Location:

Linden, Tennessee

Status: 

Completed Spring 2023

Size:

Main Town Hall - 1,400 SF
Typical Town Hall -
Typical Cabin - 1,100 SF

Client:

Tennessee Baptist Mission Board

Shop Team:

James Kennon
Katherine Kennon
Meredith Bardill

Project Collaborators:

Structural Engineer:
EMC Structural Engineers
MPE Engineering:
DFH Services, PLLC
Civil Engineer:
Collected Civil
Landscape Architect:
Studio Topography
General Contractor:
Barger Construction Company

Architect WORKSHOP developed the conceptual masterplan and architectural design to replace outdated housing and plan for growth at Linden Valley’s existing campus. The new concept centered around a series of connected ‘neighborhoods’ of bunkhouses. Each neighborhood is identified by a unique color accent. Each neighborhood pod is composed of 4 bunkhouses which surround a central outdoor deck area for casual gatherings and mingling amid campers. The central deck at each pod also connects to an adjacent neighborhood centric ‘town hall’ for larger gatherings of the neighborhood campers.

Architect WORKSHOP worked with the client to develop a concept which allowed incremental development and expansion as they receive funding. Planning for this type of phasing required complex consideration of cabin placement, connection between pods, current and future egress patterns as well as consideration for the impact to the existing campus and other future improvements.

Placing the cabins on a raised platform design was pragmatically necessary because they sit in a flood plain, however, their raised location also provides a feeling of being in the trees as you walk between pods and along the walkway. Access ramps and stairs from the raised walkway also serve various functions of seating, circulation, and accessibility for all campers.

Phases and pods were color-coded for camper wayfinding and to pull in splashes of color. This was executed with exterior siding in the accent color at select locations as well as on the interior with accent walls and trim. At the town halls, the porch soffits provide an unexpected pop of color. Ample glass with privacy film as needed was provided in the bunkhouses to further the sensation that campers are amongst the trees, framing views in various directions.