Wapiti Zen Energy
William Tabberson Architects · Cody, WY
Overview
The Genius Loci of the Shoshone River valley uses the fourth dimension of architecture, time. This tranquil landscape has existed and will exist for thousands of years. This residence and workshop in Wapiti sits in front of the deeply eroded mountains at the East entry to Yellowstone National Park. The powerful Zen Energy inside and outside that we have captured anchors this residence and workplace forever part of the land.
The rising sun beyond and mountain slopes, the sound of rushing water from the nearby river, an open natural landscape; the morning begins with a habitual migration of the biggest and grandest species of deer. The elk, also known as wapiti, begin their peaceful morning saunter down the mountain and across the sprawling natural landscape to have a drink from the Shoshone River. This is a tranquil life in Wapiti. Located along the south edge of Yellowstone National Park, the Wapiti home expresses an architectural understanding of the structure and materiality of this natural environment. The structure was carefully placed in front of the mountains so the structure would become an integral part of that landscape and weather and develop a patina with the landscape. The upper main level of the interior was developed as a horizon line with a series of large windows framing the intersection of earth and sky. At the east end a raised outdoor space captures the axis mundi, this vertical axis completes the Zen connection to the heavens in this timeless landscape. Using wood and metal materials, the natural color palette and weathering properties of these materials create a sense of harmony between the natural and built environment and anchors the residence and workshop in the land.
Gallery