Forest Temple

The forest temple is a nondenominational meditative space nestled within Canadian woodlands in Caledon, Ontario. Nourished by the life, light, and sounds of the forest, the temple emerges in the wood to offer a gathering space. The funnel-like roof structure siphons natural daylight, that otherwise trickles through neighbouring tree branches, and illuminates the interior of the temple, connecting the earth to the sky. Comprised out of twin ‘nests’, the forest temple is in part inspired by a birds nest - channelling a similar feeling of belonging, rest, and nourishment.

The Forest Temple is constructed out of a lightweight lattice nest which follows a regular, repeatable, non-parametric pattern for ease of constructability. The dome structure that supports the nest is constructed in a triangulated timber glue-laminated diagrid consisting of straight beams concealed with steel connectors. A double-glazed triangular flat sheet window system then envelops the timber diagrid. The domed sanctuary is then encircled by a one storey vestibule to protect visitors from the variable climate, allowing the temple to be accessed throughout all seasons. The interior lattice is then suspended from the dome structure using 4-inch square timber segments crafted from small profile Canadian timber. This creates an opportunity for visitors to contribute wood from across the country, uniting the community through construction. The exterior lattice is self-supporting and constructed of regularly available, digitally printed fiberglass-reinforces composite stone.