Growth + Degrowth “You have to degrow in order to have growth.�
This is a collaborative, community, artistic-based project inspired by the Appalachian Region. This design responds to the urge to find new solutions for a more sustainable and symbiotic way of coexisting with nature. It is a way to explore the possibilities emerging from the ongoing masterplan project for the Mountain Lake Workshop to build a new self-sufficient community, building upon the longstanding collaboration between Ray Kass and CAUS. The proposed design responds to a request for dorm space for students that will inhabit the Ray Kass Property located in Christiansburg, VA. The design is intended to house three students, one of which is ADA compliant. The design respects nature and only has one point of contact with the earth. The mushroom structure allows for minimal interruption with the existing site. By using this method of construction, materials that are already on site can be reused. In order to have growth there must also be degrowth. This is the primary driver of the design.