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Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Embracing Natural Light and Community Engagement

Author:
Julia Czaronek
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Embracing Natural Light and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and designed for optimal natural light, the structure serves as a multifunctional space that promotes wellness and community engagement through yoga and holistic practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Features a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
05
Includes modular spaces adaptable for various wellness activities and community events.

**Overview and Site Context**

The Yoga House is situated in a serene natural landscape in Latvia, designed to integrate both traditional architectural elements and modern design principles. The structure aims to fulfill the functional requirements of its users while establishing a strong connection to its environment. Utilizing the site's topography and indigenous vegetation, the building's orientation maximizes sunlight and frames views of the surrounding area, including a nearby stream.

**Spatial Strategy and Zoning**

The layout of the Yoga House is organized into distinct functional areas: a yoga room, washrooms, kitchen, and living spaces. This zoning promotes a natural flow throughout the building, facilitating separation between spaces for activity and rest. The design utilizes a multi-sectional approach, minimizing disturbance to the existing ecology while optimizing the use of the site.

**Architectural Form and Materiality**

The form of the Yoga House represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional Latvian residential architecture. Key design features include sloped roofs, which enhance aesthetics while optimizing solar gain and enabling effective rainwater harvesting. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to environmental integration: wood is used for framing and siding, providing warmth and texture; concrete offers stability and durability for the foundation; and strategically placed glass enhances daylight and visual connections to the outdoors. Rainwater harvesting systems are incorporated to support sustainable water management.

**Design and User Experience**

The floor plan is arranged into three primary zones: a dedicated yoga area, expansive living and dining spaces, and private quarters located on the upper level. Each zone is designed to enhance user experience, with the yoga area promoting mindfulness through openness and natural light, while the interconnected living areas foster community interaction. Thermal mass principles are applied to minimize energy demands for heating and cooling, and a modular design allows for flexible use of spaces, accommodating both communal activities and personal relaxation. The integration of passive solar design elements ensures energy efficiency throughout the year.

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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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