Tag Archives: pavilion

Garden Pavilion For Plant Conservation Is Made Using A Modified Softwood That Is As Good As Hardwood

Posted on by

Designed by NU Architectuur Atelier, the Green Ark is located in the center of Belgium’s Meise Botanic Garden. The structure is an extremely sustainable visitor pavilion on the grounds of the Bouchout Castle in the Flemish Brabant. It is part of an impressive project that aims to extend 7600 sq m of greenhouses in the heart of the site. It is built from Kebony Clear wood, forming a lattice structure that is truly a wonder to look at. The rather dramatic and sophisticated-looking structure is located dead in the middle of the 92-hectare conservatory.

Designer: NU Architectuur Atelier

The Meise Botanic Garden is supposed to be one of the largest conservatories in the world that looks after endangered plant species. The project which is intended for restoration includes 22 of the Garden’s greenhouses. The greenhouses are focused on different environments and some of the activities on the site include education and conservation. With the Green Ark, the architectural firm has designed a dramatic and impressive pavilion in one of the newly resorted conservatories. It provides visitors with educational experiences, allowing them to learn more about the endangered plants.

The structure features a curved roof of Kebony wood shingles which look like scales! The shingles seem to gently cascade down the curved sides, creating quite an interesting visual. The interior of the pavilion features a wooden structure elevated on a concrete frame and paired up with a glazed ground floor. The glazed floor allows a glimpse into the surrounding glasshouses.

The Kebony wood was an integral part of the pavilion’s structure. The company is being acknowledged for its ‘modified wood’ process, which involves a faster growth rate of softwood and a special technique that merges wood with furan polymers to provide increased solidity and stability. Kebony’s softwood is a sustainable option when it comes to carbon capture and sourcing. The Green Ark is also designed to recycle rainwater through the shingled roof. The remaining portion of the roof serves as a flat structure that offers views into the surrounding greenhouses.

The post Garden Pavilion For Plant Conservation Is Made Using A Modified Softwood That Is As Good As Hardwood first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Volvo Circle Pavilion uses perforated Tyvek to mimic the feeling of sitting under a tree

Posted on by

Located in South Korea, the Volvo Circle Pavilion presents a unique approach to outdoor spaces. Built on the principles of komorebi, or the phenomenon where light passes through the gaps in leaves, this pavilion allows people to gather in its shade, while using Tyvek facades with leaf-shaped holes that allow the sun to weave through, mimicking the feeling of basking under a tree!

Designer: Studio Heech

The Volvo Circle Pavilion’s most striking feature lies in its innovative use of materials. The pavilion is enveloped in a paper-thin and light Tyvek covering, a waterproof material with physical properties akin to paper. This Tyvek covering, far from being a mere aesthetic choice, serves as a canvas for intricate patterns. Crafted by cutting the material with precision, these patterns cast three-dimensional shadows reminiscent of dappled sunlight filtering through leaves in a forest—a captivating metaphor for the play of light, or “Komorebi.” (Japanese word for sunlight, which is filtered through the leaves of the trees.)

What sets this Pavilion apart is its commitment to a circular and sustainable material lifecycle. The Tyvek covering, after serving its purpose, is dismantled and repurposed into recycled plastic boards for public furniture. This innovative approach to recycling not only minimizes waste but also breathes new life into materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

The creation of the Pavilion was a collaborative effort that brought together craftsmen, engineers, and makers from various fields, united by a shared ambition for sustainability. Front INC, renowned for its expertise in crafting minimal and lightweight structures, collaborated with DSLSM, known for its eco-friendly works using Tyvek material. Together, they orchestrated a symphony of sustainable design and material innovation.

A key strategy employed in the construction of the pavilion was prefabrication, where almost all elements were fabricated off-site and then assembled on location. This approach not only streamlined the construction process but also significantly reduced the environmental impact and carbon emissions associated with traditional on-site construction methods. This is an upcoming method of construction as the contemporary methods are the most significant contributors to GHG emissions, accounting for one-third of global carbon emissions, one-third of global resource consumption, and 40% of global energy consumption.

The commitment to sustainability doesn’t end with the pavilion’s construction. The minimal steel structure that supports the pavilion is disassembled and reused, ensuring that every element finds a new purpose. Puzzle benches, crafted from forged and neglected structural wood, are fully recycled and generously donated to elementary schools, daycare centers, and children’s libraries in the Seoul area. This goes beyond mere recycling; it’s a commitment to meaningful reuse that benefits the community. The modular design of these benches facilitates efficient stacking and transportation of larger pieces, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. Additionally, their water-resistant features and chamfered edges make them ideal for children.

The Volvo Circle Pavilion in South Korea stands as a beacon of sustainable architecture, showcasing that beauty and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously. From its lightweight Tyvek covering to the recycled plastic boards and donated puzzle benches, every element of this pavilion is a testament to a circular and eco-conscious approach to design and construction. As we celebrate the Volvo Circle Pavilion, we are reminded that the future of architecture lies not just in grand designs but in the thoughtful and sustainable use of materials that shape our built environment.

The post The Volvo Circle Pavilion uses perforated Tyvek to mimic the feeling of sitting under a tree first appeared on Yanko Design.

LIN Architecture Upscales A Pumping Station Into A Panoramic Observatory In The Countryside Of China

Posted on by

In the heart of Yunnan’s picturesque countryside, just outside Eryuan Botou Village, LIN Architecture has transformed a once-humble pumping station into a breathtaking observatory. The Concrete Pavilion, completed in November 2023, pays homage to its historical roots while embracing a contemporary design that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural beauty.

Designers: LIN Architecture and RAC studio

Originally serving as a vital pump house for water and electricity, the structure now stands as a symbol of transformation and resilience. The architects carefully examined the multifaceted roles of the pump house, extracting cultural elements from its surroundings and skillfully weaving them into the architectural fabric. The result is a harmonious dialogue between the pavilion and its natural setting, where sloping roofs, shadow walls, and diverse windows embody vernacular elements that resonate with the region’s heritage.

With a modest building area of 50 square meters on a 100 square meter site, the Concrete Pavilion offers a variety of observation experiences. The external facade serves as a static guide for villagers, evolving in different states as one travels through the landscape. Internally, the space is intentionally divided and centered around a large staircase. Suspended platforms, sloping sidewalls, half-arched ceilings, and low side windows provide distinct perspectives of the landscape, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the ever-changing surroundings.

The design acknowledges the unpredictable weather of Yunnan, allowing natural elements to play a significant role in the building’s appearance. The choice of materials, including concrete, steel, and wooden planks, was deliberate, considering both functionality and the structure’s interaction with the environment. Thick clouds reflecting on the walls, radiant sunlight illuminating the material, and rain turning the skin of the structure into a canvas for the sky all contribute to the ever-evolving aesthetic of the Concrete Pavilion.

Symbolism played a key role in the synthesis of this architectural masterpiece. The angular design invites visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscapes, while suspended platforms bring them closer to nature. The carefully chosen materials ensure the structure’s resilience, allowing it to evolve with the weather conditions. The narrow skylights and geometrical openings provide captivating views of the sky and the surrounding countryside, making the Concrete Pavilion not only a physical structure but also a window to the region’s rich heritage.

LIN Architecture’s Concrete Pavilion in Yunnan’s countryside is a testament to the transformative power of architecture. By honoring the past while embracing modern design principles, the pumping station turned observatory stands as a symbol of harmony between human ingenuity and the beauty of the natural world. As visitors traverse its spaces, they are not only treated to breathtaking views but also to a profound connection with the heritage and landscape of this enchanting region.

The post LIN Architecture Upscales A Pumping Station Into A Panoramic Observatory In The Countryside Of China first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Serene Pavilion-Style House Near A Lake Makes For The Perfect Fishing Escape On The Weekends

Posted on by

When the weekend comes around, most of us want to head out for a weekend getaway, escaping from our hectic city lives, and immersing ourselves in nature. And graphic designer Bart Crosby is no different! He wanted a tranquil and relaxing fishing escape outside of the city on a lake in Northern Wisconsin, and Wheeler Kearns Architects provided him with just that. Dubbed the Clearwater Lake Retreat, this serene modernist home is located in a flat clearing, whilst being surrounded by 2.5 acres of lush woods.

Designer: Wheeler Kearns Architects

The Clearwater Lake Retreat is a pavilion-style house that has been oriented on the site to provide stunning views from both sides. The sides have been built with black-framed windows, which offer access to the surrounding vistas. The entire structure is marked by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, that are flanked by two heavy stone walls, which provide support to the rectangular home. It features a lovely butterfly-shaped roof that almost seems to float above it. The roof extends to shelter the porches, creating covered areas on either side, which serve as excellent chilling spots, while also functioning as a contemporary element of the home.

The interior of the home features an open-plan living space that is great for cooking, relaxation, and entertainment. The home features two private bedrooms and a central volume that accommodates all the important functional spaces as such two bathrooms, a mechanical room, and storage space. The Clearwater Lake Retreat is quite connected to nature, but it is also sustainable. The home is heated via hydronic floor heat, while radiant tubing is carried out within the three-foot thick stone walls. During summer, the surrounding trees provide natural ventilation and shade to the home, keeping the residents cool and cozy.

The home showcases a material palette of neutral colors and earthy textures, which perfectly complements the natural surroundings. On the other hand, the exterior is marked with sleek black metal-framed windows that complement the gray stone walls. The stone walls are also seen within the home, which beautifully match with the concrete floors, creating a cabin that is homely, cozy, and soothing.

The post This Serene Pavilion-Style House Near A Lake Makes For The Perfect Fishing Escape On The Weekends first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mass-timber pavilion in a university campus is an ideal observation spot for bird-watchers

Posted on by

The Johnson Owl Deck Pavilion is a simple mass-timber pavilion constructed by architect Jesús Vassallo and a team of graduate students at Rice University on the Houston campus. The pavilion was built using cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels to convey how potent the material is as a carbon-negative and sustainable building method and can serve a specific function. “We wanted to design a building that would be true to CLT’s structural behavior and aesthetic potential,” said Vassallo. “Nowadays mass timber buildings are increasingly normative and based on repetitive grids that while efficient from an economic standpoint, do not do justice to the versatility of the material.”

Designer: Jesús Vassallo

The timber pavilion is located in the university’s Harris Gully Natural Area, a restored watershed to which a large variety of high-level bird species are attracted. Occupying 1000 square meters, the pavilion is made of eight rectangular columns topped off with a single square, and a flat roof. The pavilion has an extremely simple, minimal, and rustic appearance. The columns and roof of the pavilion were built using CLT panels of southern yellow pine. The panels are in their ‘purest’ form, and they display the material’s easy assembly.

“From the inside, the variable angles work as a sort of camouflage,” said Vassallo. “Creating patterns of light and shadow, minimizing the presence of the people using the pavilion to do bird watching. From the outside, the effect is that of a building that is constantly changing as you walk around it.” Every column is rotated at a different angle altogether, to ensure that privacy is provided to the bird watchers or other people who visit the pavilion. In fact, the pavilion was designed to look like the “ruin of a small temple”.

The pavilion is part of a long-term plan to better manage and take care of the microhabitats of the area which include shrubland, woodland, marsh, and prairie. The pavilion is now a permanent installation on the campus, and students and the public, both can visit it. The pavilion, was in fact, created in a mass timber seminar led by Vassallo and designed with graduate students Pouya Khadem and Lene Sollie and structural engineer Tracy Huynh.

The post Mass-timber pavilion in a university campus is an ideal observation spot for bird-watchers first appeared on Yanko Design.

This 3D-printed pavilion is inspired by indigenous shelters & can withstand extreme climates

Posted on by

International architecture studio Hassell teamed up with creative collective to.org and 3D printing studio Nagami to create an astounding prototype for a 3D-printed public pavilion. What makes the pavilion super interesting, is the fact that it’s built using recycled plastic. “The design is the beginning of a larger plan to create a series of pavilions that encourage conversations around material waste and how technology can solve our planet’s most urgent problems,” said Hassell.

Designer: Hassell x Nagami

The 3D-printed pavilion is inspired by indigenous shelters, and functions as a gathering or meeting point for education, reflection, and knowledge. The pavilion can be customized and modified to adjust to a whole range of different climates and settings. The idea for the pavilion was created by Hassell’s Head of Design, Xavier De Kestelier, Manuel Jimenez Garcia, founder of Nagami, an additive manufacturing specialist, and Nachson Mimran, Co-founder & Creative Executive Officer of to.org. They wanted to combat the issue of plastic and create a new way of viewing plastic as a construction material.

Manuel Jimenez Garcia said, “We have more than 5 billion metric tons of plastic waste on our planet. As 3D printing scales up into architecture and construction, we can massively increase the demand for recycled plastics and speed up the cleaning process of our oceans and landfills. We hope this project will contribute to inspiring a new generation of architects to truly believe that a radical change in construction, driven by eco-innovation, is truly possible.”

They utilized computational techniques and 3D printing for fabrication. This ensured that the public pavilion can be customized and modified without incurring any extra cost and allowing it to withstand the local climatic conditions. “The Pavilion pushes the boundaries of 3D printing to create full-scale functional architecture. 3D printing allows higher geometrical freedom compared to most traditional methods of manufacturing. Setting a precedent for the future of design, this architectural freedom allowed the designers to shape the pavilions so that they operate with minimal energy and off the grid,” said the architecture studio.

The 3D-printed pavilion can be easily and efficiently transported and assembled on-site as it comes in 24 individual pieces. Inspired by indigenous shelters, the pavilion is designed to sustainably and efficiently handle harsh temperatures. In case of cold climates, the pavilion will feature an outer skin equipped with fins that are meant to capture snow and provide natural insulation. Whereas in hotter climates, those same fins will provide natural cooling, passive cooling, water harvesting, and cross ventilation.

The post This 3D-printed pavilion is inspired by indigenous shelters & can withstand extreme climates first appeared on Yanko Design.

These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat

Posted on by

Nestled in the forests of upstate New York is a contemporary meditative retreat called the Tranquil Abiding. Designed by Studio MM architects, the retreat focuses on spirituality and attempts to celebrate it via a ‘ritualistic’ walk through the woods. The concept includes a residential complex that has been spread out over four interconnected pavilions which are positioned near the Glen Spey temple.

Designer: Studio MM Architect

Nestled on a site of 115 wooded acres, a quaint creek runs through the expanse of the property. The entire layout of the house was planned according to meditative practices and the intimate contemplative areas used to practice them. The foundation wall features a cantilevered concrete slab which gives the appearance that the pavilion is almost floating above the ground. The structure’s exterior features a natural stone-built facade that has been used to cover all four pavilions, creating a uniform and yet stretched formation.

Although all the various pavilions are autonomous, they are connected using corridors. This creates a cohesive arrangement of spaces that are both vacant and occupied, in turn allowing an interesting relationship between void and the built. The various transitional zones impart a sense of visual continuity to the interiors of the pavilions. All the various living spaces such as the bedroom, living room, guest suite, and meditation space into four different pavilions. The living room is placed towards the south, allowing sunlight to generously stream into the interiors, while the main bedroom is provided with a southeastern exposure, and views of the creek.

However, the pavilion used for meditation features a different design and treatment than the other three pavilions. It was designed to play a central role and was placed according to the preference of the users. A floating rooftop the meditation pavilion, allows clerestory windows to be included below. The meditation pavilion also features scaled-back windows which ensure that the outside does not function as a distraction, and maintains an air of privacy and intimacy in the space. A wood-clad ceiling is accompanied by clerestory windows that allow light to gently stream into the space throughout the day. The rest of the interiors feature a rather modest and humble design.

The post These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat first appeared on Yanko Design.

These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat

Posted on by

Nestled in the forests of upstate New York is a contemporary meditative retreat called the Tranquil Abiding. Designed by Studio MM architects, the retreat focuses on spirituality and attempts to celebrate it via a ‘ritualistic’ walk through the woods. The concept includes a residential complex that has been spread out over four interconnected pavilions which are positioned near the Glen Spey temple.

Designer: Studio MM Architect

Nestled on a site of 115 wooded acres, a quaint creek runs through the expanse of the property. The entire layout of the house was planned according to meditative practices and the intimate contemplative areas used to practice them. The foundation wall features a cantilevered concrete slab which gives the appearance that the pavilion is almost floating above the ground. The structure’s exterior features a natural stone-built facade that has been used to cover all four pavilions, creating a uniform and yet stretched formation.

Although all the various pavilions are autonomous, they are connected using corridors. This creates a cohesive arrangement of spaces that are both vacant and occupied, in turn allowing an interesting relationship between void and the built. The various transitional zones impart a sense of visual continuity to the interiors of the pavilions. All the various living spaces such as the bedroom, living room, guest suite, and meditation space into four different pavilions. The living room is placed towards the south, allowing sunlight to generously stream into the interiors, while the main bedroom is provided with a southeastern exposure, and views of the creek.

However, the pavilion used for meditation features a different design and treatment than the other three pavilions. It was designed to play a central role and was placed according to the preference of the users. A floating rooftop the meditation pavilion, allows clerestory windows to be included below. The meditation pavilion also features scaled-back windows which ensure that the outside does not function as a distraction, and maintains an air of privacy and intimacy in the space. A wood-clad ceiling is accompanied by clerestory windows that allow light to gently stream into the space throughout the day. The rest of the interiors feature a rather modest and humble design.

The post These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat first appeared on Yanko Design.

These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat

Posted on by

Nestled in the forests of upstate New York is a contemporary meditative retreat called the Tranquil Abiding. Designed by Studio MM architects, the retreat focuses on spirituality and attempts to celebrate it via a ‘ritualistic’ walk through the woods. The concept includes a residential complex that has been spread out over four interconnected pavilions which are positioned near the Glen Spey temple.

Designer: Studio MM Architect

Nestled on a site of 115 wooded acres, a quaint creek runs through the expanse of the property. The entire layout of the house was planned according to meditative practices and the intimate contemplative areas used to practice them. The foundation wall features a cantilevered concrete slab which gives the appearance that the pavilion is almost floating above the ground. The structure’s exterior features a natural stone-built facade that has been used to cover all four pavilions, creating a uniform and yet stretched formation.

Although all the various pavilions are autonomous, they are connected using corridors. This creates a cohesive arrangement of spaces that are both vacant and occupied, in turn allowing an interesting relationship between void and the built. The various transitional zones impart a sense of visual continuity to the interiors of the pavilions. All the various living spaces such as the bedroom, living room, guest suite, and meditation space into four different pavilions. The living room is placed towards the south, allowing sunlight to generously stream into the interiors, while the main bedroom is provided with a southeastern exposure, and views of the creek.

However, the pavilion used for meditation features a different design and treatment than the other three pavilions. It was designed to play a central role and was placed according to the preference of the users. A floating rooftop the meditation pavilion, allows clerestory windows to be included below. The meditation pavilion also features scaled-back windows which ensure that the outside does not function as a distraction, and maintains an air of privacy and intimacy in the space. A wood-clad ceiling is accompanied by clerestory windows that allow light to gently stream into the space throughout the day. The rest of the interiors feature a rather modest and humble design.

The post These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat first appeared on Yanko Design.

These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat

Posted on by

Nestled in the forests of upstate New York is a contemporary meditative retreat called the Tranquil Abiding. Designed by Studio MM architects, the retreat focuses on spirituality and attempts to celebrate it via a ‘ritualistic’ walk through the woods. The concept includes a residential complex that has been spread out over four interconnected pavilions which are positioned near the Glen Spey temple.

Designer: Studio MM Architect

Nestled on a site of 115 wooded acres, a quaint creek runs through the expanse of the property. The entire layout of the house was planned according to meditative practices and the intimate contemplative areas used to practice them. The foundation wall features a cantilevered concrete slab which gives the appearance that the pavilion is almost floating above the ground. The structure’s exterior features a natural stone-built facade that has been used to cover all four pavilions, creating a uniform and yet stretched formation.

Although all the various pavilions are autonomous, they are connected using corridors. This creates a cohesive arrangement of spaces that are both vacant and occupied, in turn allowing an interesting relationship between void and the built. The various transitional zones impart a sense of visual continuity to the interiors of the pavilions. All the various living spaces such as the bedroom, living room, guest suite, and meditation space into four different pavilions. The living room is placed towards the south, allowing sunlight to generously stream into the interiors, while the main bedroom is provided with a southeastern exposure, and views of the creek.

However, the pavilion used for meditation features a different design and treatment than the other three pavilions. It was designed to play a central role and was placed according to the preference of the users. A floating rooftop the meditation pavilion, allows clerestory windows to be included below. The meditation pavilion also features scaled-back windows which ensure that the outside does not function as a distraction, and maintains an air of privacy and intimacy in the space. A wood-clad ceiling is accompanied by clerestory windows that allow light to gently stream into the space throughout the day. The rest of the interiors feature a rather modest and humble design.

The post These four tranquil pavilions in upstate New York function as a meditative retreat first appeared on Yanko Design.