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Circular Retreat Built with Passive Design and Natural Timber Elements

Authors:
Weston Baker, Aldon Baker
Circular Retreat Built with Passive Design and Natural Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Employing passive design strategies and a circular form, the retreat integrates extensive use of natural timber elements to create a tranquil space for yoga and mindfulness practices amid the unique Latvian bog landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features an oculus that enhances natural ventilation and daylighting.
02
Circular form promotes a sense of unity and fluid movement during yoga practice.
03
Extensive use of charred wooden shingles contributes to durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integration of local flora around the building supports biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
05
Design emphasizes passive climate control, minimizing energy usage throughout the year.

### Overview
The Yoga House, located in the serene bog landscapes of Latvia, is designed to integrate functionality with the natural environment. The facility serves as a retreat for yoga practitioners, providing a space for introspection and rejuvenation. The architectural approach reflects a commitment to both mindfulness and the enhancement of mental well-being.

### Design Concept
The design employs a minimalist aesthetic, prominently featuring a circular structure that harmonizes with the contours of the landscape. This form promotes unity and tranquility, essential for yoga and meditation practices. Full-height glass windows enhance the connection to the outdoors, allowing natural light to permeate the interior. The central oculus serves as a key architectural feature, facilitating natural ventilation and creating a dynamic ambiance influenced by the time of day.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A selection of sustainable materials is integral to the project, reinforcing both aesthetic coherence and ecological responsibility. Extensive use of glass promotes transparency, while natural wood finishes add warmth and comfort to the interiors. The minimalist roof structure, composed of metal, contributes to durability. Furthermore, the landscape incorporates native plants, enhancing biodiversity and facilitating ecological integration. The design emphasizes natural ventilation through the oculus, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems, and incorporates biophilic elements that support psychological well-being and climatic comfort.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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