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Cork Insulation and Mass Timber Pavilions for Mindful Yoga Practices

Author:
Adrián Álvarez González
Cork Insulation and Mass Timber Pavilions for Mindful Yoga Practices
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Mass timber and cork insulation define two contrasting pavilions designed for mindfulness and yoga practice, harmonizing with the landscape to create a functional and serene environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pavilion “Ha” serves as an open Yoga Sanctuary promoting natural light interaction.
02
Pavilion “Tha” provides essential facilities while ensuring privacy for users.
03
The design utilizes locally sourced mass timber to support structural integrity.
04
Cork insulation enhances thermal performance and sound absorption throughout.
05
Rainwater circulation systems integrate with the landscape for sustainable water management.

The design situated in Vale de Moses illustrates the themes of Hatha yoga through the careful arrangement of two pavilions that represent contrasting aspects of harmony. Pavilion "Ha," connected to the sun and vitality, serves as the Yoga Sanctuary, while "Tha," linked to the moon, provides essential amenities such as showers and toilets. The project fits well within the natural surroundings, minimizing disruption while promoting a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Design Concept

The project reflects the duality found in Hatha yoga, with two pavilions addressing both energetic practices and quiet spaces. The layout is planned to respect the existing landscape, allowing buildings to blend in without overpowering their surroundings. This design enhances how people interact with the site, combining areas for social engagement with spots for contemplation.

Material Selection

Material choices play an important role in the overall design. Mass timber serves as the structural element, supporting both the visual appeal and environmental performance. Cork insulation is used to improve thermal comfort and sound quality within the pavilions. This focus on materials that minimize ecological impact aligns with the values promoted in the yoga philosophy reflected throughout the design.

Light and Spatial Dynamics

The placement of openings throughout the pavilions allows natural light to enter, creating a play of light and shadow that affects the mood inside. The Yoga Sanctuary features an open plan designed for energy and movement, while the enclosed facilities focus on practicality and privacy. This approach to light and space fosters an environment that supports both group activities and personal moments of reflection.

Integration with Landscape

The design respects natural water flow, allowing rain to move freely through the site. This aspect emphasizes a commitment to smart environmental strategies, incorporating solar panels for energy generation and systems for rainwater collection. Both pavilions connect through an outdoor yoga deck and steps, encouraging interaction with the landscape.

The result is a functional environment that prioritizes connections between individuals and nature, while reflecting the core beliefs of Hatha yoga.

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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.

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