This project grew from a memorial garden previously designed in the far corner of a suburban backyard. It backs up against a light stretch of woods and glows with the summer light that washes through the surrounding trees. As a place for rest and contemplation, the section of open air blending this space with the neighboring lot needed to be altered. I proposed a pavilion that impeded views into the space and created a greater sense of peace and privacy.

Designed in an “L” shape, the pavilion enforces a guiding path that flows through the entire garden before reaching the final point of rest that looks back over the space. Louvres line the bench seating, blocking lines of sight from the street and the neighboring house while opening views from within to the surrounding trees. Likewise, sun shading fabrics let in the morning light, glowing in the sun while obstructing views from beyond. Trees press into the structure with branches hangingdown around the partial enclosure, adding an extra layer of protection with thick leaves in the summer. Lifted into the branches, the resulting nest pushes the suburban world away and allows the wind brushed trees to dominate the sounds and views from within.

Designed and built independently over the course of a summer, this project is an ongoing model to learn from and build on.