Our Projects
Ongoing Projects
Art Studio
While staying at the Tree during the summers of 2019 and 2020, Lynne had a vision to become more permanently ensconced at the retreat centre. Around that time, Ian had been designing a concept model of a permanent artist’s residence for the Tree. Lynne, an artist, and Ian, a visionary, established a collaboration to manifest a unique structure where Lynne could have a space to reside and create while in Newfoundland. This space could also be shared with other artists by providing a retreat space for inspiration and creativity, when she is not using the space.
The wooden structure is based on the principles of sacred geometry, inspired by the “Breath of the Compassionate” design; an eight-pointed star geometric pattern. The two story, eight-sided, post and beam structure uses an eight-pointed star pattern that is cleverly embedded on the interior to provide structural support and integrity, as well as aesthetic appeal. This project is a labour of love of many who have spent untold hours of cutting, barking, staining, shaping, carving, and placing each log and milled lumber, most of which has been harvested directly from the property.
Ian's house
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Solarium
Sauna
Other Features at TOL
Off-The-Grid Energy:
TOL is entirely off-the-grid, utilizing micro hydro and solar power. We have an eight-month seasonal gravity-fed water supply and plant-based reedbeds waste disposal systems. The main building (Kabbalah) features a large masonry wood heating unit, also known as a Russian Fireplace. Future plans include adding a solarium with solar hot water capacity adjoining the south end of the main building.
The Tree of Life (TOL) maintains organic gardens, herb gardens, a greenhouse, berry bushes, and fruit trees. We participate in a small-scale composting project and generate our own mulch to enhance gardening skills, self-sufficiency, and food security. Our ongoing landscaping efforts include maintaining a local ‘fog forest’ hiking trail.
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TOL’s construction features traditional building methods such as extensive post and beam design based on sacred geometry patterns. We source lumber from demolished buildings and waste lumber. We generate our own lumber from our bandsaw mill. Repurposing old lumber involves labor-intensive processes like de-nailing, planing, sanding, and routering. We apply principles of thermal mass to store heat in winter and keep buildings cool in summer. For insulation, we recycle sawdust and wood shavings from the sawmill, adding a small portion of hydrated lime to prevent insect infestations. Our building achieves efficiency while reducing the overall construction footprint. Use of natural stone and pebbles for landscaping and special applications.
Beekeeping:
TOL hosts several colonies of honeybees and aims to increase honeybee capacity. We are continually learning how to raise and tend to honeybees in the Newfoundland climate, driven by a love of beauty and the beauty of love.