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Cave-Inspired Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Serene Wellness Retreat

Author:
Dennis Somelar
Cave-Inspired Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Serene Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

With a curved facade inspired by cave formations and constructed from cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, the design fosters a tranquil environment for yoga and wellness practices immersed in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved facade mimics natural cave formations to integrate with the landscape.
02
Constructed using cross-laminated timber for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
04
Generous glass windows optimize natural light and views of the surrounding forest.
05
Designed with passive heating elements to minimize energy consumption.
The ESIM Yoga Room is an architectural project located in Vale De Moses, a region known for its natural beauty and tranquility. This structure serves as a dedicated space for yoga practice and wellness activities, designed with the intent to create a serene environment that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The project emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and a deep connection with nature, making it a notable addition to architectural discourse in wellness spaces.

The primary function of the ESIM Yoga Room is to facilitate yoga classes for up to 19 participants, coupled with supporting spaces such as a tea room. The design encourages mindfulness, relaxation, and physical well-being, reflecting contemporary trends in architectural design that prioritize health and wellness. The building's configuration is inspired by natural forms, emulating aspects of cave systems to create a sanctuary-like atmosphere.

The architectural design features a curved facade that integrates seamlessly into the hillside. This choice not only enhances the building's visual appeal but also minimizes its impact on the environment. Expansive glass windows allow natural light to flood the interior while providing unobstructed views of the woodlands. The careful placement of these windows optimizes solar gain and contributes to passive heating, thereby reducing reliance on artificial heating methods.

An important aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The use of wood as the primary structural material reflects a conscious decision to employ renewable resources. The wood sourced from managed forests not only serves as a durable building component but also contributes to carbon absorption over its lifecycle. Other materials include metal elements for structural integrity and solar panels that serve to power the building sustainably.

Innovative design elements set the ESIM Yoga Room apart from conventional wellness facilities. The ceiling architecture disrupts traditional symmetry, creating a dynamic spatial quality that adapts to different activities within the yoga room. Moreover, exterior spaces are thoughtfully arranged to facilitate outdoor meditation and garden cultivation, allowing users to engage more directly with the natural surroundings. This interactivity promotes an ecological understanding, as the structure becomes a part of the environment rather than an isolated entity.

The holistic approach to the ESIM Yoga Room culminates in its interior design, which emphasizes simplicity and tranquility. The yoga room is devoid of excessive ornamentation, allowing practitioners to focus on their experience. The adjoining tea room enhances this theme, creating a seamless transition from practice to relaxation. Elements such as organic shapes and natural materials contribute to a soothing and cohesive atmosphere throughout the facility.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas will provide valuable insights into the thoughtful details and innovative approaches that define the ESIM Yoga Room. The integration of functionality with environmental sensitivity illustrates a modern take on wellness architecture, encouraging further examination of its implications in contemporary design practices.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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