prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

 

the small ‘thought cell forest’ offers a place for mental seclusion from the outside world, designed by american-based visual artist jiri prihoda, the site is in the middle of two contrasting landscapes: situated on the edge of a cedar and oak forest and suburban housing sprawl in austin, texas. constructed from modular parts the 2.4m x 2.4m enclosure is easily disassembled and transported to another location. the space is intended for concentrated thinking similar to medieval monk cells, which were traditionally equipped with only a very small window and dark interior.

 

the ‘thought cell forest’ on the other hand features a a diagonal wall on the north side to capture the maximum amount of sunlight possible. scattered light filters through from the forest above onto the white painted interior, enlivening the space. the small shelter is equipped with a single table anchored onto the side walls and a chair – it is free from clutter or technology. the ceiling’s opening is made from a polyacrylic sheet, which provides similar levels of light as thermo-insulated double glass. the skylight is the only visual access to the outside world, increasing the building’s sense of seclusion and respite.

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
view from above
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
sezonal creek nearby
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
north view
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
south view with the creek
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
cell entrance
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
working desk
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
working desk noon
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
working desk evening
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
entrance with the creek
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
long cross section
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

prihodadwellings: thought cell forest in austin texas
ground plan
image © jiri prihoda

 

 

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.