Pavilion for Meditation and Music

The Pavilion was designed in concert with its natural setting to provide a private refuge for contemplation, and a gathering space for retreats and philanthropic events. The architecture’s reciprocity with its physical and acoustic landscape enables visitors to commune with nature and supports their work in music and science. Situated in a clearing where the edge of a pine forest transitions into a wetland ecosystem, the Pavilion is accessible only by foot via a network of forest trails connecting to a residence roughly 1,000 feet away. Though secluded, it hosts a dynamic program across three distinct zones: an enclosed studio, an open-air terrace, and an outdoor kitchen.

All material and formal decisions are both joyful and rugged, affecting lightheartedness in their functionality. A coarse basalt wall embodies the local geology of the site, while its heavy blocks anchor the floating roof. The roof’s rafters are arranged in a rhythmic pattern that mirrors the trees in the forest. While the roof form collects water and provides shade, its shape evokes a sense of flight. Water flows from the roof into a rock catchment basin and is directed into the pond, creating an ambient acoustic layer. Rigorous acoustic design enhances the listening experience while attenuating unwanted sound; however, the large sliding doors can open to connect with the environmental soundscape. The material palette will weather: the wood siding will gradually turn a warm grey; the zinc roof will patina; and the stone will grow lichen and moss.