BIG SUR, CALIF. – Esalen Institute announces the selection of Arkin-Tilt Architects, an ecological planning and design firm, to renovate the Lodge on its main property and rebuild staff housing at Esalen’s South Coast Staff Village.

The historic Lodge is a beloved gathering place functioning as the heart of Esalen. The renovated Lodge will stay true to the spirit of the past while incorporating modern and evolutionary elements designed to sustain many future generations at Esalen.

The core dining area of the lodge was originally designed by the Swedish architect Lennart Palme built in 1939. This area will be largely preserved in the final redesign. South Coast Staff Village will provide more rooms for employees, many of whom take part in work-study programs vital to Esalen.

Founded by David Arkin, AIA, LEED AP, and Anni Tilt, AIA, the firm emphasizes integration of built and natural environments, as well as energy and resource efficient designs. The architects are experts in the lyrical integration of alternative construction, renewable energy systems, and non-toxic and recycled materials.

To read more about Arkin-Tilt Architects, visit https://www.arkintilt.com.

“Arkin-Tilt embraces our philosophy of sustainability and land stewardship,” says Esalen CEOTricia McEntee. “Together we’ll work to respect, preserve, and restore Esalen’s physical andaesthetic environment, while caring for our precious bit of California’s Central Coast.”

Esalen celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012. The nonprofit institute works toward the realization of a more humane and all-embracing world, seeking answers to questions unlikely to be explored by traditional universities and religions. More than 12,000 people take part in approximately 600 workshops each year at Esalen.

About Esalen
Esalen is nonprofit center for exploring and realizing human potential through experience, education, and research. Esalen sponsors pioneering initiatives and offers personal, spiritual, and social transformation practices for residents, interns, and workshop participants. Perched on a windswept rocky promontory on California’s scenic Big Sur Coast, Esalen opened its doors 50 years ago as a center for personal and societal change, and has welcomed more than 750,000 people since its inception in 1962. For more information, visit http://www.esalen.org