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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Create a Sustainable Retreat Amongst Nature

Authors:
Thamires Calderari, Lia Balassiano, Maria fernanda Del giovannino, Larissa Christina
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Create a Sustainable Retreat Amongst Nature

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a lush green roof, the retreat seamlessly blends with its forest surroundings to foster mindfulness and tranquility through dedicated yoga spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal in a forested setting.
02
Incorporates a green roof to support local biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Constructed primarily with cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability through locally sourced materials.
05
Employs modular windows that mimic the shapes of trees to strengthen the connection between interior and nature.
The Yoga House in the Bog is an architectural project located in the serene landscapes of Latvia, designed to serve as a retreat for individuals seeking tranquility and wellness through yoga practice. This project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture with the natural environment, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and holistic living. With its focus on fostering connection—both among individuals and between the occupants and nature—the Yoga House stands as a sanctuary that facilitates both personal reflection and community engagement.

The primary function of the Yoga House is to provide a versatile space dedicated to yoga and wellness activities. The design includes two private areas for individual practices, allowing for moments of solitude and introspection, alongside a spacious communal yoga room that encourages social interaction and collective mindfulness. This division of spaces underscores the importance of balance within the retreat experience, catering to various needs while promoting a supportive community atmosphere.

One of the most notable aspects of the Yoga House's design is its commitment to materiality. Timber plays a central role throughout the structure, drawing inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture while showcasing contemporary sensibilities. Various types of wood, including pine, are utilized for both structural and aesthetic elements, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The use of glass is strategically placed to allow ample natural light to permeate the interiors, fostering an open and airy feel while also connecting occupants to the surrounding natural beauty. This transparent façade promotes dialogue with the outdoors, blurring the lines between inside and outside.

The architectural design also emphasizes environmental harmony. A green roof system serves a dual purpose, enhancing insulation and allowing vegetation to thrive, which not only contributes to the building’s aesthetic value but also supports local biodiversity. This environmentally-conscious design approach exemplifies a growing trend in architecture that seeks to minimize human impact on the land while enhancing the ecological features of a site.

The façade of the Yoga House is characterized by an innovative arrangement of modular windows that echo the form of trees in the surrounding forest. This thoughtful design detail allows natural light to filter into the space while framing picturesque views, reinforcing the project’s connection to nature. Furthermore, the exterior features hot tubs and fire pits, seamlessly integrating outdoor elements that enhance the overall retreat experience and encourage social interactions among users.

Unique design approaches distinguish this project within the realm of architectural practice. The balance between private and communal areas highlights an acute awareness of user experience, allowing the Yoga House to adapt to various activities, from intimate yoga sessions to larger community gatherings. The design reflects an understanding of the importance of flexibility in contemporary architectural projects, making it relevant to users' needs.

The selection of materials plays a pivotal role in expressing the project's ethos. By emphasizing locally sourced timber and environmentally friendly solutions, the architecture not only presents an aesthetic that resonates with Latvian culture but also illustrates an important consideration for sustainability. The integration of greenery into the architectural framework further emphasizes this dedication to eco-friendliness.

In summary, the Yoga House in the Bog stands as an exemplary architectural project that underscores the significance of designing spaces that connect people to nature and encourage well-being. Its melding of traditional materials with contemporary design principles marks it as a noteworthy addition to Latvian architecture. For those interested in exploring this project further, examining the architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas will offer deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped this retreat. We invite you to delve into the presentation of this remarkable architectural endeavor to appreciate its full complexity and intent.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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