Forest Refuge, Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA
Project Details
Design Team
Sheldon Pennoyer, David O’Neil, Chris O Connell, Peter Levasseur, Dawn McConaghy
Sheldon Pennoyer, David O’Neil, Chris O Connell, Peter Levasseur, Dawn McConaghy
Landscape Architect
James Heroux, Strata Design, Boston , MA
James Heroux, Strata Design, Boston , MA
Structural Engineer: John Born Associates, Cambridge, MA
Interior Design
Ellen Kambol, Windy Hill Associates, Feng Shui Consulting, New Boston, NH
Ellen Kambol, Windy Hill Associates, Feng Shui Consulting, New Boston, NH
Contractor
North Branch Builders, Henniker, NH
North Branch Builders, Henniker, NH
Photography
Landslides Aerial Photography, Cambridge, MA; Richard Mandelkorn Photography, Lincoln, MA
Landslides Aerial Photography, Cambridge, MA; Richard Mandelkorn Photography, Lincoln, MA
Forest Refuge, Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA
Embracing Quietude
Nestled in Barre’s serene pastures, the Forest Refuge serves as a tranquil haven for contemplation. Here, the Insight Meditation Society's ethos of quiet introspection is echoed in the low-lying architecture that melds into the tree line, offering a view that extends to Mt. Wachusett.
Harmony with Nature: Individual buildings that follow the contours of the land gradually rise up the hill. Porches and narrow glazed connectors frame the pastoral and wooded vistas, crafting a continual dialogue with the environment.
Design Features:
- Buildings designed for expansion potential
- Transition spaces reflecting the journey from outer to inner peace
- Low-impact, sustainable materials emphasizing serenity
Awards & Accolades:
• 2005 AIA NH Excellence in Architecture Award