5 key facts about this project
The site at Overlook Point and Pasithéa is located in the Serra de Estrela mountains, focusing on creating environments for relaxation and meditation. It aims to connect people with nature while providing spaces for individual therapy and community interaction. The overall design emphasizes harmony with the natural landscape, offering unique experiences to visitors.
Design Layout
An elevated wooden walkway leads through the site, encouraging exploration and a sense of connection to the surroundings. Important features include an amphitheater for gatherings and a sunbathing platform that invites leisurely activities. The entry is marked by a concrete steel threshold, creating a boundary that enhances the atmosphere of calm and seclusion.
Spatial Organization
The concept of Pasithéa, inspired by classical mythology, represents rest and meditation. The design consists of three main areas: the Threshold, Main Cabin, and Release Zone. The Threshold serves as a semi-outdoor meeting space for guests and therapists, while the Main Cabin offers a private setting for therapy sessions, ensuring comfort. The Release Zone is an outdoor meditation patio surrounded by trees, giving visitors expansive views that aid in relaxation.
Material and Sustainability
Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, reflected in the choice of materials and overall layout. The Main Cabin features a prefabricated metal frame along with wooden panel cladding, blending with the environment. Each section of the building is designed to be independent and structurally sound, which helps to reduce the environmental impact.
Natural Integration
Landscaping is essential to the overall experience, featuring decomposed granite pathways that connect different parts of the site. These paths guide visitors as they explore and interact with nature. Large openings in the structure frame views of the forest, valley, and sky, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, which supports a deeper connection with the natural setting.