SIlent architecture for the transient mind
Chrysalid The chrysalid is a nymph; a transient state of development from a larvae to a butterfly. It is a transformative process and the transformed object itself. An evanescent cocoon, a protection, a shell, meant to enable its host to reshape its physical structure. Attached to a branch, the chrysalid blends into the environment. The MA - Cabin is a chrysalid for the mind. An evanescent architecture immerged in the forest. Embeded into the territory down to its constructive materials.
MA In the japanese culture, the ma is the space - and more specifically the void, between two elements in both time and distance. It thus consists in the elementary architectural tool to design an architecture to be inhabited by humans or nature, intended as the manifestation of the kamis. It is, by essence, transient. Four wooden piles and a rope would indicate, in a natural environment, where it is expected that the kamis would inhabit the space with light, shadows and movement.
Verticality The Norway Spruce woods are a temple of natural verticality: rough, organicly distributed, changing and living. The Ma - Cabin answers back to the forest with a Sugi Shou Ban cladding made from local materials, a simple technique that can be handled by local workers. The blend enables every cabin to be different and recreate the texture, depth and variety of the forest trees.
Elevation The verticality is an invitation to elevate the mind and body of the guests through a physical, sensatory, intellectual and mindful experience. The MA - Cabin provides interactions and connections, both conscious and unconscious, lasting or transient by multiplicating the solicitations of all senses.
By the lake
Stacking
Harmony
Compactness
Elementary, playful, self-explanatory
Balanced, simple, natural
Efficient, elegant, minimal, cost-effective
3rd floor
2ND floor
1st floor
ground floor
Cross section and plans | 1:50
Archetypical meditative spaces The simplicity of a silent architecture enables the implementation of a variety of meditative spaces with specific meditative characteristics.
1
Tokono-ma
6
Wood frame and wood fiber insulation
2
Steel railing
7
Wood veneer interior finish
3
Wood burning stove
8
Foundation pile
4
Sugi Shu Ban - Burnt wood open work cladding
9
Miller’s ladder
5
Plywood bracing panel and rain barrier
NEST Quintessential and primitive archetype of the elevated protected space, it is open on the forest and provides an exterior meditative space, immerged in the leaves of the canopee.
MEDITATIng 1
CURTAIN The curtain fluttering in the wind animates the meditative space with the manifestation of nature, a rather simple one, but enough to speak to our senses of a time and space in which our presence is as fleating and intangible as the gleams of light and leaves visible accross the curtain.
Dreaming
2
Living
Lantern The lantern concretizes a light and transparent archetype: a space made of light. Intrinsically evanescent and changing, it immerges the guest into the forest, but most importantly within the natural lasting of time.
3
4
5
6
7
Threshold 9
window Opening a window is a simple gesture, one that the guest isn’t mindful about in its daily life. This archetype magnifies the experience to bring the guest to a lasting mindful state.
8
Lighthouse The lighthouse is a signal for the minds roaming stressful times. This archetype provides the guest with a contemplative space within the serene environment of the forest: a lighthouse for the mind.
Axonometric view and details
In the forest
5
4 1 2
3
Program
1
Volunteer house Guests are already welcome to the Ozolini. However, volunteers could find themselves in an interesting environment, and be willing to work with the cfeation of the tea. They would help with the works in summer and autumn and learn from the forest keeper and Brijita’s knowledge. With regards to the program, it is an opportunity to widen the spectrum of visitors.
2
Brijita’s House The current house of Brijita dates back to the first installation in the Ozolins. It is ideally located and oriented within the landscape, and it should stay as it is. At the heart of the Ozolini program, it will remain in close relation with the Guest House, the Volunteer House and the tea drying facilities.
3
Guest House And tea drying workshop The guests should find a space dedicated to workshops, tea tasting, the activities organized by the Ozolini Tea Makers partners such as Firehawk, as well as all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay at the Ozolini. This Guest House complements the MA - Cabins specifically designed for a meditation retreat of a few days.
4
facilities In order to improve the comfort in the meeting areas such as the Guest House, facilities and in particular a shower block, are grouped in a refurbished barn at the boundary of the clearing. This programmatic choice enables to experience the landscape of the Ozolini at its full scale. These facilities are accessible to both guests and volunteers.
5
Lake house The Lake House is a space opened on the lake, a major asset of the landscape of the Ozolini. It is a transient space between the retreats and the community, a calm environment for outdoor meditation.
6
Ma - cabins As a variety of meditation cabins are available, they are distributed accross the site in small clusters of three to four cabins. Each of these cabins provides a unique architectural and contemplative experience.
ozolini hives The presence of traditional and vernacular plants and flowers such as anemones is an opportunity to structure an eco-friendly activity that would supplement the ones already existing.
Reconnection to nature The knowledge accumulated by the Ozolini Tea Makers in organic farming of herbal tea benefit both volunteers and guests who can participate in a unique experience while reconnecting with nature.
6