There was a mountain resort my family vacationed at years ago that didn’t have phones. A smart resort developer realized they could save the expense of running phone lines to condos, and sell it as a benefit. Even twenty five years ago this seemed odd and even a little dangerous to my ten year old self. Now it seems radically right.

Cell phones and email have led to a disturbing epidemic of workplace co-dependency. A survey undertaken earlier this year by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Expedia.ca found that 48% of Canadian workers feel that electronic devices such as cell phones and blackberries make it harder to get away from work. This is a 7% increase over last year. If you are taking some time off this holiday season you may experience this problem yourself. It is not unusual to find in the first days of your holiday that your colleagues back at the office are relieving their separation anxiety by calling your cell phone with supposedly mission critical issues like misplaced files, or lunch ordering procedures.

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One of the overlooked causes of both happiness and misery is the quality of our environment. The walls, chairs, buildings, and streets that surround us have a profound effect on the way we think, feel, and act.

Some places just feel good. The minute you walk through the door, you want to settle in and stay a while. You can’t help but curl up by the fireplace with a blanket and a good book. You want to throw a party, lounge on the deck, or have a conversation with a good friend in a cozy corner.

I was looking over the cabin plans we are working on the other day, and I was struck by one particularly captivating example of this. Opening off the second floor study, and bedrooms in one of the cabin kits is an interior balcony that overlooks the living-dining area. I imagine that you might feel drawn to this lofty perch to watch what is going on in the “public” areas below. Depending on your mood you might savor the options of staying to survey the action below, retreating to the study with a good book, or descending to participate in whatever is going on. (more…)

Technorati Tags:   architecture, cabin, cabin plans, design

Winter is a great time to spend at the cabin. Everything looks different under a heavy layer of snow and the opportunities for recreation are endless. However it’s tempting to hibernate inside especially with a good fire and book on the go. Be warned though. You will not escape the ravages of cabin fever. No matter how perfect your cabin is in terms of design it too will host this easily treatable disease, especially in winter. Fortunately cabin fever can be treated quickly by getting outside and building a snow fort.

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Most buildings work pretty well. They keep you dry and warm, but that’s where it stops. The spaces we inhabit on a day to day basis are primarily functional, boring and utilitarian. They don’t even try to make your life better, and that sucks.

Do the people who design this stuff care about what they are creating?

Great design stands out. It makes your life better. It makes you better at what you do. In short, great design makes you happy.

Form & Forest is in the process of designing a line of prefab cabin kits . It is our intention to create beautiful, livable spaces. More than this, we intend to create spaces that enhance your well being. Spaces that help you find a little happiness.

You may think the Form & Forest prefab cabin kits are beautiful. You may even find that they make you happier. If you do, that’s because they are designed for happiness.

Sign up for our email list , because on February 19, 2009 we are releasing our cabin plans in the wild. You don’t want to miss it.

Technorati Tags:   Cabin Kits, cabin plans, prefab cabin kits