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Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Embracing Natural Terrain for Wellness Practices

Authors:
Mohamed amine Kaabi, Myriam ben salah Yasmine rekik, Chahrazad lirathni Fatma hachicha
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Embracing Natural Terrain for Wellness Practices

Project in-detail

Integrating cross-laminated timber with a sloped hillside, the structure offers an open-plan yoga space that fosters a direct connection with nature while prioritizing sustainable energy through strategically placed solar panels.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that adapts to the sloping terrain for minimal environmental impact.
04
Maximizes natural light through large glass openings that enhance the connection to the landscape.
05
Includes a dedicated yoga platform designed for indoor-outdoor use, promoting versatile wellness practices.

The Yoga House is a dedicated wellness facility designed to provide a serene environment for yoga and mindful practices. Nestled on a hillside, the project emphasizes a dialogue between the built structure and its natural surroundings. The architecture invites users to engage deeply with nature while enhancing their wellness routine. The design prioritizes open spaces and unobstructed views, enabling practitioners to connect their physical practice with the scenic landscape.

Integration with Nature
The most distinguishing feature of the Yoga House is its seamless connection with the environment. Designed to enhance its hillside location, the building incorporates expansive glass windows and sliding doors that allow natural light to flood its interior while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This flexibility in spatial arrangement allows for indoor-outdoor transitions, enabling users to practice yoga either inside or outside, depending on their preference and weather conditions.

The design employs a horizontal layout that follows the contours of the landscape, minimizing disturbance to the natural slope while maximizing usability. By creating terraces that step down the hillside, the architecture respects the existing topography and maintains the natural character of the site.

Sustainable Architectural Practices
The Yoga House incorporates various sustainable design practices. Solar panels are mounted on the roof structure to harness renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency and reducing the facility’s overall carbon footprint. The choice of materials also reflects sustainability—concrete provides structural stability, while wood introduces warmth and tactile quality. Steel is utilized for supporting elements, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the overall design intent.

The layout includes a dedicated yoga platform at the highest point of the structure, designed for flexibility and accommodating different classes or events. The central core houses essential functions, such as restrooms and storage, allowing the primary spaces to maintain focus on yoga practices.

Functional Spaces and Aesthetic Consideration
The Yoga House includes a combination of shared and private spaces. A relaxation area adjacent to the yoga platform offers users a quiet retreat for meditation and post-session unwinding. Each area is designed to promote tranquility and focus, with carefully selected views that frame natural scenery, enhancing the user experience.

The project's design further considers acoustic properties, using materials and spatial arrangements that reduce noise and ensure a peaceful atmosphere is maintained throughout the facility. The architectural decisions made reflect a commitment to creating a holistic experience where users can engage with their physical and mental wellness.

To explore more about the Yoga House and its unique design features, including architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, visit the project presentation for an in-depth look at how these elements come together to create a cohesive architectural experience.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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