Samsara Lodge

Samsara is a Buddhist term for the cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound. This guided the design of the project.

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian landscape, the Samsara Lodge is the perfect getaway for people of all ages. Situated on the western edge of Lac à Vézina, this unique location provides easy access for guests arriving at the park, as well as capturing picturesque views of the park’s assets. The building’s layout was designed as a radial plan with a check-in space and gift shop for incoming and outgoing guests at its centre. Branching off from the central circulation space are four programmed wings. This unique layout allows for all programs to remain separate while minimizing cross-traffic. The overall shape of the building mimics the vernacular of a fallen tree, with its base rooting into the ground with a trunk at its core. The low sloping roofs pay homage to the rolling hills of the area, allowing for the resort to blend seamlessly into the landscape. The trunk serves as the pinnacle of the design; housing a 25-metre observation tower, capturing 360-degree views of the Park.

Jay S. Lim, Sandra Baran, Matthew Beerman, Simaza Najji, 25:8 Architecture + Urban Design

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