Farah Faheem Architecture
(Selected Works)
-
(Services)
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture / Design
- Landscape
- Environmental Design / Engineering
- Site Administration / Supervision
Cairo, Egypt
Farah Faheem Studio
Registration ID: 7110
Tax ID: 769-638-716
(Title)
‘The Nest’ - Yoga House [Competition]
(Year)
2020
(Area)
281 sq
(Type)
YAC Competition Submission
(Location)
Portugal
(Firm)
KAL
(Role)
Project Co-Lead Architect
The Nest is envisioned as an architectural interpretation and Biomimicry of hanging bird nests, and a physical interpretation of Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese practice of ‘forest bathing’. The idea behind the concept is to create a natural structure that would seem to rise from within the pine forests of Serra de Estrela. Once inside the structure the space emulates the ease of walking through a forest under a high bed of trees, the serenity experienced from watching rainfall crashing down on a translucent ceiling, the peacefulness of being entirely aware of the natural processes, the movement of trees and birds and all the natural elements that surround you and the naturally slow passage of time. The challenge was to create a space that emulated the emotions while protecting its occupants from the natural elements.
The materials selected were those found to be most utilized by surrounding areas for ease of construction, cost-reduction and reduced environmental footprint; timber, steel and plaster-finished masonry walls, with the addition of poly carbonate panels for roofing and double-glazed windows for enhanced temperature control during the colder months of the year.
The bird’s nest secondary roof structure, though may seem complicated in design, is in fact quite simple in construction. The concept is based on the intuitive application of small and easy to install 5x5 cm thick timber sticks of varying but manageable lengths that are nailed together and on top of the main timber frame structure, with the support of some wire frames incorporated within the open spaces of the primary structure.
The passive design of the structure ensures consistent airflow through the spaces, and primarily through the unobstructed open plan of the yoga Shala on the top floor, providing ample ventilation for a comfortable and enjoyable indoor environment. The semi-translucent poly-carbonate roofing allows for filtered soft day-light to pass through the Shala, with the timber nest structure above filtering forest-like shadows through into the yoga space and to the common areas below. The secondary roof nest structure also acts as a larger canopy that provide additional shade onto both levels from strong and direct sunlight during the day.
The perforated semi-circular walls on the semi-enclosed ground floor plan are designed to create a playful walk-through experience for common areas. Housing built-in seating areas over the built-in planters, a spacious outdoor but protected kitchenette, a shaded and quiet reading nook, a large storage room and an indoor space to house two bathrooms, a changing area and two showers that overlook the private gardens in the back for a truly pleasurable showering experience. The design of the walls and their perforations both allow for daylight and natural air to flow easily through all the various spaces throughout the day.