ABSTRACT
Abstract
This paper presents a wellness retreat centre located at Jägala Waterfall in Estonia. The name of the project, The Veil of Reflection, is closely tied to its concept, which explores reflection both as a natural phenomenon—represented by the element of water—and as an inner journey. The project is intentionally designed as a sanctuary for physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Inspired by the surrounding forest and river, the design seeks harmony between the natural and built environment. The research methods are primarily based on environmental observation, site and climate analysis, traffic, accessibility and utility analysis, vegetation and water flow analysis, material and form experimentation, and references to architectural masters such as Peter Zumthor, Carlo Scarpa, Tadao Ando, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The philosophical foundation of the project lies in the concept of “sensory architecture,” strongly influenced by Juhani Pallasmaa’s The Eyes of the Skin (2005), which emphasizes the design of spaces that engage not only vision but also touch, sound, and scent. The functions of the centre are organized around the four natural elements—earth, water, air, and fire—each corresponding to a specific form of therapy. An essential aspect of integrating authenticity and cultural resonance is the incorporation of local traditions and ancient healing practices, such as metseravi (Estonian forest bathing therapy). With the aim of minimizing environmental impact, the centre is constructed using local limestone, timber, and concrete, allowing the building to become a natural extension of the surrounding forest by merging into the landscape rather than standing as a detached or incongruous object.
REFERENCES
References
Bachelard, G. (1994). The poetics of space. Beacon Press.
Norberg-Schulz, C. (1980). Genius loci: Towards a phenomenology of architecture. Rizzoli.
Pallasmaa, J. (2005). The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the senses. Wiley-Academy.
Scarpa, C. (1979). Architectural reflections (A. J. P. S. Prentice, Trans.). MIT Press.
Zumthor, P. (2006). Atmospheres: Architectural environments – Surrounding objects. Birkhäuser.