THIRD PRIZE WINNER!
Dylan Baliski
Canada
Dylan Baliski is an architecture student who recently completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Dundee in Scotland. Currently, he is interning at Henning Larsen in Copenhagen.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction
I am an architecture student who recently completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Dundee in Scotland. I am currently interning at Henning Larsen in Copenhagen. When conceptualising this project, I was inspired to think beyond just a 'building' and place myself in a situation where I could describe a building that would put my mind at peace. This thought eventually manifested itself in The Abomination Tea House.
Design Concept
The Abomination Tea House is a daring architectural marvel suspended between the rugged cliffs of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri, Hokkaido, Japan. This 3D-printed retreat, named for its bold departure from traditional design, serves as a sanctuary for mental well-being, embodying the essence of innovative, healing spaces. The retreat is an ethereal blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and futuristic technology, meticulously crafted to provide an oasis of tranquillity and rejuvenation.
Stretching precariously between two cliffs, the Abomination Tea House appears to defy gravity, creating a dramatic, awe-inspiring silhouette against the natural backdrop. The structure of the tea house will be a composite carbon fibre tensile material that stretches to meet the jagged cliff face. Numerous iterations were experimented with based on parametric scripting before settling on one that fits the specific geography.
The design embraces unconventional geometry with a strategically placed opening to frame breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, specifically the sunsets of Hokkaido. This opening is not merely a window but a portal to the ever-changing drama of Hokkaido's seasons, from mist-shrouded mornings to vibrant autumns and snow-laden winters. Inside, the tea house is a sanctuary of simplicity and elegance. The main space is dedicated to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a practice known for its meditative and calming effects. The minimalist interior, adorned with soft textiles, encourages introspection and relaxation. Integrated seating areas are designed for individual contemplation and intimate gatherings, fostering community and shared healing.
The tea house's suspended nature paradoxically elevates the concept of healing, inviting visitors to explore new heights of mental clarity and peace. Entering the abomination provides a sense of discovery and wonder, echoing the journey through a rabbit hole into an otherworldly realm.
The Abomination Tea House, with its bold design and innovative use of technology, transcends traditional architecture to create a transformative experience. It is a powerful testament to architecture's potential to heal and inspire, offering a unique retreat where individuals can reconnect with themselves and the natural world.
Architectural Innovation
A Tea House in mid-air? It can't be!? But through the power of paper, it did become a reality. I wanted to create a space that would truly envelop the surrounding environment, and there was no better way to do so than to place it above it all.
Social Impact
While being suspended in nature, there is nothing else to consider other than yourself and the environment. This creates a meditative state through which a cognitive healing process can manifest itself. The organic form of the tea house further allows the mind to be at ease with its organic curves determined by the environment itself.
Creative Process:
The proposal's development is based on material experimentation with fabrics and solids. The final development models included iterations with varying quantities of plaster and concrete fitted to a tensile nylon base.
Community Engagement
A tea house in such a remote and hidden location is an escape. You are literally suspended in mid-air. As well as being an architectural attraction for visitors, it also allows an escape from the bustle and stress of the city.
Inspirations and Challenges
Nature, and more specifically, mountains, provide the basis for many of my designs. Their extreme geometry allows for easy contrast between it and the architectural form.
Reflections on Winning:
I am honoured to be recognised for this project. Competitions like Into the Rabbit Hole are an outstanding way to further develop your design skills and experiment to your heart's content. Congratulations to all the winners!
Checkout our Latest Competitions
