Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Curvilinear Pavilion with Natural Light and Timber Lattice for Community Wellness

Authors:
Lorena Betancourt, Rolando Vázquez
Curvilinear Pavilion with Natural Light and Timber Lattice for Community Wellness

Project in-detail

A curvilinear structure crafted from warm timber and illuminated by expansive glass invites community members to engage in yoga and wellness activities amid a backdrop of nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion features a curvilinear form that harmonizes with the natural landscape, enhancing visual connectivity.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while contributing to the warm ambiance of the interior.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer a distinctive aesthetic and improve durability against environmental conditions.
04
Large glass elements maximize natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
The multipurpose stairway doubles as storage, optimizing space utilization within the wellness-focused design.
The Curtain House Pavilion is an architectural project situated in Vale de Moeses, a region known for its serene landscapes and natural beauty. This pavilion serves a dual purpose: it facilitates wellness activities, particularly yoga, while also encouraging community interaction and contemplation. The design embodies a philosophy that integrates tranquility and introspection, providing a space that fosters both physical and mental well-being.

The architectural concept behind the Curtain House Pavilion is rooted in the themes of freedom and connectivity with nature. Its organic form flows harmoniously with the undulating terrain, showcasing a strong relationship between the built space and its surroundings. This connection is paramount, as it enhances the user’s experience, allowing them to feel immersed in the environment rather than detached from it.

Functionally, the pavilion features two primary levels designed to accommodate various activities. The ground floor hosts a spacious yoga studio, complemented by communal areas that include an open kitchen and dining facilities. This arrangement encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of community, vital for the project’s intended use. By inviting users to gather and share experiences, the design emphasizes the importance of human connection in personal wellness practices.

The upper level of the pavilion is dedicated to meditation and quiet reflection. This area is designed with serene spaces that integrate greenery, providing a calming atmosphere that enhances the meditative experience. The inclusion of plants within the architectural framework not only adds aesthetic value but also contributes to improved air quality, further enriching the user's experience.

A significant design aspect of the Curtain House Pavilion is its strategic use of materials. The structure incorporates wood for its warmth and tactile qualities, creating an inviting ambiance. Large expanses of glass are employed to maximize natural light and provide unobstructed views, establishing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This thoughtful material selection aids in achieving a relaxed atmosphere, essential for yoga and meditation practices. Concrete elements, used judiciously, offer structural reliability while maintaining the project's overall lightweight appearance.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the pavilion. The curvilinear form not only enhances visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose by promoting fluid movement within the space. Users can move easily between different areas, from the active communal setting to the more tranquil private spaces, thereby experiencing a variety of environments within a single structure.

The integration of curtains within the design plays a crucial role in shaping the pavilion's functionality. These curtains create adaptable spaces, allowing for privacy during yoga sessions while maintaining a connection to the outside world. They embody the philosophy of flexibility, accommodating the needs of users depending on the time of day and the activities taking place.

Another notable aspect is the multipurpose stairway, which links both levels of the pavilion. This feature combines functionality with aesthetics, providing additional storage one might not expect in a space dedicated to wellness. The stairway enhances navigation throughout the pavilion while contributing to the overall design coherence.

The careful consideration of natural light and ventilation is also an important highlight of the design. By maximizing daylight and promoting airflow, the Pavilion creates a comfortable environment that reduces reliance on artificial lighting and heating. The pavilion transforms at night, casting a warm glow through the curtain fabric that invites users in and adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

The Curtain House Pavilion represents a thoughtful response to the needs of a community focused on wellness, offering a dedicated space for activities that cultivate both physical health and social bonds. It stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to enhance everyday experiences by creating environments that encourage personal growth and communal harmony. For those interested in further exploring the architectural details, including plans, sections, and unique design ideas that shape this project, it is recommended to delve deeper into the project presentation for comprehensive insights.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy