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Curved Glass Facade and Charred Shingles Create Tranquil Yoga Retreat in Woodland Setting

Authors:
Dean Li, Xu Li, Wei Li
Curved Glass Facade and Charred Shingles Create Tranquil Yoga Retreat in Woodland Setting

Project in-detail

With a curved glass facade and charred wooden shingles, this facility integrates seamlessly into its forested environment, serving as a dedicated space for yoga and wellness activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved glass walls provide expansive views while minimizing visual barriers between interior and nature.
02
Locally sourced charred wooden shingles enhance durability and weather resistance while adding aesthetic texture.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light penetration throughout the main yoga space.
04
Flexible interior layouts accommodate various wellness activities and foster community engagement.
05
Natural ventilation grilles are integrated for air circulation while preserving user privacy.
The "Lighthouse in the Woods" project is an architectural design focused on creating a harmonious relationship between built environments and nature. Situated in a forest near the seashore, this facility serves primarily as a yoga studio, designed to facilitate wellness activities while minimizing its ecological impact. The structure embodies a straightforward yet meaningful approach to architecture, emphasizing sustainability and user experience within a natural context.

The building's design features a unique curved roof that mimics the contours of the surrounding landscape, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also functional advantages such as rainwater management. Large glass windows are integrated throughout the façade, establishing a strong visual connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding forest. This transparency allows natural light to permeate the space, enhancing both the comfort of users and their connection to the environment.

Material selection plays a critical role in the project. Locally sourced wood is extensively employed, reflecting the natural surroundings and reducing transportation emissions. The wooden surfaces, combined with metal roofing and glass elements, create a balanced visual texture, while wooden grilles enhance ventilation and privacy. These materials not only support the sustainability goals of the design but also emphasize the natural ambiance intended for the studio's users.

Flexible space utilization is another noteworthy aspect of the project. The interior layout consists of multifunctional areas designed for yoga, communal dining, and relaxation. This arrangement fosters a sense of community while providing opportunities for solitude and individual reflection. The design encourages exploration, with pathways reminiscent of forest trails guiding visitors through various functional zones.

A significant feature of this project is its commitment to creating a tranquil user experience. The long entry corridor serves as a transition from the outside world, leading directly into a central yoga space that commands views of nature. Rest areas are thoughtfully interspersed throughout the facility, allowing users to escape functionality-oriented environments for moments of quiet.

The overall architectural design of the "Lighthouse in the Woods" highlights innovative solutions to common challenges faced in similar projects. By prioritizing natural materials, implementing flexible spaces, and enhancing the connection to the surrounding landscape, the building stands apart in its commitment to a sustainable and user-centered approach to wellness architecture.

For those interested in further exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas associated with this project, a detailed presentation is available. Engaging with these materials will provide deeper insight into the thoughtful considerations and unique solutions that characterize the "Lighthouse in the Woods."
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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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