AutoCamp Cape Cod
Workshop/APD was given the job of turning AutoCamp Cape Cod into a rustic chic destination using thoughtful materials throughout the main building and lodging.
This project is the long- anticipated third outpost – and the first East Coast location – for a celebrated hospitality brand. The 14- acre property is centered around an 8,100 square foot Clubhouse. Inspired by the modernist Cape Cod beach houses of famed designer Walter Gropius and his contemporaries, the project team explored Cape Cod nostalgia and the area’s natural palette. Charred and natural cedar are paired with black steel and concrete to create a modernist juxtaposition of building materials. Elevations were inspired by the natural sightlines across the property, with large expanses of glass, low slung modernist massing, and strong dark horizontal metal accents combining to create a beautifully simple retreat. The Clubhouse site was selected to maximize the dramatic views of Buzzards Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, visible throughout the Clubhouse’s main level or second- floor meeting and event space.
The Clubhouse includes a reception area and lounge with an indoor fireplace, breakfast bar, General Store, restrooms with luxury showers, and a furnished patio. The second floor space is available for corporate retreats, meetings, and social events, and features a spacious terrace. The property features interactive environmental art installations including an abstracted wooden wall map of the Cape, a custom- designed piece by textural artist Windy Chien and a painting by küdd:krig HOME.
Accommodations include 88 custom 31- foot Airstreams, 10 luxury tents, 5 Accessible Suites, and 5 X Suites. Airstream Suites and X Suites with queen- sized Tempur- Pedic beds, spa- inspired bathrooms, a convertible sofa, television, heat and A/C, a microwave, mini- fridge, cookware, and a private, adjacent fire pit with dining area. Tents offer a king- sized bed, fan and heater, mini- fridge, convertible sofa and private outdoor fire pit, with round- the clock access to Clubhouse restrooms featuring towel service and bath products.
The project is particularly timely, as AutoCamp’s design naturally allows for physical distancing.
AutoCamp Cape Cod is a car- free, environment, allowing guests to experience the beauty and serenity of the coast without vehicles near the guestroom areas. Guest parking is located elsewhere on- property, and several types of transport are available to move belongings and guests to their suites. As part of the company’s commitment to preserving natural ecosystems, AutoCamp will restore over 22,000 square- feet of wetlands with native plants on the property, which will expand local wetland habitat, reduce water runoff into local waterways, and support native pollinator plants.
Design: Workshop/APD
Contractor: Blue Flag Construction
Photography: Read McKendree, Matt Kisiday
