Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates, STUDiO LOiS
Area: 141 m²
Year: 2018
Photography: Erieta Attali, David Schreyer
Design Team: Satoshi Adachi, Katsuhito Komatsu, Sarah Marquert, Barbara Poberschingg, Mario Huber
Client: Das Kranzbach
City: Krün
Country: Germany
The Meditation House in the Forest, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and STUDiO LOiS in Krün, Germany, was completed in 2018. This retreat, located near Neuschwanstein Castle, blends into its forest surroundings with 1,600 fir boards that filter light in a way inspired by “komorebi.” The design offers a tranquil space for yoga and meditation, while its subtle presence in the forest will change over time as the wood develops a natural patina.
“Wilderness is always a source of inspiration for me.”
Interview with Kengo Kuma of Kengo Kuma and Associates
Situated within the idyllic surroundings of the Bavarian forest, the project serves as a space for yoga and meditation, offering a tranquil retreat for guests of the renowned Das Kranzbach hotel.
The design thoughtfully integrates the building into its natural context, using local fir trees to create a seamless transition between the forest and the architecture.
The building is constructed using 1,600 hand-milled fir boards, each 30mm in width, arranged to mimic the appearance of twigs, which enhances the connection between the natural and built environments. This design approach not only responds to the site’s immediate surroundings but also embodies the concept of “komorebi,” the Japanese term for the dappled light that filters through trees. The play of light through the slats of wood brings the forest experience indoors, offering a serene environment for reflection and quiet. The structure’s understated presence in the forest will gradually evolve, as the natural patina on the wood brings it closer in appearance to its forested surroundings over time.
Despite the challenges posed by the remote location and lack of direct access, the project was realized with a deep respect for the landscape. The Meditation House stands as a quiet and subtle addition to the forest, its form and materiality carefully chosen to complement the natural beauty of the site.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Kranzbach 1, 82493 Krün, Germany
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
