Garden Folly: Retreat in the Forest

Location
Northern NSW, Australia
Year
2021 - 2026
Status
Completed
Filed under
Mixed-Use

Located on a rural property in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, this garden folly was designed for a client that sought a space that did not look like a conventional gym or auxiliary building. Envisioning an integrated architectural and sculptural piece that sits comfortably in the landscape, the folly is imagined as a glowing sculptural ribbon folding through a curated garden, peeling away to reveal what lies within.

A sculptural ribbon, peeling away to reveal what lies within.A sculptural ribbon, peeling away to reveal what lies within.
The internal space was conceived as a flexible room for wellness, exercise or simply gathering.The internal space was conceived as a flexible room for wellness, exercise or simply gathering.

A u-channel glass shroud wraps gently around the monolithic mass, softening and blending it into the gentle hill that it sits upon. In a location surrounded by panoramic hinterland views, the folly looks inward to create a quiet, serene space for training, stretching, and meditation.

The opening of the ribbon acts as a guiding line, pinpointing the entrance of the Folly.The opening of the ribbon acts as a guiding line, pinpointing the entrance of the Folly.
Details of the Garden Folly taking shape. 
Photography by Rowan Le Sueur.Details of the Garden Folly taking shape. Photography by Rowan Le Sueur.
The glass ribbon has a determined yet soft presence in the landscape. 
Photography by Rowan Le Sueur.The glass ribbon has a determined yet soft presence in the landscape. Photography by Rowan Le Sueur.
The gold form awaiting its protective glass ribbon. 
Photography by Clinton Weaver.The gold form awaiting its protective glass ribbon. Photography by Clinton Weaver.
The set of components that make up the Folly.The set of components that make up the Folly.
The glass u-channel pieces arriving at site.The glass u-channel pieces arriving at site.

Credits

Client
Confidential
Engineer
DW Knox & Partners
Builder
Cedar Creek Constructions
Photography
Clinton Weaver, Rowan Le Sueur

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