KAOS architects has completed the pilgrims’ house in south-eastern estonia, within the ruins of a 14th-century castle. the site in vastseliina, which used to be a popular pilgrimage destination after a miracle was reported to have occurred there in 1353, has now been revived as an experience centre to showcase the medieval mode of living.

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia

the building jutting out towards the valley

all images courtesy of KAOS architects

 

 

the concept of the pilgrims’ house has been shaped by the historic location, the picturesque scenery and the meditative realm of pilgrimage. the building is nestled into the slope and designed by KAOS so as to avoid blocking the view of the castle ruins. the modern building is distinguishable though respectful to the old, and remains partly veiled by the greenery during the summer period.

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia

view to the entrance

 

 

for the architect, this building was a pilgrimage to an architectural vision delicately balanced between imitating the historical atmosphere and responding to modern conventions. this has resulted in a notionally medieval touch, featuring high rooms and doors, seemingly mural stairs and secret niches, brick floors and plastered interior walls. the small window apertures here and there in the mostly solid walls, reminiscent of early castles, offer scenic views, the finest of which are framed by larger windows.

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia

exterior view

 

 

the reddish brown weathering steel fabric of the pilgrims’ house is aimed at toning in with the red brick and granite of the castle ruins. the ascetic minimalism of the interior invites the guest to stay in the moment and retreat from the world’s hustle and bustle for a while. the general monochrome aesthetics let the old and the modern blend into each other. on the walls, black-and-white graphics inspired by old engravings serve as windows into the medieval world.

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia

the entrance amidst the castle ruins

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia

view from the road

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia
the chapel

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia
room for games and drinks

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia
room showing how pilgrims slept

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia
the baths

KAOS architects clads the pilgrims house with weathered steel in estonia

view of the baths

 

 

project info:

 

project name: ‘the pilgrims’ house’

architect: KAOS architects

location: vastseliina, estonia

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom