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Bamboo Tessellation Overlooking Scenic Hills for Mindful Practice

Authors:
Miah Thorpe, Marco Kim, Thomas Doan
Bamboo Tessellation Overlooking Scenic Hills for Mindful Practice
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Elevated above a picturesque landscape, the yoga house incorporates bamboo tessellation in its roofing to create a dynamic interplay of light while promoting mindfulness and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The yoga house is constructed using a fully elevated platform to mitigate water exposure.
02
Bamboo tessellation in the roofing enhances natural light dynamics and interior atmosphere.
03
A rainwater collection system supports all plumbing needs, reducing reliance on mains water.
04
The design includes a greywater treatment system for landscape irrigation.
05
Manual Teflon blinds allow flexible control of light and ventilation within the space.

The architectural design project "Luminance" invites a quiet interaction between nature and built form. Located among rolling hills and a riverine landscape, it serves as a yoga house that aims to create a peaceful atmosphere for mindfulness and spiritual growth. The design is inspired by the lotus flower, which symbolizes clarity and enlightenment, reinforcing the project’s focus on well-being and tranquility.

Design Concept
The concept behind Luminance emphasizes creating a reflective space that encourages users to connect with their surroundings. The shape of the structure mimics the fluidity and elegance of the lotus flower, fostering a sense of harmony and balance. Elevating the building allows for expansive views of the landscape, integrating the architecture with the natural beauty of the site.

Materiality
Bamboo is the primary material used in the construction, valued for its lightness and sustainability. Choosing bamboo aligns the building with ecological practices and local traditions. The roof features a layered design of bamboo that supports both structural stability and a unique play of natural light inside the yoga house. This approach not only connects the structure to its environment but also respects local building practices.

Sustainability Strategies
Luminance implements various strategies to promote sustainability. A system for collecting rainwater addresses the facility’s water needs effectively. The large roof area channels rain into gutters and a storage tank, ensuring that water can be used for toilets, showers, and kitchen functions. A greywater treatment system recycles water, providing irrigation for the landscape and further reducing dependency on external supplies. Solar energy is harnessed through strategically placed photovoltaic panels, aiding in efficient energy use throughout the building.

User Experience
The design enhances user experience by focusing on comfort and tranquility. Manually operated Teflon blinds allow control over light and air, creating a pleasant indoor climate. A winding pathway leads visitors to the yoga house and reflects the natural contours of the land. Unobstructed views of sunsets over the hills offer moments for contemplation and connection with the landscape, underscoring the intent to foster a sense of peace and reflection in this serene environment.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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