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Diamond Pier Foundations Supporting Glass-Covered Corridors in Natural Timber Spaces for Mindful Practices

Author:
Awa Trawally
Diamond Pier Foundations Supporting Glass-Covered Corridors in Natural Timber Spaces for Mindful Practices

Project in-detail

Utilizing diamond pier foundations and extensive glass corridors, the design merges natural timber elements with eco-friendly construction methods, creating a serene environment for yoga and meditation practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes diamond pier foundations to minimize site disruption and enhance sustainability.
02
Incorporates extensive glass corridors that provide seamless connections to the natural environment.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that offer structural stability while maintaining aesthetic warmth.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and a distinct visual appeal.
05
Designed to facilitate both communal activities and individual practices through adaptable space configurations.

### Overview

The Serenity project is located in a tranquil environment conducive to yoga and meditation practices. It seeks to enhance the relationship between users and their natural surroundings by reconfiguring public and private spaces. The design incorporates three principal structures that promote contemplation and relaxation, allowing individuals to engage deeply with their environment.

### Spatial Strategy

**Structure Arrangement and Connectivity:**
The three structures are strategically positioned to encourage interaction while preserving privacy. Interconnecting walkways facilitate movement between areas and enhance the user's experience with nature. A long glass corridor serves as a link between the structures, providing both physical access and a visual connection to the landscaped surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The design prioritizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials that support both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Key elements include:

- **Wooden Facades:** These contribute warmth and a natural texture, with a design that matures beautifully over time.
- **Glass Skylights and Corridors:** Extensive glazing increases natural light penetration and fosters a connection with the outdoor landscape.
- **Steel Structural Elements:** Employed for stability, the steel contrasts with organic materials, enhancing the visual diversity of the design.
- **Diamond Pier Foundations:** This innovative foundation system minimizes excavation and can enhance the adaptability of the structures.

### User Experience and Versatility

**Adaptive Use of Spaces:**
The design accommodates a range of activities, from group yoga classes to solitary meditation sessions. Open layouts and skylights allow for an inflow of natural light and fresh air, reinforcing the connection between interior spaces and the exterior environment. This approach not only enhances user comfort but also supports diverse programming throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.

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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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