Delta Shelter

Delta Shelter is a compact, 1,000-square-foot weekend retreat designed by Olson Kundig Architects. Located near a river within a floodplain, the cabin is raised above the ground on stilts to address periodic flooding, and its plan measures 20 by 20 feet. The structure is organized over three stories, with the living room and kitchen occupying the uppermost level to optimize views and natural light. A key feature of the design is the ability to completely secure the building when not in use; large steel shutters, each measuring 10 by 18 feet, cover the windows and can be operated together by a hand-crank mechanism. The exterior's steel cladding reinforces the shelter’s protective intent, while the interior spaces, also completed by Olson Kundig Architects, focus on efficiency within the compact layout.