SITE
Camlez, France

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STATUS
Built Project 

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TEXT

Stones and earth are moved along a stream to form a washing pond, or lavoir in French. Hugged by bedrock from one side and a talou on the other, the new vessel of water forms a continuation of existing ponds within the valley. Two of them sit as ancient ruins along the stream, once used as pools to wash laundry by hand. Surrounded by forest, the pools now offer a place of reflection.

 

The new addition of a third lavoir suggests an intent, a gesture, and an ethos. Limiting the construction materials to only locally sourced materials, the project emerges as an extension of its surroundings.  Remaining mindful of the future decomposition, the built form aims to create a dialogue around frugality, contextual thinking and agricultural histories.