5 key facts about this project
The Nautilus Pavilion is situated along the Great British coastline, providing a calm place for visitors to reflect and find peace. Inspired by the shape of the nautilus shell, the pavilion invites individuals to explore its interior, where the sounds of the waves enhance the experience. The design connects closely with the coastal environment, allowing the structure to blend with the landscape.
Design Concept
- The main idea behind the pavilion is to create a reflective space that feels at one with its surroundings. Its shape can be viewed in different ways, such as a sandcastle or a lighthouse. This variety helps the pavilion resonate with the natural landscape, while the thick sloped walls rise directly from the earth, emphasizing its relationship with the terrain.
Materiality
- The pavilion primarily uses rammed earth and corten steel. The rammed earth provides strength and durability, establishing a solid connection to the site. The contrast between the rough texture of the earth and the smoothness of corten steel plays an important role in the overall design. This combination enhances the visitor's experience and creates a meaningful relationship between the natural and man-made elements.
Spatial Experience
- Approaching the pavilion, visitors notice a top-heavy silhouette allowing light to break through carefully placed vertical sections. This aspect invites curiosity, leading individuals from the lively coastal area into a quieter internal space. Once inside, three walls soar upwards, forming an enclosed yet open atmosphere. Light filters through the gaps, illuminating rough surfaces that echo natural forms, inviting people to appreciate being surrounded by both architecture and nature.
Design Detail
- A handrail extends from one of the outer walls, offering guidance as visitors make their way through the space. This detail connects the inside and outside, ensuring safety while encouraging exploration. As individuals ascend, they can enjoy expansive views of the horizon, finding moments of reflection that link their experience to the environment. The interplay of light, shadow, and texture enriches the sense of place, creating a space where visitors can engage deeply with the coastal landscape.