ChoZen

ChoZen is an eco-retreat nestled along the banks of the St. Sebastian river nature preserve in eastern Florida. The aim of the wellness center is to build a sustainable future for people and the environment in which we can all exist in harmony. RGA was engaged to investigate the future growth expansion for the property and conduct research regarding best methods of regenerative design to apply to the goals of enhancing the surrounding ecosystem and the local community as well as the international community. The program focused upon resting lightly on the gound with elevated floors, balanced daylighting with broad over hangs and screen porches, and cross ventilation in the form of a disengaged roof and screen porches. The design also considered factors such as remediation of disturbed land, native genetics and the edible agroforestry landscape. The project required a delicate balance between creating spaces where visitors could gather and enjoy the pristine natural environment communally as well as providing areas for retreat and complete solitude.