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Elevated Red Timber Structure Enhances Connection with Nature Through Modular Design

Authors:
Minji Kim, James Frolow
Elevated Red Timber Structure Enhances Connection with Nature Through Modular Design

Project in-detail

Elevated on sturdy pillars, a modular structure of red timber integrates with the landscape, providing a serene space for yoga and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes ground impact and enhances thermal comfort.
02
Modular walls allow for flexible use and easy future adaptations.
03
Operable louvers on the pitched roof optimize light and temperature control.
04
Locally sourced red timber emphasizes sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
05
Open layout fosters a strong connection to the surrounding natural landscape.

Celeiro de Ioga is a yoga house located in the quiet hills of Oleiros, Portugal. Designed to support healing and mindfulness, the building draws from traditional Portuguese granary architecture while offering a modern twist. The concept is centered around creating a tranquil environment for yoga practitioners, encouraging a deep connection with the surrounding nature.

Architectural Form

Pillars elevate the building above the ground, reducing its impact on the landscape while keeping unwanted pests away. This design choice allows the structure to have a lighter footprint and improves thermal comfort within the building. The layout considers the local climate, which includes hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters, creating a suitable space for relaxation.

Ventilation and Modularity

The walls are designed as modular cubes that enhance the building's flexibility. Each cube can adapt to different environmental conditions, making it easy to accommodate various uses over time. This modular design approach promotes sustainability, allowing for changes without extensive renovations while remaining functional and efficient.

Dynamic Roofing

The roof is pitched and made from red timber sourced locally. It features operable louvers that can be adjusted to control sunlight entering the space. This aspect of the design helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and provides shade when needed. It also contributes to the overall aesthetic, creating a balance between form and function.

Spatial Connectivity

The layout encourages easy movement between indoor and outdoor areas. Large windows and openings allow natural light to flood the interior while framing views of the beautiful landscape outside. This connection to nature is essential for a yoga practice, as it reinforces a sense of peace and calm. Small design details throughout the building help to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere for all who enter.

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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

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