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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.

The Yoga Retreat: Isolation House represents a focused approach to architecture, emphasizing the integration of the built environment with natural landscapes. Located in Latvia, this project serves as a dedicated space for yoga and mindfulness practices, promoting a serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation and self-reflection. The structure is designed to provide an immersive experience, allowing practitioners to connect with their surroundings while engaging in various wellness activities.

The architectural layout features a circular form, promoting a sense of unity and fluidity. This design choice is not merely aesthetic but functional, as it maximizes the usable space within the retreat while minimizing the building's environmental footprint. Extensive use of glass in the façade facilitates natural light penetration and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding bogs, enhancing the overall user experience.

Unique Design Approaches The architectural strategy for this project incorporates biophilic design principles, which aim to create a strong connection between occupants and nature. The central oculus serves multiple purposes: it allows for passive ventilation, brings additional natural light into the interior, and functions as a focal point for meditation. This design promotes not just physical comfort but also psychological well-being, reflecting an understanding of the importance of light and air quality in wellness architecture.

Material selection plays a key role in reinforcing the project's ethos. Natural materials such as wood and stone are employed extensively, enhancing sensory engagement and contributing to a calming interior atmosphere. The integration of native plants into the landscape further aligns with the project's sustainable ambitions, promoting biodiversity and ecological harmony.

Functional Layout and Space Utilization The internal configuration is designed to facilitate various yoga practices while also allowing for flexibility in use. Spaces are open and adaptable, minimizing barriers and fostering a sense of community among users. The selection of wooden flooring aids acoustics, complementing the quiet nature of the retreat. Additionally, the architectural design provides opportunities for both social interaction and solitary reflection, catering to diverse user needs.

The emphasis on natural ventilation and daylighting minimizes reliance on artificial systems, effectively reducing energy consumption throughout the year. The expansive windows not only connect the occupants with the lush landscape but also enhance thermal comfort by utilizing passive heating and cooling strategies.

For those interested in understanding the intricacies of the Yoga Retreat: Isolation House, it is encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented throughout the project documentation. These resources provide deeper insights into the architectural decisions and unique elements that define this retreat.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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