Tranquil Abiding Retreat

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

TRANQUIL ABIDING RETREAT

Studio MM Architect

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Marica Mckeel, Colbi Campbell

MANUFACTURERS
Bulthaup, Gaggenau, Marvin, Morso, Porcelanosa Grupo, Bosch, Centor, Kohler Purist , Kohler/persuade, Kohler/undertone, Porcelanosa, Singcore Doors, Sub-zero

PHOTOGRAPHS
Brad Feinknopf

AREA
2408 ft²

YEAR
2020

LOCATION
Glen Spey, United States

CATAGORY
Landscape Architecture, Houses

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

Text description provided by architect.

This retreat in Glen Spey, New York, composed of four semi-connected pavilions, focuses on spirituality and meditation.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

After years of intimate involvement with their Buddhist community in upstate New York, the spiritually-minded clients decided to plant roots closer to their Glen Spey temple.

The expansive site, on 115 wooded acres, was chosen for its proximity to the temple, a short stroll away on the adjacent lot.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

The siting of the home was driven by three distinct benchmarks: the temple, the sun, and a creek that runs through the middle of the property.

Bringing the deeper purpose of the residence into focus, the home’s meditation space is oriented directly on axis with the temple.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

The living room is oriented due south, maximizing sun exposure and taking advantage of both sunrise and sunset views. The main bedroom, enjoying a southeastern exposure, aligns with views of the creek.

Through schematic design collaboration, the clients gravitated towards a concept that would pull apart the volumes they required – the main bedroom, living room, guest suite, and meditation space – into four distinct pavilions.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

The autonomous pavilions are linked together by corridors, creating a juxtaposition of vacant and occupied space – the void versus the filled.

Beyond functional corridors, the transitional spaces between the pavilions are also visual corridors, offering clear sightlines through the home.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

With a concrete slab cantilevering over the foundation wall, the pavilions appear to float weightlessly off the ground, embodying a delicate air of lightness.

Natural stone was chosen for the exterior of the four pavilions, much of which came from the site itself.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

Sourced in its natural form, the raw material varied wildly in size and shape from small stone fragments to sizable boulders.

The design and treatment of the meditation pavilion, differentiated from the other three volumes, reflects its central role in the clients’ lives.

A floating roof extends over this pavilion, strengthening its vertical presence, and allowing for the inclusion of clerestory windows below.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

Unlike the other pavilions, windows were dramatically scaled back in the meditation space – minimizing distraction and keeping the focus squarely on tranquility and meditative peace.

Upon entering the space, a thangka – a colorful Buddhist painting – is prominently centered on the wall, flanked by two smaller windows on either side.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

Instead of being directly confronted by large expanses of glass, the thangka’s commanding presence makes it immediately clear that space is about meditation – the clients’ spiritual practice.

Clerestory windows, beneath a wood-clad ceiling, allow light to flow into space without overtly making the windows or view a focal point.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf

The remaining interior spaces are kept quiet, cozy, and modest. Minimizing clutter and thinking critically about daily routines, smart organizational solutions are incorporated to simplify the couple’s lives and encourage mental clarity.

Whether engaging in meditative practice or embarking on a ritualistic walk through the woods to the temple, the clients’ tranquil retreat celebrates spirituality as a guiding force in their lives.

Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf


Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
© Brad Feinknopf


Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Concept
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Axonometric


Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Sketch Model


Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Floor Plan
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Sketch


Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Site Plan
Tranquil Abiding Retreat
Site Plan