Architects: STUDIOARO
Area: 200 ft²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Turtle Arts
Lead Architects: Aroty Panyang
State: Tamil Nadu
Country: India

Meditation Gazebo, designed by STUDIOARO, pays homage to the land’s heritage and the family that lived there, where a traditional holiday home once stood amid rich biodiversity. After replacing the old house with a modern residence, the gazebo was constructed as a symbolic and sculptural counterpoint to the minimalist design of the new home. Built using bamboo and cane, it features arches, ring beams, and a skylight for natural light and ventilation, with intricate latticework enhancing its organic aesthetic. Treated bamboo, sourced and preserved by STUDIOARO, ensures durability for decades, reflecting the studio’s commitment to creating sustainable and inspiring modern bamboo architecture.

The true essence of this project lies in the land it occupies and the family connected to it. For many years, the property served as a holiday retreat and a place to appreciate the surrounding rich biodiversity. When the family chose to establish a permanent residence, they replaced the traditional house with a modern home constructed near the original location.

The new house, while beautifully meeting the family’s needs, left a void in the landscape where the original home once stood. To address this, the bamboo gazebo was created as an unplanned tribute to the traditional home and its symbolic significance. In contrast to the modern minimalist design of the new residence, the gazebo was intentionally crafted to be more sculptural and ornate, adding a sense of richness and complexity to the site.

The gazebo was constructed using a variety of bamboo and cane, incorporating multiple arches and ring beams to establish a strong structural framework. Bambusa balcooa was split for flexibility and bundled to form the arches, while Bambusa tulda was utilized for the main roof structure and roof mats. Cane was added for finishing touches and detailed work. The design includes three upper openings for light and ventilation, while a skylight, added during construction, enhances the interior by illuminating the intricate latticework geometry.

Bamboo is widely available across India, but sourcing high-quality material that is harvested at the right time and properly treated is a significant challenge. For contemporary bamboo structures designed to endure for many years, these factors are crucial. Recognizing this, many leading bamboo architecture firms globally, including STUDIOARO, manage the harvesting and treatment of their own bamboo to ensure the material’s quality and longevity.

The team at STUDIOARO, led by principal architect Aroty Panyang, includes skilled builders specializing in working with natural materials. They source high-quality, mature bamboo and treat it with naturally occurring salts, a preservation method that enhances its durability for several decades, making it suitable for permanent structures. This dedication to quality and longevity reflects the studio’s unwavering commitment to its clients.

The outcome is highly organic, showcasing one of the key benefits of building with bamboo. Contemporary bamboo structures also possess a distinct uplifting quality that is rarely achievable with conventional materials. According to STUDIOARO, the intricacy and capacity to evoke awe and wonder are among the most compelling features of modern bamboo architecture. The meditation gazebo exemplifies the beauty and versatility of bamboo, demonstrating its potential to create both functional and inspiring spaces.