Forest Refuge, Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA

large3.jpg
large2.jpg
med1.jpg
med2.jpg
med3.jpg
med4.jpg
forest-staffhousing.jpg

Project Details

Design Team
Sheldon Pennoyer  AIA LEED AP
David O’Neil  AIA
C. O'Connell
P. Levasseur
D. McConaghy
 
Landscape Architect
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
 
Contractor
North Branch Builders, Henniker, NH
 
Photography
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