Crestone
Retreat
Amphitheater
Much of Shumei’s philosophy is based on a reverence for nature and
beauty. Because of the organization’s respect for the environment,
the utmost care was taken to insure that the design and construction of
the Shumei Crestone Center will have a minimal impact on its natural surroundings.
Wherever possible, sustainable materials were used. Before the plans for
the complex were made final, computer models were used to make sure that
the orientation of the buildings and the placement of their windows allowed
for the most sunlight and warmth throughout the year. A ventilation system
that makes use of natural airflow will be employed to alleviate the need
of more energy consuming forms of cooling and air conditioning. The Center’s
electrical power will come from photovoltaic panels, with county utility
sources used as a back-up system. Heat will be supplied by solar collectors.
Straw, one of the best insulating materials and one of the oldest known
to mankind, was employed extensively to buffer against Crestone’s
harsh winters. In a compacted form, straw bales are not only one of the
finest insulation materials but also highly fire resistant.
Some of the buildings on the site are partially buried in the surrounding hillsides to insure that they have even thermal qualities and visually blend with their surroundings. The structures' roofs are covered with a recently developed zinc composite, which will not release harmful chemical residues into the environment from rainwater run off.. In addition, the zinc covering’s grayish color make the structures visually unobtrusive in the natural setting of the complex.
The initial plans for the Shumei Crestone Center included a sanctuary, a food service and meeting hall, a caretaker residence, an outdoor amphitheater, a greenhouse, and a small Natural Agriculture garden. The food service center has a large root cellar to store produce from the Natural Agriculture garden so that the need for conventional refrigeration is kept to a minimum. The quarter-acre Natural Agriculture plot will be both an experimental and kitchen garden for residents and guests. Up to eight people can be accommodated in the caretaker residence, with the basement of the sanctuary serving as a fulltime quarters for one resident. Shaded by nylon sail material, the amphitheater will be used for lectures, symposia, and cultural events.
Shinji Shumeikai not only wishes to conserve the natural splendor of Crestone but also preserve its historical heritage. Located on the former site of a 19th century gold mine, the Shumei Center will incorporate into its design a century old stone wall built by poor immigrants for the mining company. Recently restored by Shumei volunteers from Japan, the wall will stand as a tribute to the hard labor of America’s immigrant ancestors.
The Shumei Crestone project was designed and managed by Shinji Shumeikai of America member, Laurence Deutsch, in association with PEH Architects, Peter Heinz, Principal, of Boulder, Colorado.
* For more information about Shumei, its philosophy, and activities, please see www.Shumei.org.