Designing my personal retreat

As I am an architecture student, we were given a project on designing my own retreat that I’m working on at the moment. 

This project is about creating a sanctuary where I can escape the hectic pace of everyday life. This space is intended for 3-4 day stays, providing me with an opportunity to refresh my mind, meditate, and immerse myself in nature. The unique aspect of this project is that we are required to design our retreats around our personal hobbies. We are also required to make a model with miniature furniture to visualize the design along with sheets showing the plan, elevation and section and my journey through out the project. 

Concept

The main concept of my retreat is to ensure minimal disturbance to the natural environment. I envision myself as a guest in the home of the existing animals, trees, and ecosystem. This perspective is rooted in the idea that humans often treat nature as if we own it, disregarding the fact that the land and oceans have been home to wildlife long before our existence. By considering myself a visitor in their space, I aim to preserve the biodiversity and harmony of the natural surroundings and be one with them.

Material

I'm using stabilized mud blocks as my main material along with wood and bamboo working with different textures of the same color scheme. 

stabilized mud block

The Design

The design of the retreat is simple yet thoughtful, consisting of two strategically placed rectangles. This layout takes full advantage of natural ventilation and creates an inviting atmosphere for wildlife. The structure is designed to allow animals to move around it freely, without feeling threatened, as if it is part of their own habitat. I have made a conscious effort to preserve the existing trees on the site and even added more to enhance the natural environment.

The retreat features a total of four rooms: a studio space, one bedroom, one bathroom, and a combined dining and kitchen area. One of the rectangles of the structure is my studio space, as my hobbies are art and music, I have dedicated a significant portion of the retreat to a spacious studio. This studio space has enough floor space allowing me to work on my artistic and musical projects. The other rectangle contains the functional areas such as the bathroom, washroom, dining, and kitchen. 

These two rectangles are connected by a composition of curves, adding a dynamic element to the design and creating a seamless flow between the spaces. The use of curves not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also blends the structure more naturally with the surrounding landscape.

In designing this retreat, I have been mindful of the ecological impact, striving to create a space that coexists peacefully with its surroundings. The thoughtful placement of the rectangles, the preservation and addition of trees, and the inviting structure all contribute to a design that respects and honors the natural environment. This retreat is a reflection of my values and my commitment to living in harmony with nature.

My Personal Goals For This Project

By maintaining this harmonious relationship with nature, I hope to create a retreat that feels integrated with its environment rather than imposing upon it. The retreat will serve as a personal sanctuary where I can find comfort and inspiration, surrounded by the beauty of nature. This project is not just about creating a physical space but also about fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and respecting the life forms that inhabit it.

Ultimately, this project has allowed me to explore the intersection of my personal interests and my respect for the environment. It is a testament to the possibility of creating spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious. My retreat is a small but meaningful step towards a more sustainable and harmonious way of living, where nature is not an afterthought but a central consideration in the design process.