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MEDITATION CABIN

A Moment in Repose in New Zealand

Status: Competition | Semifinalist out of 500+ entries

Earth Energies Sanctuary embodies the welcoming qualities of New Zealand’s vernacular architecture by using gabled roofs- a form consistently seen at the domestic scale. Therefore, this proposal seeks to use the gable as a means to ground the cabin in its context while exuding a safe and approachable feeling. Nestled between the trees in the site, the meditation cabin provides a moment of pause like a spiritual folly in the forest. The cabin is slightly rotated within the trees. This encounter invites you to walk around the cabin, and enter from the south side. Walking around, one can see the subtle veil of depth that the wooden members on the perimeter of the cabin create. The depth is a visual threshold between exterior and interior spiritual space providing a subtle depth that allows the eyes to relax. The wooden members also create a transition from forest to building- the wooden members connect and frame the meditative space within the natural environment.

As one enters, the glass door and window around the altar align- a reference to the path of spiritual journey starting before and continuing after this moment of pause. The stone entry and altar ground the building with their visual mass and their warmth. Furthermore, the altar to dry flowers for essences also acts as a fireplace. The altar and stone entry are focal points for visual concentration and therefore allow the mind to relax. The meditation cabin, at Earth Energies Sanctuary, provides a warm moment of introspective pause to center, ground, and realign yourself on your spiritual journey. The construction of the cabin is simple using recycled dimensional wood members and Simpson Ties (metal joints for the wood to slot through). All cuts and assembly can be done on site, and the cabin can be built within only a couple of months.

South West to North East Elevation

Night render with flame-herb-dryer lit; plan and short section

Interior sections

Site plan and exploded axonometric