PRESS RELEASE
Germantown, Maryland
The US Zen Institute (USZI), located in Germantown, MD, is constructing a 2 story Relics Addition at the rear of its existing 2-story temple. Built in 1998, the existing Temple includes a main worship space, a dining hall, library and offices. The new Relics Addition will serve as a space for meditation, family memorial gatherings and columbarium.
W2W Design Studio was selected as the architect to design the addition. Among the main challenges of the project is creating an addition in a constricted site without modifying the existing temple, and finding ways to preserve meaningful, sacred building form using contemporary architectural language. The resultant connection between the existing temple and the new Relics Addition is articulated as an interior connecting hall on the first level, and an exterior deck with pergola on the second level. The relics addition is designed in the shape of an octagon, symbolizing the Eightfold Path of the Buddhist religion.
The building’s interior has a unique, grand circular staircase with over 1,100 wood niches and energy efficient windows placed to maximize views and natural light. On the second floor, a cathedral ceiling with exposed forms is visible from the first-floor central space, where the Temple plans to have a sculptural display with unique lighting.
Construction is expected to begin later this year.
Credits
Architect: W2W Design Studio
Structural Engineer: JZ Structural Consulting
Civil Engineer: Design Engineering Inc
Mech Engineer: Friedman Engineering
Elect Engineer: Astute Engineering
FP Engineer: Columbia Fire Protection
Media Contact
Vivian Chih, Marketing Administrator
W2W Design Studio, LLC
T: 301-941-3766 x 4
E: vivian.chih@w2wds.com