William Lamson made this solarium out of 162 panes of caramelized sugar. Set on a remote hill, the translucent house is a place for quiet contemplation:
Like a mountain chapel or Thoreau’s one-room cabin, Solarium references a tradition of isolated outposts designed for reflection. Each of the 162 panels is made of sugar cooked to different temperatures and then sealed between two panes of window glass. The space functions as both an experimental greenhouse, growing three species of miniature citrus trees, and a meditative environment. In warm months, a 5x8 ft panel on each side of the house opens up to allow viewers to enter and exit the house from all directions. In addition to creating a pavilion like environment, this design references the architecture of a plant leaf, where the stomata opens and closes to help regulate the plants temperature. Set within the open the landscape, the house functions as a hybrid sanctuary at once evoking a plant conservatory, a chapel, and zen garden.
It would make a fine wedding chapel, don't you think?
Comments (1)
We spent $25,695 + $5,000 shipping on a custom tree house in 2009. It was delivered May 27, 2009. Too bad it had severe water damage, was water logged, cracked, has breaking off shingles and the door won't open because unsealed wood swelled up in the trunk that may or may not be actual redwood as promised. Nice.
They won't fix or refund it.
BUYER BEWARE.
This one is most likely going to court.