5 key facts about this project
Eventual Vestige is a Silent Meditation Forest Cabin located in the forests of Latvia. The design focuses on creating an intimate relationship between the cabin and the surrounding nature, aiming to provide a space that encourages reflection and tranquility. By drawing on the idea of building upon historical foundations, the concept embraces sustainability while also recognizing the nature of impermanence in both architecture and life.
Design Concept
The cabin features an open layout that emphasizes views of the sky and trees. This layout enhances the experience of meditation, allowing users to find peace in their surroundings. A rammed earth foundation supports the structure, providing strength and helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
Materiality
Lightweight materials make up the cabin's exterior, allowing for easy integration with the natural environment. These materials support the idea of a welcoming space, inviting natural light and outdoor elements indoors. Cascading vines are intentionally included in the design, creating a natural curtain that softens the transition between inside and outside.
Temporal Evolution
The design includes a timeline that outlines how the cabin will change over the years. In the first year, a geotextile wraps around the structure, supporting the growth of plants that will enhance its appearance. After two decades, jasmine vines will cover the walls, creating a lush, green façade. By the end of its second century, metal elements will have either rusted away or been removed entirely, allowing nature to reclaim the building.
Functional Features
Among the practical aspects of the cabin is a chimney that aids in ventilation, contributing to the overall comfort of the space. A water-collecting canvas roof directs rainwater into a cistern located out of sight, providing a sustainable supply of water for various needs. These features are thoughtfully integrated into the design, ensuring they serve a purpose while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic.
The cabin's design culminates in an outdoor area with an earthen platform, featuring seating and a hearth. This space invites visitors to settle and enjoy quiet moments in nature, fostering a sense of peace that reflects the spirit of the forest surrounding it.