The Hermitage

Location: Secret

Investor: Private

A place hidden from the outside world. A fortress of calm, quiet and solitude; concealed by rocks and surrounding trees. A hermitage. A space for one to be alone, protected from a stranger's gaze, to rest, read and ruminate. A small structure provides a comfortable place to spend the night by the fireplace. Leaving the house in the morning, one sees the sun reflected in an outdoor bath. A path leads one along the fireplace and towards stone steps where an unrestricted view of the land opens up.

A tiny house. Heavy stone walls seem to be growing out of the ground and deep set metal windows frame views into the surrounding meadows. Inside, there is all the hermit needs. Warmth of the hearth, a comfortable bed and a modest kitchen. A skylight opens in the roof, bathing the room in soft light during daytime and later on letting one see the stars.

The fireplace is almost of a ritual nature. Lifted onto stone slabs, it is a place where the hermit roasts his supper and then sits, long into the night, meditatively gazing into the flames. It is accompanied by a stone bench to put the bread, mustard and beer. Just large enough, so that the hermit can stretch on top of it, after supper, and watch the sparks rise to the illuminated treetops.

Bathing outside is an essential part of a hermit life. Cold water is, depending on the weather, a mode of refreshment or an ascetic experience. Later in the year, when warm summer nights have gone and cold permeates the land, hermit builds a fire below the metal tub. A slight column of smoke rises from the chimney and steam collects above the water. The bath is drawn.

The Hermitage

Location: Secret

Investor: Private

Visualization: Lumion 11.0.2.