ELLIPSICOON | UNSTUDIO
Introducing Ben van Berkel / UNStudio’s Ellipsicoon – part of the REVOLUTION PRECRAFTED pavilion series.
A place of rest, retreat and mindfulness, the Ellipsicoon creates a tranquil nomadic extension to the home: a detached, secluded space of immersion in nature.
Description is provided by the architect. Inside-outside, light and shade, open and closed, the Ellipsicoon offers a tranquil space for either solitary moments of rest, reading or contemplation, or a cocoon-like theatre for conversation and communication. The Ellipsicoon pavilion is a space for the mind, for moments of ephemeral escape, for rumination or for simply being.
Designed and developed digitally, then handwoven by highly skilled craftsmen, the continuous sculptural surface of the pavilion is constructed from strands of 100% recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
The curved sides of the structure taper inwards as they rise, enabling the rounded openings to facilitate moments of being simultaneously both inside and outside – physically and intimately connected to the surroundings and to nature, whilst wrapped and enclosed by the soft, continuous curves of the woven structure.
Upon crossing the threshold the user stands slightly above ground level, after which a sunken seating area offers enclosed and semi-enclosed space, with built-in seating that follows the fluid contours of the space. Here differently proportioned elliptical openings frame views to the surroundings whilst providing daylight to the interior.
“I have long been interested in exploring spaces which extend function to replace the reality of the everyday with the potential for more nuanced, reflective experiences. The Ellipsicoon offers a place of temporary disengagement, where the practicalities, duties and interruptions of daily life can momentarily fade and the imagination can take over.”
Ben van Berkel
The Ellipsicoon was designed as part of the REVOLUTION PRECRAFTED transportable pavilion series: Revolution Precrafted Pavilions are collectible structures, whose wide variety of functions are designed to complement existing spaces.
Project Details
Client: Revolution Precrafted, Manila
Location: non site-specific
Dimensions: 5.70m L x 4.10m W x 2.60m H
Floor area: 15m2
Materials: woven strands of 100% recyclable high-density polyethylene
Program: limited edition retreat pavilion
Status: completed
Credits
UNStudio: Ben van Berkel with Ren Yee and Philipp Meise, Peng Wang
