Designed as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this timber frame pavilion at the Light Foundation in Greenville, Ohio, encourages an immersive outdoor learning experience. Built to promote values such as respect, responsibility, and accountability towards nature, the pavilion—known as Recreation Escape—offers young people a space to learn, grow, and connect with the natural world.
The structure is built on two interconnected platforms in a ‘Z’ shape, creating multiple seating and gathering areas that can function both independently and as a unified meeting space. This layout allows for separate activities to take place while still fostering a sense of community. Overhead, the classic king-post bent design and perimeter columns provide shelter while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment.
Crafted with a combination of digital and hand-finished timber joinery, the pavilion’s sturdy timber frame feels naturally at home within the wooded landscape. The stone bases of each column and steel tie rods add to the aesthetic, grounding the structure and enhancing its rustic charm. Recreation Escape serves as both a gathering place and a teaching tool, embodying the Light Foundation’s dedication to outdoor education and stewardship.
