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Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Form a Meditative Community Hub in a Natural Setting

Authors:
Susana Sousa, David Dobarco nuñez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Form a Meditative Community Hub in a Natural Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and concrete, the design harmonizes with its natural surroundings to create a multifunctional space dedicated to wellness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an innovative bent A-frame design that enhances spatial efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates sustainable cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal performance.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that not only provide weather resistance but also align with ecological design principles.
04
Integrates a rainwater collection system to ensure sustainable water management throughout the facility.
05
Promotes local biodiversity by incorporating native plant species in the surrounding landscape design.

The architectural project "Asana" exemplifies a thoughtful and harmonious integration of design principles with its natural environment. Located in a varied landscape, the structure promotes wellness and mindfulness through its spatial organization and material selections. It operates as a multifunctional space, serving as a yoga studio and community center, designed to accommodate various activities that align with its wellness-focused mission.

The layout includes an expansive yoga area that provides unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, fostering an environment conducive to relaxation and meditation. Additional utility spaces, such as restrooms and a kitchen, are seamlessly incorporated into the design to enhance user convenience while maintaining a cohesive architectural language.

Unique Design Approaches

Asana’s architectural design stands out due to its adaptability and context-sensitive planning. The building strategically employs a cantilevered structure that respects the site's topography, minimizing disruptions to the natural landscape. Large glass panels create transparency between the interior and exterior, allowing natural light to permeate the space while establishing a visual connection with its context. This design choice emphasizes the tranquility of the environment, promoting a sense of unity with nature.

Sustainability is a core principle of the project, with several features aimed at reducing environmental impact. Efficient water management systems, including a rainwater collection setup and greywater recycling, contribute to sustainable resource utilization. The choice of durable materials such as concrete and engineered wood enhances the project's longevity, while the implementation of metal for structural integrity ensures a modern aesthetic without compromising on functionality.

Integration with the landscape is further emphasized through the incorporation of native plant species around the building, which contributes to local biodiversity and minimizes maintenance needs. This conscious effort to enhance the natural surroundings sets Asana apart from typical architectural developments.

Functional Specifications

The structure is carefully designed to facilitate both solitary and communal activities. The yoga area can be easily reconfigured to allow for different class sizes and formats, showcasing the building’s ability to adapt to changing user needs. The welcome area serves as a central hub, fostering a sense of community among users while providing access to various amenities.

In summary, "Asana" represents a thoughtful fusion of sustainable architecture and wellness-oriented design. Its innovative features and functional adaptability make it a noteworthy example in contemporary architectural discourse. Readers interested in architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs are encouraged to explore the project presentation further for more detailed insights into the design's technical and aesthetic elements.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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