A sculptural volume of curved shapes and sinuous outline
Ellipsicoon is the name of the pavilion that the Dutchman Ben van Berkel, from UNStudio , has designed for the company specializing in prefabricated construction, Revolution Precrafted . A sculptural volume of curved shapes and sinuous outline, which through elliptical openings on its surface —with which views are framed and natural light is allowed to enter— perfectly blends interior and exterior. Digitally designed and handwoven by skilled artisans, with 100% recyclable high-density polyethylene(HDPE), has been conceived as a resting space for the mind. “I wanted to create a refuge with a timeless character, which goes beyond the everyday and where day-to-day worries disappear”, explains the architect. Inside, slightly raised above ground level, the woven skin that envelops the entire volume works interchangeably as a floor, wall, ceiling or a large bench where you can sit and rest.
UNStudio — the dutch architecture practice led by ben van berkel — has designed a mobile structure conceived as a place of rest, retreat, and mindfulness. the project forms part of the revolution precrafted pavilion series, a collection of structures whose wide variety of functions are designed to complement existing spaces. constructed from strands of 100% recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the project was designed and developed digitally, before being handwoven by highly skilled craftsmen.
titled ‘ellipsicoon’, the UNStudio-designed pavilion is a detached, secluded space for solitary moments of rest, reading, contemplation, or even a cocoon-like theater for conversation and communication. the structure’s curved sides taper inwards as they rise, with the rounded openings blurring the boundary between internal and external space. inside, a sunken seating area follows the fluid contours of the space.
‘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,’ explains ben van berkel, founder and principal architect of UNStudio.‘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.’
the pavilion is constructed from strands of 100% recyclable high-density polyethylenethe structure’s curved sides taper inwards as they rise
the project was designed and developed digitally rounded openings blur the boundary between internal and external space. A sunken seating area follows the fluid contours of the space
project info:
name: ellispsicoon pavilion, 2015 – 2018 UNStudio: ben van berkel with ren yee and philipp meise, peng wang client: revolution precrafted, manila location: non site-specific dimension: 5.70m l x 4.10m w x 2.60m h floor area: 15 sqm materials: woven strands of 100% recyclable high-density polyethylene program: limited edition retreat pavilion status: completed