Interior Architecture Detail Studio _ Sacred Space at the Homestead_Project Book

SACRED PLACE AT THE HOMESTEAD

TABLE OF CONTENTS 01

Project Typology

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Site Analysis

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Ideation

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Materials Research

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Final Design

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PROJECT TYPOLOGY

This adaptive reuse project called for the creation of a sacred space at a private residence in Williamsport, Indiana. The 1856 historic Van Reed Homestead is located off Old US 41 and was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2015. After exploring a variety of structures on the site, the grain bins were selected for their proximity to scenic views and organic form. The grain bins are also nonsupporting structures and could be altered with little oversight.

The built environment of the sacred space offers users the ability to develop a meditation practice supported by sensory experiences and integrated technology.

The exterior features an sculptural installation that wraps around the existing grain bins. This form acts as a visual reminder to practice meditation when users on physically elsewhere on the property.

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R I S E SANCTUARYSCALM PEACE REFUGE QUIET SUN BREAK OPEN ECURITY

O P E N SACRED SPACE REFLECTIVE G R O W T H RETREAT

STILL

LIGHT FIRE SAFETY SUNBEAM WARM PRIVATE RETREAT M O V E M E N T TRUST SELF CARE

REFLECTIVE B E A T G E N T L E

SPIRITUALDMEDITATION SURRENDER A R K RELEASE

GROWTH

M E D I T A T I O N ME

B R I G H TGRATEFUL

M I N D + BOD D Y C O N N E C T I O N WONDER A R K BEING R E N E W ME DREAM

N A T U R E

BREATH RHYTHM CONTROL FLOW RISE + FALL QUIET P R E S E N C E S U R R E N D E R YOU

A

C

C

E

P

T

A

BALANCE SHELTER NATURE OASIS G R O W T H F A I T H FEELING

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N

L

I

G

H

T

E

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M

E

N

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C

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LUSH

S E L F

T

BEGIN AGAIN END GUIDANCE MEDITATION BREATH G E N T L E STILLNESS P E A C E T O G E T H E R R E F L E C T ME

RITUAL HAVEN TRANQUIL SOUL WORK U S MIND + BODY CONNECTION R E F U G E C A L M R I S E RISE TRANSFORM CORE PATH JOURNEY WALK U R N I N G W A R M T H GENTLE M E D I T A T I O N DEEP VISION QUEST RETREAT C O N N E C T I O N GLOW BE

EXIST

BREATHE

B R E A T H

SPACE D E E P L Y SURRENDER

PAUSE GRATITUDE NEW STOP

R I S E CHANNEL

L I F E ME

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W

H

F

My work began in understanding the typology of the project. I immersed myself in understanding the physical and intangible elements of sacred spaces. These words emerged and guided the development of the built environment. My intent was to create a nondenominational sacred space grounded in the rich history of traditional faith rituals, but reimagine them for contemporary society.

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Meditative breath work grounded the conceptual development of the sacred space at the homestead. From the exterior form to the undulating interior surfaces, the concept of breath was abstracted to capture the movement of breath in the body.

The addition of a green roof and landscaping surrounding the structure is intended to capture the symbiotic relationship of nature and human life.

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series of spaces are “ Acreated that allow the

worshipper to transition from the busy outer world and prepare for an inner experience.

Sumaya Dabbagh

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”

Abdulkhaliq Gargash Mosque / Dubai / D a b b a g h A r c h i t e c t s

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Bahá’í Temple of “ The South America uses light

for its spiritual and design inspiration. The aim was to achieve an interplay of contradictions: stillness and movement, simplicity and complexity, intimacy and monumentality; a solid structure capable of dissolving in light.

Siamak Hariri

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”

Bahai Temple Of South America / Chile / H a r i r i P o n t a r i n i A r c h i t e c t s

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SITE

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IDEATION

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Option 1 Schematic Design / Breath Moving into the Body

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Option 2 Schematic Design / Symbiotic Relationship Between Breath and Nature

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Option 3 Schematic Design / Breath Moving in the Body

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MATERIAL RESEARCH

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Clay is mined from the Earth and exhibits numerous appealing characteristics that make it suitable for architectural finishes and structures. Clay is strong with most varieties able to bear loads greater than that of concrete.

It is incredibly durable and fire resistant. The material can also be manipulated into a variety of forms including brick, tile, architecture structures, and objects. Clay is typically fired in Kilns, however it can also be pre-dryed. Clay is typically finished with glaze which makes it resistant to staining and water. Alternatively, it can be finished unglazed with a daraffin wax which is less resistant to water and staining.

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home is formed of “ The two connected dome-

shaped volumes with a ribbed outer wall that is made up of 350 stacked layers of 3D-printed clay.

The clay is arranged in undulating layers that not only provide structural stability but also to act as a thermal barrier.

James Parkes

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Tecla 3D Printed House / Italy / M a r i o C u c i n e l l a A r c h i t e c t s

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3D-print a small“ Iscalethenprototype and use it

to inform the next round of prototypes. Experimentation and prototyping are key aspects of my work. Final pieces then dry for several days. After the initial kiln firing, they are hand glazed following traditional artisan methods and kiln fired again.

Brian Peters

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”

Prairie Cord / Wisconsin / B r i a n P e t e r s S t u d i o

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After exploring a variety of organic forms and methods to execute the forms, I decided to move forward with an installation of “pinch pots”. The pitch pot technique is the oldest known way of making pottery dating back to the Neolithic Era. Pinch pots are made by hand using the center of your thumb to round the edge of the clay. Walls can be thin or thick and take on most intended shapes. The process of making pitch pots, opposed to throwing clay, was approachable.

Perfection was not the goal. Presence was the goal and that emerged as ideal for the meditative places I was designing. This distinct handcraft was a nice compliment to the 3D printed ceramics I was proposing on the exterior.

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C

H

A

N

G

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SURRENDER

MEDITATIVE

S A C R E D T R A N S F O R M STILL R H Y T H M B A L A N C E FEEL F IR E G RO W C R E A T E

PA U S E

GENTLE C E OPEN RISE+FALL END RITUAL B E G I N A G A I N BREATH

P A T

P R E S E N C E

TRUST

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J O U R N E Y

CONTROL

P E A C E RETREAT

T R A N Q U I L BREAK OPEN M O V E M E N T TO BE FREE MIND+BODY CONNECTION

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After exploring a variety of spatial solutions in schematic design, joining the two grain bins prevailed at the best solution. From a conceptual perspective, this decision allowed for the creation of an organic form that mimics the movement of breath in the body. Functionally, it allowed mechanical and electrical systems to be concealed in an enclosed vestibule.

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DESIGN

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The exterior features a sculptural installation that wraps around the existing grain bins. This form acts as a visual reminder to practice meditation when users are physically elsewhere on the property. The sculpture features 3D printed organic ceramic tiles that are secured to a bent steel frame with mechanical fasteners. The Prairie Cord Installation, designed by Brian Peters, informed the mechanical understanding of how to design this sculptural form.

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A series of custom pivot doors are used to conceal functional storage and the electrical and mechanical systems of the building.

The band of millwork is color-matched to the Clayworks wall surface.

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A defining characteristic of the meditation pods is their unique lighting system comprised of handcrafted ceramic pinch pots. In schematic design, the previous electrical diagram was made to understand how this feature will be supported with solar power coming into the grain bins from the adjacent pole barn. A control panel located in the vestibule allows users to select unique sound and light experiences that will enhance the user’s meditative practice.

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Leather tiles were selected as the flooring in the meditation pods.

This material was selected for its tactile warmth, smooth surface, and acoustical properties. The leather flooring extends vertically to upholster the lower half of the built-in seating.

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