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Conical Retreat of Larch and Spruce Embracing Natural Panorama

Author:
Jesko Hammersen
Conical Retreat of Larch and Spruce Embracing Natural Panorama
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A conical form crafted from larch and spruce captures natural light and expansive views, creating a serene retreat that facilitates meditation and self-reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Meditation spaces designed to enhance sensory engagement with nature.
02
Pathway dynamics transition from wide openness to focused intimacy.
03
Conical interior room maximizes natural light through a narrow window.
04
Thin steel bases elevate the structure off the ground for moisture protection.
05
Utilizes Gravity Lights for sustainable and alternative lighting solutions.

The design features a dedicated space for meditation and self-reflection within a calm natural setting. The focus is on guiding users from an awareness of the outside world to a place of personal contemplation. The layout promotes tranquility and enhances the user's connection to the environment, making it an inviting retreat for those seeking peace and introspection.

Meditation Spaces

Two distinct meditation rooms create the heart of the design. The outside meditation area, with its wide, panoramic views, encourages users to engage with the surrounding landscape. This space allows for a rich sensory experience, immersed in the sounds of nature. In contrast, the interior room is designed to foster a more intimate atmosphere, providing a focused environment for personal reflection. The conical shape draws users in, enhancing a sense of quiet and calm.

Pathway Dynamics

The pathway linking the two meditation spaces adds to the overall experience. As users walk along this route, the pathway narrows while the ceiling height increases. This design change guides the movement and creates a feeling of shifting focus, preparing users for the transition from the communal area to a more personal space. The careful arrangement of the pathway helps support the meditative purpose at the heart of the design.

Material Selection

Material choices play a key role in shaping the retreat's character. Larch cladding covers the outer shell of the structure, allowing it to blend naturally with the forest surroundings. Inside, spruce is used for immobile components, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment. The separation of walls from the ceiling invites natural light into the interior spaces, enhancing the experience of calm during meditation.

Functional Aspects

Practical features are well integrated into the design. A small fireplace in the meditation room offers warmth during colder months, inviting users to spend more time in this reflective space. The dry toilet is accessible from both the interior and exterior, ensuring convenience while preserving privacy. These elements enhance the usability of the retreat, supporting its purpose as a place for meditation and self-discovery.

The interior meditation room includes a narrow, high window that directs the gaze toward a specific view outside. This design choice encourages users to focus inward while remaining aware of the broader landscape. The thoughtful layout promotes a balanced experience of connecting with surroundings and engaging in personal reflection.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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