Hermitages

There is a moment when the scale of any natural landscape is overwhelming. Yet at such moments, we can achieve an extreme sense of self. In these hermitages, architects Bates Maher have carefully begun to explore the idea of architecture helping to negotiate this territory. 3 of the 4 hermitages have sunk their sand-blasted, concrete feet into a mountain and are linked by a stepped and raked circular path. They all have the same golden hue, folded form, thick front door and external wall; yet each is made distinct by claiming a private view of the valley. The character of the interior though is somewhat unexpected. Conceived as a contrast to the rough exterior, the shiny, white, plaster interior fails to assert itself to the point where it demands a kind of monastic, frugal, minimalist occupation. Built for comfort and fully equipped with TV and internet access, it seems unfortunate that the old idea of "getting away from it all", could now really mean getting away from "them" all.