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Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Design in a Passive Wellness Retreat

Author:
Sabina Rizvanli
Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Design in a Passive Wellness Retreat
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Elevated on pilotis, the structure utilizes charred wooden shingles and large glass panels to harmonize with the surrounding bog environment while serving as a multifunctional wellness retreat for yoga and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on pilotis to minimize environmental impact on the bog.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features expansive glass panels for optimal natural light and views of the landscape.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and increase thermal efficiency.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to enhance spatial dynamics and facilitate ventilation.

## Overview

Located within a wetland environment, the Yoga House is designed to create a tranquil space that fosters a connection with nature. The architectural approach prioritizes passive design principles, utilizing strategic building orientation to enhance solar gain and natural ventilation. Designed with large windows, the structure facilitates a continuous relationship between the interior and the surrounding landscape, encouraging an environment conducive to wellness and mindfulness.

## Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

Spatially, the Yoga House is organized to support both functional and contemplative activities. The ground floor features a multifunctional yoga studio/living room, which serves as the heart of the residence, complemented by bedrooms and essential amenities to accommodate various lengths of stay. The design promotes versatility while maintaining an open flow that enhances interactions among occupants. Extending beyond the interior, balconies encourage outdoor use, thereby deepening the user experience with the natural surroundings.

To further enhance user connection to the environment, the building is elevated on pilotis, allowing the landscape to flow beneath. This structural choice not only diminishes the ecological footprint but also elevates the experience of inhabiting the space, offering panoramic views of the bog from the first floor and enabling easy landscape management.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material palette of the Yoga House combines aesthetics with sustainability, featuring wood for the primary cladding to evoke warmth and harmony with the forest setting. Concrete is utilized for the pilotis, ensuring long-lasting durability, while expansive glass panels facilitate ample sunlight and outdoor visibility. The integration of these materials reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, as sustainably sourced wood is complemented by concrete’s inherent longevity.

By reducing reliance on artificial lighting and cooling through thoughtful design choices, the Yoga House embodies eco-friendly practices consistent with its surroundings. The overall design reinforces a philosophy of sustainability, blending robust construction techniques with a refined sensitivity to both functionality and aesthetic coherence in its natural context.

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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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