To Ponder

To Wonder
Philosopher’s retreat

Year 2, 2011

75%, Merit

Studio Brief

Design for 12 philosophers, for them to sleep, to bathe, to study, to dine and debate.

Location

Kilmartin village, Argyll and Bute, western Scotland

Inspiration

Jacques Derrida (July 15, 1930 – October 9, 2004) french philosopher born in French Algeria. Developed the critical theory known as deconstruction and his work has been labeled as post-structuralism and associated with postmodern philosophy. “There is nothing outside the text” (il n’y a pas de hors-texte), meaning that there is nothing outside context. “Binary oppositions”- to expose and undermine the oppositions and paradoxes.

Concept

The concept of this project is based on:

Development

Design is divided into two parts - as a split stone found just nearby. The gap between two blocks of the stone forms stairs on natural slope - journey from the village to the historical sites around. Deconstructed path which follows the stairs brings you to the prehistoric cairn and beautiful view of the landscape. Each side of the building has its own purpose. Private study units to the north with the view of Kilmartin landscape. Debating space to the south, shaded with trees.

There are no parallel lines in the design and strong binary division - day/night areas, private/public, lightened and darkened. Floors in both blocks are on the different levels and are connected from the West and South to ease circulation.

Site plan
Retreat design is located in a small village - Kilmartin in Scotland. This place is well known for prehistoric monuments and historical sites in Scotland. All around Kilmartin Glen there are prehistoric cairns several burial cairns, chambered cairns, standing stones as well as Kilmartin Parish Church. The site for this project is located on the slope where the village meets the field. It is hidden behind trees and open to the calm Kilmartin Glen. As for philosophers it is important not to be disturbed but at the same time to be close to public.

Roof plan

Roof is on the same level as the main street, which gave an opportunity to make it public. A terrace is formed from uneven timber decking and grass areas. Several benches placed to enjoy the view of Kilmartin nature. Roof has access on top of both blocks and has connection bridge at the end. Note that decking pattern follows connection paths inside the building, which is better seen in the plans.

First floor plan

To get to the building you have to find a path in between trees from the main road. Stairs will lead you to the entrance of the building. Small environmental lobby divides main debating space and a "secret path" to the ground floor with private units. To get straight to the rooms of philosophers it is reasonable to use this path. There is another way of getting to the private part through ramps in the debating space.

Debating space has sloped floor, which forms seatings and platforms for philosophers to debate. Ramp gives an access to smaller glass spaces for individual conversations. From ramps there is a bridge to first floor with the rest private units.

Ground floor plan

Ground floor has private units on the north side and debating space on the south side.There is an entrance to the terrace shaded with trees and a path to the cairn.

Private units are designed to minimise floor area but include sleeping, study and bathroom spaces.

Section - Debating Space

Cross Section

Section - Stairs

Elevations

Facades of the design are covered with timber louvres. Reversed on the north side to hide private unit windows from the public and inversed in the debating space to get as much view and light as possible.