local timber shapes UNESCO biosphere shelter conrhenny in isle of man

Betty Laurincova and Michal Kotvan fuse culture and nature

The UNESCO Biosphere Shelter Conrhenny celebrates the union of nature, culture, and people on the Isle of Man. Realized by Slovak architects Betty Laurincova and Michal Kotvan, the shelter utilizes locally sourced timber to harmonize with its surroundings and offers scenic views of Douglas Bay, serving as a focal point for connecting with the island’s biodiversity. Positioned at the junction of two pedestrian paths, one of its walls is semi-open, offering an enhanced overview and a sense of safety. The roof, a script-generated dome, disrupts the symmetry of the basic geometry by subtracting an ellipsoid from a simple form made of 100x100mm timber profiles. An integrated ramp completes the square footprint.

all images courtesy of Betty Laurincova

UNESCO Biosphere Shelter sits in Conrhenny woodlands

Betty Laurincova and Michal Kotvan have sited the Conrhenny Shelter, or Kemmyrk Choan Rhennee, within the Conrhenny Community Woodland in the Isle of Man. This island was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere in 2016 and is the only entire nation Biosphere, including all land and its territorial sea. The shelter’s open front offers panoramic views across the capital Douglas and the bay, providing a serene space for reflection amid nature. Locally and sustainably sourced timber from DEFA’s St John’s Sawmill was employed to preserve the existing terrain with ground screws, while Pioneer Carpentry and Construction assembled the puzzle pieces of the distinct structure.

The shelter emerged from an invitation in 2019 to celebrate the intertwining of arts and culture with the island’s well-being and sense of place within the Biosphere. The architects’ winning design garnered praise for its environmental consciousness throughout the conceptualising, design, and construction phase. Its development is part of the National Development Strategy for Culture and the Arts, with Culture Vannin, Isle of Man Arts Council and the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture working together. Part of this project is a Biosphere Fairy Trail, a game for young visitors in the adjacent young forest. The trail invited children to discover five creatures and their houses, each carved by local artist Henry Neville Wood.

UNESCO Biosphere Shelter Conrhenny intertwines nature, culture, and people on the Isle of Man

shaped from locally sourced timber

the roof, a script-generated dome, disrupts the symmetry of the basic geometry

the intricate dome is created by subtracting an ellipsoid from the pavilion’s simple form

eralized by Slovak architects Betty Laurincova and Michal Kotvan

the shelter’s open front offers panoramic views across the capital Douglas and the bay

a serene space for a moment of reflection amid nature

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project info:

name: UNESCO Biosphere Shelter Conrhenny
architecture: Betty Laurincova and Michal Kotvan

location: Isle of Man

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom