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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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