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Charred Wood Cladding and Natural Light Define a Tranquil Space for Mindfulness Practice

Authors:
Andrea Melloni, Mauro Zambon
Charred Wood Cladding and Natural Light Define a Tranquil Space for Mindfulness Practice
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Charred wood cladding integrates with expansive glass elements to create a serene environment for yoga practice, where natural light floods the space and connects practitioners with the surrounding forest.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance while enhancing the building's aesthetic.
02
Strategically placed brise-soleils optimize indoor climate control and reduce energy consumption.
03
An integrated central courtyard fosters connection between indoor and outdoor yoga spaces.
04
Local stone foundations create site-specific anchoring and support ecological sensitivity.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting rapid construction methods.

### Project Overview
Located within a forested area, the Yoga House serves as a dedicated space for yoga practice, embodying principles of serenity and functional design. The two-level structure is oriented primarily toward the south, maximizing the entry of natural light while promoting a tranquil environment in harmony with its natural surroundings. The architectural intent is to create a restorative space that facilitates a deep connection between users and nature.

### Spatial Strategy and Functional Layout
The design incorporates distinct volumes that house various functional areas, including dedicated indoor and outdoor yoga spaces. The ground floor plan accommodates essential amenities, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and storage, along with an outdoor dining area to encourage engagement with the natural environment. A central courtyard serves as the circulation focal point, effectively delineating living zones from yoga areas to enhance mindfulness during practice.

The upper floor primarily comprises yoga rooms designed to leverage natural light from large French windows, offering expansive views while ensuring optimal ventilation. The staircase configuration allows for an efficient transition between levels, connecting communal areas with more private spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices
The architectural detailing prioritizes sustainability, employing materials selected for their thermal insulation properties and ecological friendliness. The foundation and outdoor spaces feature stone to establish a contextual connection, while wood flooring adds warmth to the yoga areas. Burnt wood slats enhance the façade’s texture, and gray plaster is used on vertical surfaces to underscore a modern aesthetic. Seamed sheet metal roofing provides durability.

Utilizing a dry construction method minimizes environmental disruption, contributing to the low ecological impact of the project. The building adheres to the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) approach, where all materials are chosen for both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, ensuring comfort year-round. Integrative shading strategies, such as brise-soleils, mitigate excess sunlight in yoga rooms, enhancing the overall user experience by fostering a calming atmosphere.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

`
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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