Meristem is a chapel designed by UK architect Philip Hurrell and Vancouver-based firm MOTIV Architects.
The brief for this project was to create a space of quiet contemplation, spiritual refreshment and resilience away from the frenzied activity of the world, a place to focus on simplicity and harmony with the earth. The farm site is owned by A Rocha - an environmental stewardship organization that promotes conservation science, education, sustainable agriculture and spiritual growth.
The chapel is named Meristem, a tissue found in plants that functions to begin the growth of new cells and seedlings at the tip of roots and shoots.
The design draws inspiration from the towering conifers that surround it. The structure (plywood and 2x6 nail lam panels) is 100% salvaged wood from buildings deconstructed less than 200m from the site, hand carted to the site, cleaned and erected with standard hand tools.
The interlocking nail-laminated-timber (NLT) moment-frame structure is exposed on the interior framing a simple contemplative space. This structure is the finish - sanded by members of the client group - creating a calming, naturally bright and warm space for contemplation. The tiny space is flexible for future alternate uses. Gaps at the top of these steep, interlocking components create 12 skylights along the ridge of the structure.
From the outset the client demanded that this project have the lightest touch, being located adjacent to a salmon bearing stream that the client organization has been actively restoring with native vegetation and stream care for the past 20 years. The new structure rests on a decades-old cistern with no other impact on the surrounding landscape but a stone step at the door
The location of the chapel required all material to be delivered to the site by hand, leaving minimal impact on the adjacent river and wetlands. A light frame deck was constructed adjacent to the cistern to provide a laydown area for the 2x6 frames as they were constructed in cassettes and raised into place. This platform was removed, leaving nothing but the original cistern touching the ground. Invasive species were removed during construction and replaced with native species cultivated in nurseries on site.
The building is heated with a single electric infloor radiant panel beneath its stone floor finish and is insulated with rockwool. Towering trees shade the building in summer and operable windows provide user-controlled ventilation.
The exterior is clad in simple cedar shingles that will weather like the bark of the adjacent forest as it ages and reference the historic buildings of the farm site.
View Original