MASTERPLAN

The masterplan was set up in Penrith, in the Cumbria region east of the Lake District National Park in the UK. The project called The Last Vacation" is purposely designed to help and promote the elderly and end-of-life care systems, which are one of the main challenges in the region where there are a lot of elderly that live alone. By developing the project scheme, it can actually help the social issue while also boosting the economy through tourism, as the Lake District is famous for its tourism and nature. The design of the masterplan is divided into five main complexes, which are: 1) The Retreat is one of the main complexes in the masterplan for The Last Vacation project. It is designed to provide a comfortable and private living environment for end users. The retreat consists of a series of small individual units or villas arranged around a central courtyard, creating a sense of community and shared space. The villas are designed to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate the changing needs of the residents. They are equipped with modern amenities and technology to ensure a high standard of living. Each villa is surrounded by a private garden, providing a connection to nature and outdoor space for the residents. The retreat also includes communal facilities such as a restaurant, lounge area, and wellness center to promote social interaction and a sense of community among the residents. 2) The Temple of Contemplation is designed to provide a serene and peaceful environment for end users to reflect and connect with their spirituality. It is a multi-faith prayer space that can accommodate various religious and cultural practices. The space is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing for different seating arrangements and lighting conditions to cater to different practices and preferences. Natural light and views of the surrounding landscape are also incorporated to enhance the calming and meditative atmosphere of the space. 3) The ritual complex is an important part of The Last Vacation masterplan, providing a space for funeral services and ceremonies that can accommodate people from all religions and cultures. The design of the space is intended to be adaptable to different needs so that it can be customized according to the beliefs and traditions of the deceased and their families. The ritual complex is designed to create a peaceful and comforting atmosphere that supports the grieving process. It includes spaces for contemplation, reflection, and mourning, as well as areas for socializing and gathering. The design incorporates elements of nature and natural materials to create a sense of connection with the natural world and promote a sense of calm and tranquility. The space can also be used for other types of gatherings and events, such as memorial services, celebrations of life, and community events. It is an important part of the overall vision for The Last Vacation, providing a place for people to come together to honor the dead and support each other through the grieving process. 4) The catacomb in the Last Vacation masterplan is designed as a sustainable solution for handling human remains. Traditional burial practices often require significant amounts of land for cemeteries, which can be a challenge in densely populated areas. The catacomb offers a space-saving solution for handling the deceased. The Catacomb is designed as a vertical underground space with a series of pods that can accommodate multiple bodies at once. These pods are equipped with technology that helps speed up the natural decomposition process, which can take years. This technology uses a combination of heat, humidity, and oxygen to break down the bodies, leaving behind only bones. 5) The infrastructural farm in the Last Vacation masterplan is where all the energy production and cyclic production of resources are being produced and made. This complex is crucial to achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly system throughout the entire project. It includes facilities for renewable energy production, waste management, and water treatment.

1. THE LINE

The design of the facility incorporates a connection with the town center to provide accessibility and convenience to visitors. The underground passage linking Penrith Castle Ruins and Brougham Castle Ruins creates a unique and immersive experience for visitors to view death from a different perspective. This connection not only serves as a functional pathway but also as a symbolic one that represents the journey of life and death. Additionally, the proximity of the facility to the public transportation system, specifically the train, allows for easy access for visitors coming from different parts of the region.

PROCESSION

The use of lighting in the underground passage is designed to create a sense of guidance and hope for visitors as they make their way towards the facility. The light that penetrates the top ceiling creates a visual connection with the outside world, reminding visitors that life still exists beyond the darkness of the passage. Additionally, the inverted tombstones provide a powerful reminder of the dead who have come before and the legacy they leave behind. The design of the passage and the use of these elements come together to create a contemplative and reflective journey for visitors as they approach the facility.

2. RETREAT

The Retreat (Gateway Housing Scheme) is an important initiative that aims to provide housing for end-of-life care patients and the elderly community in Cumbria and the United Kingdom. The project is designed to emphasize palliative care and meet the specific needs of its residents, who may have a variety of disabilities and illnesses. The design of the retreat was carefully developed in consultation with experts in the fields of palliative care and building regulations. The goal was to create a space that not only meets the physical needs of its residents but also provides a peaceful and comfortable environment that promotes well-being and dignity. Some of the policies on building regulations and requirements that were taken into consideration during the design process include accessibility, safety, and hygiene. The retreat was designed to be accessible for people with all kinds of disabilities, with features such as wheelchair ramps, handrails, and accessible bathrooms. Safety measures were also put in place to ensure that residents are protected from harm, such as fire safety systems and secure doors and windows. Hygiene was also an important consideration, with features such as easy-to-clean surfaces and ventilation systems that promote good air quality.

CONCEPTUAL RETREAT ELEVATION

Acclimate architecture is an approach to designing buildings that adapt to the local climate and environmental conditions. In this case, the retreat has been designed to accommodate the potential for flooding by elevating the building above ground level. This not only reduces the risk of damage from floodwaters but also allows the water to flow underneath the building, creating a new habitat for native flora and fauna. By integrating water into the design, the retreat can offer a more natural and therapeutic environment for the end users. Additionally, the elevation of the building provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape and allows natural daylight to penetrate the space, enhancing the therapeutic journey for the end users.

3. SPIRITUAL

The Eden Walkway is an innovative extension of design that focuses on enhancing the experience of the end-users of the facility, particularly during their final times. The walkway is designed to promote healing and provide a therapeutic journey for its residents. It is built in such a way that it enhances circulation and interaction with the surrounding nature. One of the unique features of the Eden Walkway is that it is designed at different heights. This allows residents to experience different points of view of the site and the nature of Brougham Castle. The walkway provides a variety of experiences, from ground-level views to elevated perspectives, providing a sense of immersion in the natural environment. The design of the walkway takes into consideration the therapeutic benefits of nature, including the restorative effects of exposure to natural environments. The use of natural materials and colors helps to create a calming and soothing environment, further enhancing the healing potential of the space. The Eden Walkway is not only designed to provide a therapeutic journey for residents but also promotes physical activity, which can help improve overall health and well-being. The walkway encourages movement and engagement with the natural environment, promoting physical and mental health benefits.

SPIRITUAL HOT BATH

Hot baths are an important therapeutic element that can significantly enhance the experience of end-users in a care facility. The use of natural hot spring water from The Lake District provides a unique opportunity for residents to interact closely with a natural element—water—in a warm and relaxing environment. The natural spring water is fresh and refreshing, making it an ideal medium for hot baths. The warm temperature of the water helps to soothe and relax the body, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Additionally, hot baths have been shown to have benefits for blood circulation, which can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or circulation problems. The use of natural hot spring water also has potential therapeutic benefits for the skin, as the minerals and nutrients in the water can be absorbed by the skin, promoting a healthy and vibrant appearance.

4. FUNERAL RITUAL

Ritual space is an essential part of the development, providing a dedicated space for funeral services. The space is located in the existing ruins of Brougham Castle, which have been adaptively reused to signify the decay of architecture and the impermanence of life. The previous program of the castle, as a hall, has been maintained to strengthen the foundation of the proposed program in the building. This has allowed for the creation of a versatile space that is adaptable to cater to different religious and cultural funeral customs around the region. The design of the ritual space takes into account the needs and preferences of the end-users, with careful attention paid to the acoustics, lighting, and overall atmosphere of the space. The use of natural materials and subdued colors creates a calming and peaceful environment that is appropriate for the solemn occasion of a funeral service.

Interior View of Funeral Ritual Space

The image of the interior space of the Ritual Castle showcases a design that emphasizes the use of primitive and local construction techniques that focus on natural elements and materials such as stones, timber, and rustic materials. In addition to these materials, natural daylighting is an important aspect of the design, providing a source of light that is not only sustainable but also affects human behavior and emotions. Daylighting refers to the use of natural light to illuminate a space, and it can be achieved through the use of permeable and transparent materials in the construction of the building envelope. The use of permeable and transparent materials in the building envelope allows natural light to penetrate the space, creating a connection to the outdoors and providing a sense of openness and expansiveness. This can have a positive effect on human emotions, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. The use of natural daylighting in the ritual space can also create a connection to the cycles of nature, emphasizing the idea of the circle of life and death. The changing quality of natural light throughout the day and seasons can provide a visual representation of this cycle, creating a meaningful and symbolic space for funeral services.

CONCEPTUAL SECTION OF FUNERAL RITUAL

The programming of the ritual space is an important aspect of the development, providing a space that is functional and adaptable for different funeral customs and needs. The space includes a preparation area for the body as well as a main area for the funeral service itself. One of the key design elements of the ritual space is the integration of the new structure within the old structure of the castle. This integration represents a contrast between modern construction techniques and the historic materials used in the castle, highlighting the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have. The new structure has been carefully designed to complement the existing ruins, with materials and finishes that are sympathetic to the original castle. The result is a space that seamlessly blends the old and the new, creating a unique and meaningful environment for funeral services. In addition to the main areas for the funeral service and preparation, the ritual space also includes other programming elements such as a reception area, restrooms, and storage areas. These spaces have been carefully designed to be functional and accessible while also maintaining a sense of calm and serenity that is appropriate for the occasion.

5. THE CATACOMB

The entrance of the catacomb serves not only as a gateway to the afterlife but also as a transitional space that prepares visitors for the experience ahead. The design of the entrance reflects the overall concept of the retreat, which is to create a harmonious relationship with nature. The use of natural materials such as stones, timber, and earth-toned colors creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere. The entrance also serves as a connection point between the above-ground world and the underground catacomb. The descending pathway is designed to create different levels and experiences, providing visitors with a sense of discovery and exploration. As visitors reach the bottom of the pathway, they enter the catacomb space, where the bodies will be composted naturally with the help of composting substrates. The process creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow plants and other crops in the cyclic farming area. The bones are extracted and reused as construction material in the infrastructure of the retreat, creating a sustainable and regenerative system.

CONCEPTUAL SECTION OF THE CATACOMB

The underground catacomb is designed to have a series of spaces that cater to different functions related to the composting and extraction of bones. The composting pods are located at the entrance of the catacomb and serve as the first stage of the process, where the bodies will be placed in the pods and left to decompose naturally. Insect farming spaces are also located nearby to assist in the decomposition process by using insects that naturally consume decaying matter. The bones will then be extracted and moved to the storage and processing area, where they will be cleaned and prepared for reuse in construction and infrastructure. The spaces are designed to be functional and efficient while also providing a respectful environment for the deceased and their families. The lighting is minimal and subdued to create a somber and respectful atmosphere.

6. THE CYCLIC FARM

The Farm is an innovative concept that focuses on the cyclic production of materials and resources for the care facility. One of the key elements of The Farm is the use of sheep that originally inhabited the Brougham Castle compound as a source of food and wool for the retreat and other building insulation. The sheep will be carefully managed and bred for their meat, milk, and wool. The wool will be processed and used for insulation in the retreat and other buildings, providing a sustainable and renewable source of insulation. The use of natural wool insulation has many benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and a healthier indoor environment. In addition to the production of food and wool, the farm will also incorporate an anaerobic energy production system. The manure from the sheep will be collected and used in the anaerobic energy production system, generating power and energy for the heating and ventilation systems around the facility. This not only provides a sustainable source of energy but also helps to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of the facility.

CONCEPTUAL SECTION OF THE CYCLIC FARM

The drawing illustrates the programming of the cyclic farming system within the retreat, which aims to create a closed-loop system where all waste is repurposed for energy and resource production. The sheep that graze within the Brougham Castle compound are used as a food source, while their wool is used for insulation in the retreat's buildings. The manure from the sheep is used for anaerobic energy production, which generates power and energy for the heating and ventilation systems within the retreat. The waste produced during the energy production process is then repurposed as compost for the farming system, creating a sustainable cycle of energy and resource production. The programming of this system not only reduces the retreat's environmental impact but also helps to create a more self-sufficient and sustainable environment for the end users.