![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3526698fa21731b00d42a7a1a3554ec3e75a0de443f9b523a150b16d62802ce7/Wells_Plan_Site-Plan-01.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3bb414ade39b51ad445cf452f69b80a0a8b2c8169565992a08233e43affca595/Wells_Plan_A_Ground-01.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c28f3e1174ad515a83cc5804eb144c9d92b5561acb347c21df7645850a837f05/Wells_Plan_B_Lower-Level-01.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1ffaf7f4a82b3c521eca3aa49178d3d8e2fdbb02f57e12bddfa3c0228ddb1f6b/Wells_Diagram_Figure-Ground-Sequence-01.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c512a98eab1b6f8ef6372a42902f3bddabfa9c83c33f16d4d353cb2fe86bc8dd/Wells_Section-1-01.jpg)
An existing site condition catalyzes the project: an abandoned and entirely subterranean concrete vault from the 1930s, discovered in a wooded area of a 36-acre (mostly) undeveloped inland property in the Hamptons. The vault is accessed through a barely visible at-grade hatch; thus the proposal is first a “well” in the manner it negotiates the earth - a stair bulkhead to an underworld.
As a structure, the Wells can be read as a sculptural mass of petrified wood and a fairy tale found object. Three cylindrical chambers comprise the program: a sound bath, a salt bath, and a sweat lodge. In addition to these three “wells”, the existing concrete vault is reprogrammed as a meditation and yoga room with changing area, shower, and water closet. The southern side of the vault has been excavated and glazed to allow morning light into a new sunken patio.
A strange figure-ground relationship exists between the above ground well-bulkhead-object, the cylindrical treatment chambers, and the excavation the sunken patio: mass, hollowed voids, reflected negative figures in the earth. The program is experienced in reverse; descend, sweat, bathe, and finally - listen.
As a structure, the Wells can be read as a sculptural mass of petrified wood and a fairy tale found object. Three cylindrical chambers comprise the program: a sound bath, a salt bath, and a sweat lodge. In addition to these three “wells”, the existing concrete vault is reprogrammed as a meditation and yoga room with changing area, shower, and water closet. The southern side of the vault has been excavated and glazed to allow morning light into a new sunken patio.
A strange figure-ground relationship exists between the above ground well-bulkhead-object, the cylindrical treatment chambers, and the excavation the sunken patio: mass, hollowed voids, reflected negative figures in the earth. The program is experienced in reverse; descend, sweat, bathe, and finally - listen.