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Cross-Laminated Timber Nestled Within Natural Woods For Mindful Retreat

Authors:
Daniel Chiłła, Julia Pytko
Cross-Laminated Timber Nestled Within Natural Woods For Mindful Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber and harmoniously integrated into the forest landscape, this wellness retreat invites users to connect with nature while facilitating mindful practices in a serene environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from locally sourced cross-laminated timber, reducing transportation emissions.
02
Incorporates a thatched roof, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability.
03
Features expansive glass walls that provide unobstructed views of the surrounding forest.
04
Utilizes minimal footprint design to preserve the natural landscape and existing vegetation.
05
Dedicated yoga space designed with acoustics that enhance mindfulness and tranquility.
The Yoga House is a thoughtfully designed architectural project situated in the serene landscape of the Latvian forest. This project encapsulates a vision that merges modern living with the essence of mindfulness and holistic well-being. The architectural design prioritizes sustainability while remaining deeply connected to the cultural context of Latvia. It stands as a functional space, primarily serving as a retreat for yoga practitioners and individuals seeking a quiet sanctuary from the demands of everyday life. The integration of the building with its surroundings emphasizes not just a place to live, but a haven for personal growth and introspection.

At the core of the Yoga House is a commitment to using materials that reflect the local environment. The primary structure employs Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), which provides strength and durability while also contributing to the sustainability credentials of the project. This choice highlights a significant shift towards environmentally responsible building practices, allowing the building to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. The use of traditional materials such as thatch for roofing and wooden planks for flooring further roots the design in local vernacular architecture, providing continuity with the region's cultural heritage.

The architectural design incorporates open spaces that facilitate a free flow of movement and light. The design intention was to create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and meditation, with the yoga space as the focal point of the house. This area is designed to capture ample natural light through large windows that frame the forest outside, inviting nature into the interior space and blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. It is here that users can engage deeply in their practice, surrounded by the calmness of the natural world.

The functional layout of the Yoga House is intentionally designed to distinguish public and private areas, promoting both community interaction and personal reflection. Open-plan living spaces encourage socialization while retaining areas of seclusion for quiet contemplation. The inclusion of natural materials, such as pine panels for interior walls and walnut paneling in cabinetry, adds warmth and a tactile quality that enhances the user experience.

Unique design approaches evident in the Yoga House include its commitment to sustainability without sacrificing aesthetic or cultural values. The architectural design thoughtfully navigates local building techniques, merging them with contemporary forms to create a harmonious result. This project reflects a broader understanding of architecture as a discipline that must consider ecological impacts, user experience, and cultural relevance. The structure does not merely occupy space; it interacts with it, nurturing a sense of place that offers comfort and tranquility.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the complexities of this architectural endeavor, exploring the architectural plans and sections will provide significant insight into the meticulous thought processes behind the design. Engaging with the architectural designs reveals how carefully crafted ideas translate into spaces that nurture well-being and foster a connection with nature. The Yoga House stands as a testament to what can be achieved when architecture aligns with the human spirit, tradition, and the environment. For an enriched understanding of this project, reviewing detailed presentations of the architectural ideas will illustrate the profound impact thoughtful design can have on daily living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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