Retreat was a project designed for ourselves and a loved one. Over the course of three design phases the project would develop, while ultimately becoming a Synthesis of the initial two phases. The setting for our site, was based off a painting chosen from the Group of Seven which would stir a memory in ourselves. Lauren Harris’, The Drive; situated my site in Belfountain, Ontario.
The overall concept of the project would focus on a retreat for me and my father, which would house a library. Using minimal design, the emphasis would be placed entirely on the usage of adaptable elements for the enjoyment of the library.
The site would be situated on the landscape between the forks of the river. The building would have a simple concrete mass wall, two adaptable “sliding” walls housing books, which would all be enclosed in a double glass façade. The “sliding” walls could be placed in any configuration based on the use. When not in use, the walls would compress against themselves and would be flush against the main mass wall, accommodating a depth for both walls. The user would approach the building by crossing a small footbridge spanning over the river.