twist on the evening. Stand firm on the company you keep in your sacred outdoor spaces.


A different desert, different picnic, different time of year. Desert sands after spring rains. 

Rub' Al Khali aerial photo of the dunes 

[notes from camp on little bear creek]

Last summer I lived under a cottonwood grove in a 10'x18' canvas wall tent with my boyfriend, a few mice, some bugs, and occasional guests. Yes, we had a real bed with nice linen, and I promise I've never slept better in my entire life. Sounds of the creek out the tent flaps and cottonwood leaves clattering on windy evenings after candle-lit dinners and a couple beers-in-cans or glasses of white wine coaxed us to sleep under a heavy duvet. My grandmother's zebra skin covered the canvas floor in the kitchen space. My favorite folding table and bench from India hosted many brainstorm sessions and meals with friends. My only regret: bringing electricity in to power our computers halfway through July. 

further reading]


Peter Beard's The Adventures and Misadventures of Peter Beard in Africa or any of his other books. He always kept the best camps while in Kenya. Never prissy, always functional, yet colorful enough to entertain dignitaries and convicts.


Safari Living (although this is quite a bit fancier, still fun to see for ideas)

[notes from camp at the mailliard ranch]

Really, what else do you need? After a day of exploring on the ranch, you cross a hand-built foot bridge into Page's camp and are met with a cocktail from the stocked bar, kisses from other guests, and a seat at the large table made with thick bevel-edged boards planed from trees on the property. It's impossible not to leave the busy world behind here. An evening without electricity and cell service, the dense woods are lit bright by 12 gas lanterns strung throughout camp, small candles, the laughter of good friends, and sleep under redwood giants. I brought my own sleeping bag, amazing Fabriano watercolor block, and watercolors instead of oils (easier to pack in).

Open-air kitchen built of and among redwoods.

[Side note: having just finished work on Wes Anderson's newest film set--Moonrise Kingdom--I know he would have killed to have had access to this ranch for filming. A clearing just large enough is home to hundred-foot long tables, log seats, a stage, a dance floor, and plenty of room for tents.  Perfect for soirees of a few hundred of your closest friends. Check out the film when it comes out next year and you'll see what I mean.]