It’s leading-edge architecture of a more consumable variety. Revolution Precrafted, the high-profile producer of prefabricated homes and pavilions established by Filipino developer Robbie Antonio, has released its latest designer pavilion.

The Ellipsicoon by Ben van Berkel of UNStudio joins a stable of collectible structures designed by the likes of Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, Ron Arad, Daniel Libeskind, Sou Fujimoto, the Campana Brothers and Kengo Kuma. Each of these pavilions represents Revolution Precrafted’s aim to democratise ‘high design’ by making it accessible to a wider audience.

Ellipsicoon was designed to create a tranquil and secluded space for rest, reading and contemplation, or a cocoon-like theatre for conversation. It was designed and developed digitally, then hand-woven with fully recyclable high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The result is a continuous sculptural surface that curves and tapers, with rounded openings that allow the occupant to feel simultaneously outdoors and indoors.

Van Berkel refers to it as a ‘trans-scale’ project that incorporates an art intention, and architectural intention, and a product intention. It is not only a pavilion, he suggests, but also an art object.

He says: “I have long been interested in exploring spaces which extend function to replace the reality of the every day with the potential for more nuanced, reflective experiences. 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.”

Across the threshold, a semi-enclosed space with a raised floor area drops to a sunken seating area – a more enclosed area with built-in seating. Variously proportioned elliptical openings offer a variety of views. Says Van Berkel, “The combination of the view through the openings and the view toward the inside creates a double reading.”

The total floor area is 15 square metres, and the Ellipsicoon measures 5.7 by 4.1 by 2.6 metres. Van Berkel worked on the project with Ren Yee, Philipp Meise and Peng Wang.

See another UNStudio project that focuses on digital fabrication. This project was originally published on Indesignlive.sg.

Photos © Revolution Precrafted.

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