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Circular Sanctuary Constructed With Yakusugi Cladding and Glulam Framework for Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Eva Barath, Emese Mihályfi-biró
Circular Sanctuary Constructed With Yakusugi Cladding and Glulam Framework for Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with Yakusugi cladding and a Glulam framework, the circular wellness retreat seamlessly integrates into its forested environment, promoting tranquility and mindfulness through its thoughtful design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with traditional Yakusugi cladding for durability and weather resistance.
02
Circular design enhances natural ventilation and light distribution within the space.
03
GluLam structural elements provide strength while maintaining a lightweight profile.
04
Integrates a rainwater collection system to support sustainable irrigation practices.
05
Features a terrace that promotes seamless indoor-outdoor engagement for users.

### Overview
Located in a forest clearing, the yoga house designed as "Inner Scape" serves as a tranquil retreat, focused on fostering self-development and physical well-being. The architectural intent emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature, allowing individuals to engage in yoga and meditation. The structure thoughtfully integrates into the surrounding landscape, enhancing the connection between users and their natural environment.

### Spatial Organization
The design features a concentric layout, with the yoga space centrally positioned to create a natural flow. Surrounding the yoga area are functional spaces, including living quarters, a kitchen, a dining area, storage, and bedrooms. This configuration promotes an intuitive movement between spaces and encourages interaction with the exterior landscape. The yoga space benefits from ample natural light, courtesy of large windows, while a terrace encircles the central room, facilitating an engaging transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Materials and Sustainability
The material palette for "Inner Scape" is tailored to promote sustainability and aesthetic cohesion with the natural surroundings. Locally sourced materials are employed, including vertical spruce siding, which is treated to seamlessly blend into the forest setting, and natural redwood cladding using the Yakusugi technique, ensuring durability. Structural integrity is maintained with GluLam elements, while double-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency and sound insulation. The design also incorporates passive energy strategies, such as rainwater collection systems and solar energy utilization, underscoring a commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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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