Designboom_ The UnSoiled Pavilion by uau studio presents an exploration of nature’s cyclical processes, focusing on the plant life cycle—from soil to decomposition. Constructed from sustainable bamboo, the pavilion provides an educational experience centered on soil, seeds, growth, and regeneration. Situated at Villa Erba by Lake Como in Italy, UnSoiled was featured at Orticolario 2024, offering an immersive, informative experience that aligns with the surrounding environment. Designed with sustainability as a core principle, the pavilion highlights nature’s inherent beauty while promoting environmental awareness.

The pavilion’s design takes visitors on a concentric journey through the plant life cycle, with the final destination being the base of a living bamboo. The exterior structure, built with bamboo walls of varying heights, represents the plant’s adaptability and sustainability, reflecting the contours of local mountainous topography. Through this immersive space, UnSoiled facilitates a tactile exploration of plant life cycles.

UnSoiled project by uau studio curates an educational path along the structure of the pavilion. The journey begins at the Soil, Water, and Nutrients Station, which introduces the fundamental elements of plant life. Visitors engage with different soil types, observe water movement through transparent cylinders, and measure soil pH, gaining insight into the essential interactions of these components in supporting growth. The Seed Station emphasizes the diversity of local seeds. Visitors can examine different seed types, collect samples, and take home a piece of the region’s botanical diversity. The path continues to the Seeding and Germination Station, where guests can plant seeds in the soil and observe the initial stages of root growth and germination, fostering a deeper connection to plant development.

At the Growth and Flowering Station, plants at various stages of growth—from budding to flowering—are showcased. This space offers an opportunity to appreciate the vibrancy and complexity of plant life. The Maturation Station features a fully matured bamboo, encircled by benches that provide visitors with a space to pause and reflect in the tranquil setting of Villa Erba Park. The final stop, the Decomposition Station, illustrates the process of decay and renewal. Visitors can observe the organisms thriving within a decaying bamboo trunk, highlighting the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all living systems.

The pavilion’s design integrates both aesthetic and functional elements while prioritizing sustainability. The structure is supported by 127 OSB plywood hexagons, ensuring stability and durability. The 1,625 bamboo canes of varying sizes create an organic, dynamic appearance, reminiscent of a bamboo grove. Bamboo’s natural color and texture variations enhance the sensory experience, while its versatility supports sustainability and circularity. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource with a high annual yield. It acts as a carbon sink, capable of sequestering up to three times more CO₂ than hardwood trees, with a capacity of up to 50 tons per hectare annually. Additionally, bamboo’s lightweight nature reduces construction emissions by minimizing the need for heavy machinery.

The UnSoiled Pavilion offers a journey through the plant life cycle—from soil to fruit, and from decomposition to renewal. This experience enhances understanding of plant biology and fosters appreciation for the interconnectedness of life, emphasizing the beauty found in every stage of nature’s cycles.