Chapter 3

The Gypsy

Here is a novel winter and summer cabin based on a simple lean-to design and embellished with a lovely balcony, huge stone chimney and a wall of glass.

Design by Hermanovski

SHOW Mr. Hermanovski still another hill (see The Eagle's Nest and The Hermitage) and he creates sheer fantasy! At least, the roof of The Gypsy is the sheerest we've ever seen. To say nothing of the wall of windows. In fact, we suggest decorative drapes or blinds for occasional privacy.

The concrete work for the cabin can be cut to a minimum by using piers instead of the solid foundation wall illustrated, leaving it solid only toward the hill for protection. Another variation would be to build The Gypsy as a combination boat-house cabin. One important alteration, in this case, would be the elimination of the lower-level barbecue pit, which construc­tion would then be utilized as the founda-tion for the upper fireplace. (See the sec­tion on Boathouses and Docks for other suggestions.) As originally designed, how­ever, The Gypsy is unusual enough without further innovations. It is, without doubt, a sunbather's paradise.

Center chimney emphasize* symmetrical line*. Kitchen door is art  the  left;   living room door at right.

The cabin consists of three main parts: a one-piece roof slab, one floor slab (ex­tended as a balcony) and the front wall with a huge chimney for the fireplace on the main floor and barbecue on the lower level. At the front of the house, and on this lower level, an attractive outdoor ter­race harmonizes with the modern lines of The Gypsy.

Two decorative stairs connect the ends of the balcony with the walls and terraces. The balcony leads to two entrance doors: one to the kitchen and one to the living room. You'll notice that the balcony is eminently functional since it is wide enough for sunbathing, sleeping or even dining. Meals may be served either on the balcony or indoors with ease because of the convenient location of the kitchen at one end of the living room. The balcony may be constructed as a regular five-ply built-up roof with a gravel finish or with wood grilles over the last coat (the mineral sur­face) of the five plys of the roofing felt. The front wall is designed to provide an abundance of light, sun and view.  

Kitchen fixtures and appliances are camouflaged by stained wood cabinets backed by matching wall panels. Exposed flight of stairs dividing kitchen from Living room blends with airy, open design of The Gypsy.

Most of the glass panels are fixed and are set in combination with awning type ventilating windows. Both the interior and exterior can be finished in knotty pine, cypress or redwood. The roof can be made of asphalt shingles or similar material.

For architectural pattern and conveni­ence, the doors are set in pairs. All are of the flush type to carry out the simple de­sign. In the living room, brick veneer may be used for the fireplace and wall instead of stone to cut down expenses. On the same floor, the compact bathroom is readily ac­cessible from all rooms because of its cen­tral location.   Steep wooden stairs lead to the second floor sleeping area where, in case of emergency, eight to ten persons can be accommodated.

For a future boiler room, the foundation walls can be built deep enough with a third 81/2x81/2-in. terra cotta flue added to the chimney. This cabin will fit naturally in woods, on hills or on cliffs.

If more space is needed in the future, the area under The Gypsy (providing for this beforehand by leaving this area open) can be walled in. This vast space can then be considered the first floor of the cabin, or the main living room—which can be converted to sleeping quarters when necessary.

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