The Cocoon is a wind shelter designed and built during a 12-day architecture workshop called ARKNAT. The site’s location holds a significant history of lime mining, evident through the remnants of the now-defunct lime kilns. Currently, the site forms an integral part of a hiking trail, necessitating the provision of a wind shelter to shield hikers from the elements of strong winds and rain. The project brief also stipulated that the shelter should be capable of accommodating four people for overnight sleeping arrangements.

Team members: Elsa Brynje, Gustav Marklund, Myrra Carlsson and Simon Rustas

Site Photos By: Elsa Brynje

Concept

Through our shelter, we wanted to highlight the rich history of lime mining in Östra Torp. Entering one of the defunct kilns was a spiritual experience, with the light pouring down the large ceiling dome. We wanted to capture the essence of this spatial experience that we shared as a group and express it through our shelter. The shape of the shelter is symbolic. It’s a cocoon: nurturing and life-giving. Inside this cocoon, you will experience warmth and safety, whilst being visually connected to nature and the rich history of the landscape it overlooks. 

Plan

Elevation

Section

Construction

The arched volume of the shelter is created by plywood encased in cedar shingles. The wood used for battens and flooring has been heat-treated with silicon, making it resistant to moisture. The “eyebrow” above the openings, formed with the shingles, helps divert water from the interior of the shelter.

Photos By: Tommie Ohlson