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Elevated Bridges and Cross-Laminated Timber Amidst Forest Serenity

Authors:
Sergey Fedatsenka, Monika Romik
Elevated Bridges and Cross-Laminated Timber Amidst Forest Serenity

Project in-detail

Elevated bridges weave through the forest canopy, while cross-laminated timber structures harmonize with the natural surroundings to create a tranquil environment for yoga practice and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated bridges connect different levels of the retreat, allowing unique forest views.
02
Massive oak flooring provides warmth and durability within the main yoga area.
03
Water pond above the yoga house serves as a space for meditation and relaxation.
04
Softwood battens and timber boarding enhance aesthetic continuity with the surroundings.
05
Cross-laminated timber beams contribute to the structure's sustainability and strength.

The Discovery Yoga House is designed to blend with its natural environment, promoting wellness and community through thoughtful space planning. Located on a plateau within a steep landscape, the building takes advantage of the area's unique topography and surrounding forest. Its main purpose is to provide a tranquil place for yoga practice, while also fostering interactions and moments of personal reflection.

Architectural Concept

The design emphasizes the importance of reconnection, healing, and personal growth. It transforms the inherent qualities of the site into a space that not only supports physical activity but also enriches the overall experience of being in nature. The arrangement of interconnected areas encourages exploration and promotes a connection between users and their surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The open yoga area is carefully located to enhance the connection to the outdoors. This space provides a sense of safety and comfort, allowing participants to fully engage with nature during their practice. Long bridges extend from the main building at different heights, creating pathways that invite users to move through the forest. This elevation adds complexity to the experience, giving people unique views of the landscape and encouraging a deeper connection with the environment.

Material Choices

The design features a variety of materials chosen for their environmental compatibility. A massive oak floor brings warmth and resilience to the interior. Softwood battens and vapor barriers are included to ensure a comfortable atmosphere and structural support. Timber boarding and cross-laminated timber beams help shape the building while maintaining a link to the natural surroundings, reflecting a commitment to sustainability in its construction.

Water Elements

A notable aspect of the design is the water pond situated above the yoga house. This feature serves as a calming area for meditation and quiet reflection. It adds beauty to the setting and enhances the experience of being immersed in nature. The overall design encourages users to engage with both the building and the landscape, allowing for moments of contemplation and personal growth within this peaceful environment.

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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

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