Cave Sanctuary, Al Hermel

In today’s fast-paced world, pausing to focus on our mental and spiritual well-being is essential. This cave sanctuary is designed to promote spiritual healing and transcendence, simulating the ascetic journey of a monk and guiding individuals towards self-transcendence. Located in a three-level cave on a cliff overlooking the Orontes River in Hermel, Lebanon, the site, known as the Cave of the Builders, Cave of the Girls, and Cave of the Monk, has a rich historical backdrop. In homage to this significance, the design incorporates seven stages inspired by the seven sacraments of the Maronite sect: Initial Awakening, Purification, Initiation, Illumination, Repentance, Self-Transcendence, and Eucharistic Living. Each stage facilitates self-understanding and spiritual growth, with the design and carving of spaces serving as a metaphor for inner excavation and personal transformation. The sanctuary uses excavated materials and riverbed clay, 3D-printed to create a facade that mimics natural cliff erosion. This design optimizes solar radiation control and indoor climate while fostering spirituality through carefully planned light patterns.