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Burned Wood Facade and Local Cork Integration in a Flexible Yoga Space

Author:
Giusy Mazzarella
Burned Wood Facade and Local Cork Integration in a Flexible Yoga Space
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A facade of burned wood and local cork creates a sustainable, flexible space for yoga that enhances interaction with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual block design enhances both utility and flexibility for diverse functions.
02
Extensive use of burned wood creates a distinct aesthetic and promotes durability.
03
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainability and reduces water consumption.
04
Glazed sliding doors promote seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor areas.
05
Standardized triangular beams facilitate modular construction and future expansion.

The design presents a careful response to the basic need for shelter, harmonizing with the landscape around it. The structure is positioned to enhance the connection between inside and outside. Emphasizing safety, sustainability, and adaptability, the design features a prominent roof that serves as both protection and a defining element, relating directly to its geographical location.

Design Concept

The design process focuses on functionality and logistics. The roof makes use of main and secondary beams arranged in a triangular pattern, which offers both structural strength and modular possibilities. This arrangement simplifies the construction process and allows the space to be adjusted in the future. The design can change with user needs, making it flexible for various purposes.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the building is divided into two distinct areas, each with its own character. One block is located against the hill and houses utilities like the technical room and storage for yoga tools. This area has a dark exterior finished with burned wooden slats, creating a private and reflective space. Wooden seating is arranged along the sides, encouraging users to appreciate the views of the outside.

The other block serves as a yoga area that opens up to the environment. Its extensive glazing brings in light and helps integrate the indoors with the outdoors. Sliding doors allow for easy transitions between spaces. The design eliminates columns along the main facade, which enhances the feeling of openness and maximizes visual access.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability plays a significant role in the overall design. Solar panels and solar heating units are incorporated into the roof, ensuring they are functional while blending into the structure. Additionally, a system for harvesting rainwater has been installed. This setup promotes water conservation, contributing to the building's ecological goals.

The choice of materials supports both the look of the building and its sustainable aims. Burned wooden slats are used for the exterior finishes, while local cork provides insulation. Wood is also utilized for structural elements and interior finishes, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the space.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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