retreat cube

The brief was to design a small scale personal space to escape from city life, a little bit of home, a place for ourselves to relax that is within the beautiful natural context of the Meadows. The dimensions of the cube had to be 2x2x2m and will need to be at least 1/2 underground.

Sketchbook Development

The site where I’ve located my retreat is the Sun Dial. It is a quiet corner of the Meadows because there are not any sports or activities being played there besides walking dogs and outdoor gym equipment. It is also surrounded by trees.

This site is next to a road that leads to the hospital that gets very busy, especially during the day. Since my retreat would be mostly used during the evening/night time it would not be an issue at all.

Development Sketch Development Sketch

Watercolour Sketch

Precedent Precedent

Precedent Model Concept 1 Model Concept 2

2 Point Perspective

1 Point Perspective

My final concept is a retreat which is 3/4 underground, and which therefore has only the roof overground. The roof is made out of opaque glass which allows me to see the outside but still keeping the privacy. The entrance to the retreat is actually the roof, which unfolds upwards.

The activities that I’ve chosen for my retreat are part of my hobbies. During the evening time and night, this retreat allows me to contemplate the sunset and the stars. During the day, I can use the retreat to sing and listen to music, or even to play music with my guitar if feel like bringing it.